Q: (Wired/Wireless) All my router’s lights are on and will not go off. When I try to connect to the router, no network connectivity is present. What should I do?
A: On all routers there is a “reset” option. It is a button physically on the router. If after a reset this does not work – power off the router, wait ten seconds and then turn it back on.
Q: (Wired) My router can’t seem to establish a connection to the internet or to my home network. All the lights are on but the data does not seem to be transferring. What can I do?
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A: 99% of all network problems start with cables. Replace the CAT-5 cables connecting to your router and the computers on your network. If that does not fix the problem, try another computer on your network to confirm the NIC isn’t the problem. If you have confirmed the NIC isn’t at fault, the router may need replacement.
Note: Routers do not give any “warning” when they start to fail. Either they are working or they are not. If not, replace the unit.
Q: (Wireless) When connected to my wireless router, the connection sometimes drops. What can I do to fix this?
A: Distance is a factor. As a general rule of thumb, the most distance your wireless router can transmit is 100 meters (328 feet, slightly longer than the length of a football field). However, if there are other things that may cause interference, such as televisions, walls, washers, dryers and anything else that could block or impede the signal, this can cause signal degradation.
If you are in the same room as the wireless router and it drops connection, check for anything that would interfere with the signal (anything electric). If nothing appears to be interfering, your wireless card may be failing. Try connecting with another computer to confirm whether the wireless card is at fault or not. If you confirm the wireless card is not the problem, the router itself may be failing.
Note: Like wired routers, wireless routers do not give any “warning” when they start to fail. Either they are working or they are not. If not, replace the unit.
Q: (Wireless) My wireless router is more than 100 meters away from me (or I have very thick walls). Is there any way to boost the signal so my computer can connect to it?
A: Yes. You can purchase an additional piece of hardware called a Wireless Access Point (WAP). A WAP will “extend” the signal of your wireless router. It is essentially a “bounce” point where your computer connects to the WAP which then connects to the router which then connects to your home network and the internet.
Note: Most wireless routers can also function as WAP’s. Check your wireless router documentation to see if it can function as one. If so, purchase a second wireless router of the same make and model as your existing one, and configure as a WAP.
Placement of a WAP is done by trial and error. You will have to experiment to see what location suits best so it will be able to connect successfully to both the wireless router and the computer that needs the connection.
Q: (Wireless) Is there any way to boost the signal without using a WAP?
A: Yes. There are wireless antennas available for purchase which will boost the signal of your existing wireless router. They are inexpensive, but will not extend the range as good as a WAP.
Q: (Wireless) Can I use both a WAP and an antenna for signal boost?
A: Yes.
Q: (Wireless) I think someone may be “stealing” my wireless internet. What can I do about it?
A: See “Wireless Security” and “More Security Tips”. If after enabling WEP/WPA/WPA2 and disabling SSID you find that someone is still “borrowing” your internet without your permission, you do have a few options:
- Configure your router to only accept static IP addresses from incoming connections. Your router by default is set to dynamically assign network addresses for computers that connect to it. You can alternatively have it set to only accept specific IP addresses assigned per each computer. Each computer will need to be manually set to request a specific IP address.
- Configure your router to only accept specific MAC addresses. Note: This is not to be confused with the Apple® Macintosh computer. A MAC address is your NIC’s “signature”. Every NIC has one. You can configure your router to only accept specific NIC MAC addresses.
- Turn off the router at night. All unwanted intrusions will be stopped at the source because there will be no way to access the router if it is turned off.
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