How to Troubleshoot a Linksys Router

Troubleshooting a wireless router is an a process that many home wireless users go through at some point. If your Internet connection starts to cut out more frequently after installing a Linksys wireless router, chances are it's the router that's malfunctioning, not your modem or your ISP. There is no permanent fix for intermittent Linksys router problems, other than replacing the unit. However, the following tips will help you correct common router issues so that you can enjoy the Internet.

Verify that the problem is indeed with your wireless router, and not the modem or your ISP. Connect your computer directly to the modem via cable to check. If the internet works via cable, it's your Linksys router that's on the fritz.

First try this method to get the Internet functioning again. Turn off the computer and unplug the modem and router. Now wait ten minutes. After ten minutes, plug in the modem and router and fire up the computer. Push the refresh button in the center of the Linksys console several times. 99% of the time this will bring everything back to normal. Poking the reset button with a paperclip may also work.

The next method is to change the administrator settings of your wireless router by typing http://192.168.1.1 into the address bar of your Internet browser. This is the IP address of the router. You will be promted for a username and password. This is usually the username and password associated to your ISP account. Try "admin" and "admin" if you can't remember them. Or, leave the username blank and try "admin" for the password. If necessary, call tech support and they can get you into your Linksys wireless router account. You will need the serial number of your device.

Access the "Wireless" menu option. If you get stuck with an on-screen status bar that never loads beyond 99%, don't worry! This happens to most people, and usually occurs because you need to upgrade the firmware of your Linksys wireless router. Upgrades can be downloaded at the Cisco website. If this doesn't work, tech support will guide you to a work-around so that you can finally access the admisitrator settings.

Don't forget to check under the "Access Restrictions" tab to see if you have blockages. This is the area where you can enable parental controls and restrict Internet use at various hours.

If at any point you are unsure what you are doing, just let tech support walk you through changing the settings.

More Linksys troubleshooting tips can be found on the community forums of the Linksys By Cisco website. Linksys router owners use the forums to share their own problems/solutions for common wireless router glitches. Chances are, someone has found a work-around for your problem.

Plugging your Linksys wireless router into a surge protector can also reduce the frequency of outages. Linksys devices are extremely sensitive to power surges. Your device may malfunction more often in bad weather.

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