Are you having modem issues right now? Do you want to know why for some reason, your modem keeps resetting or rebooting on its own?
And what are the solutions available to fix this problem? You came to the right article!
Here, we will discuss what are the most common causes why a modem would keep on resetting itself and what steps we can take to resolve the issues.
The Difference Between Modem vs Router
To start, let us first define a modem and its main function: a modem, which stands for “modulator-demodulator,” is a device that connects your home to your internet service provider (ISP) through a physical connection.
The modem translates the data from your ISP into a format that your home network devices can understand and use.
The main difference between a modem and a router is that the modem is responsible for sending and receiving the signals from your ISP, while the router disperses the signal to devices that are connected to your network.
In a typical home network setup, the modem is connected to the router, while the router is then connected to each device on the network.
Now that we have explained what a modem is and its function, it is very critical that it stays up and running or else it affects your Wi-Fi connectivity at home.
Since your entire home’s internet connection depends on the modem, it impacts your productivity, work and entertainment when it unexpectedly restarts.
So, what are the usual causes or issues that would automatically reset a modem on its own? Two things, it can be physical or software-related.
Physical-related issues:
- Defective or damaged power cable or power supply
- Loose cables
- Hardware problems
- Overworked or overloaded modem
- Overheating
Software-related issues:
- Software malfunction
- Configuration error
Others:
- Problems with the ISP
- Problems with the network
5 Reasons Why Your Modem Keeps Resetting (and Easy Fixes)
Let’s begin with knowing the cause of physical or hardware related issues of your modem and how to troubleshoot them.
1. Defective or Damaged Power Cable or Power Supply
First thing you want to check is the power cable, because if damaged, this may cause issue with supplying the right amount of electricity to power your modem.
Usually, a loose power connection is one of the most common reasons why a modem may keep resetting. Check for any loose cables at the outlet, or at the power port on the back of your modem.
Observe the power lights on the front of the modem as you adjust both ends of the power cable. A strong and secure power cable should give a solid green light on your modem.
If the light flickers, changing your modem’s power cable or adapter could solve the problem.
You can also try to plug your modem into a surge protector or uninterruptible power supply to maintain steady, reliable power to your modem.
2. Loose Cables
Next thing you want to do is check the cable connections. Checking the cables, connectors, ports, and splitters for physical damage first is a good way to start especially if you have a pet around the house who likes to chew on stuff.
To start, unplug the internet cable from the modem and check the connector and port for apparent damage.
Maybe the coax connector’s soldering became loose, or the DSL cable might not have been terminated properly from your ISP box to the modem.
Coax is the large, round cable coming from the wall or outlet and into the round port on the back of your modem. It serves as the main source of internet for your entire home.
Make sure the cable is securely fastened to the input port on the back of the modem, and there aren’t any breaks or cracks in the cable itself.
Look for things like extreme bends, torn and exposed sections, etc.
If there are, look into replacing the cable by contacting your ISP for assistance and support.
After checking the power cable and cable connections, the next thing to do is to check for hardware problems.
3. Hardware Problems
It could be that your modem hardware is having issues that’s why it keeps resetting. This problem can be fixed by calling your ISP (Internet Service Provider) for assistance and support.
Using the service warranty and request for a new, compliant modem is the best option to address hardware issues. The problem is mostly with the ISP’s equipment (modem, cable, splitters, etc.)
It is best to leave it to your ISP technical support team who have the right equipment and experience to diagnose the issue at hand.
Once the problem is identified, they’ll either replace the faulty component for you or recommend you to do the same.However, if your service is out of warranty, you can always buy a new or upgraded router.
4. Modem Overloading and Overworking
If all connections look good and your ISP technical support team confirmed that there are no hardware issues on your modem, you’ll need to start looking at the modem itself.
It is normal for a modem to get warm during normal use, but it should not feel hot to the touch. If it is, then it is not properly cooling during use.
It could be that it is placed in an area that is not well-ventilated or it is placed right next to materials or things that can trigger or contribute to the modem’s increase in temperature.
Make sure that there is plenty of space (at least 6 inches) around the modem for air to pass. Then, clean or wipe off any air vents in the modem case so air can easily flow through the case.
It is normal for dust and dirt to build up overtime on your modem. If it is not overheating, Then your modem may be overworking.
This happens when the modem also has an included router feature wherein the router functions handle assigning IP addresses to all of the devices on your network.
If you’ve added too many smart home devices, mobile devices, and computers to your network, it is possible the modem is at its functional limit, this can slow it down or cause it to restart entirely.
To resolve this issue, first, turn off your modem. Then turn off all devices using the internet or connected to your Wi-Fi, including smart home devices, all mobile devices and all computers.
Then restart the modem. Then, turn on one device at a time to test if the modem stays up.
If your modem restarts once it reaches a certain number of devices connected to it, call your ISP (Internet Service Provider) so that they can upgrade you to a new modem, or you may get a higher-end model yourself.
If you are using a modem with a router feature, it is best to change the Wi-Fi channel you use with your devices to connect to the modem/router.
Having too many devices connecting on one Wi-Fi channel can congest the wireless network, which can slow down the modem or cause it to restart.
Try to divide the devices evenly across the other Wi-Fi channels available to see if this resolves the modem restarting issue.
5. Software Issues
Now that we are done with identifying the physical or hardware-related modem issues and how to resolve them, let’s now focus on the possible software issues that could cause your modem to keep restarting by itself.
The good thing is, software-related issues or problems can easily be fixed by the following methods:
First, by factory resetting your modem. If you have done all the steps we mentioned in the above steps then it could be a setting or some other feature changed from default since you first installed the modem.
Performing a full reset will set all of these back to normal. Just be aware that resetting your modem will remove all passwords, DNS settings, ports, and firewall settings that you have previously configured.
It would help if you write down all previous configuration, perform backup and restore or you may also reach out to your ISP for support and assistance.
Second is to update your modem’s firmware. It is common for modem manufacturers to sometimes automatically push updates to the software of modems which makes the modem work properly.
These updates include security patches, software bugs, performance updates, and more. Make sure your modem is receiving these patches or updates from the manufacturer.
You can always check this on your modem dashboard since it usually shows what the current version of firmware is installed or deployed.
Final Words
And that’s it, I hope your modem is working fine now. If none of the steps mentioned in this article was able to fix your modem, then you will most likely need to have it upgraded, replaced or get looked at by your ISP.
