Internet, Routers and routing - Saturday, June 21, 2008 20:41 - 0 Comments

Troubleshoot slow routers and internet

We have all experienced slow Internet one time or another but how do you fix this issue either in your small network or home network?  We thought we would go through some basics of troubleshooting your home or small business network routers (such as Linksys, D-link, sonicwalls, Netgears etc…)

Physical layer

Always start off with the physical things you can see, check all cables going in and out of your computer.  If the cables in any way look like they are damaged then change them out.  Make sure all the cables are plugged into the computer and the routers tightly.  You can also try and power down your router and modem (if you have one.. its the box before your router) for a few minutes and turn it back on (we suggest 5 minuites… yah it sounds like troubleshooting with your internet provider right?? 😉

The Router

the first step always when troubleshooting low cost routers is to update the firmware to the latest revision.  All retail and store bought routers will have a free download for the latest firmware.  Simply download the firmware then log into your router and install it,  more then likely it is a simple process.

The Computer

The computer may also be the source of the slow internet problem, in most isolated cases of slow internet it ends up being the computer either infested with spyware or viruses.  It is always a good idea to run a full updated virus and spyware scan.  Like the router the network card may also need a firmware/driver upgrade, 100% of the time your card manufacturer will provide a free updated  driver version and most of the time it will come as an executable file (basically download then double click the .exe file to install)

Summary

Basically these are the simple steps to troubleshooting slow internet or router problems.  There are many other more advanced troubleshooting that can be done and we will cover these steps in another document.  To recap:

1) Check all cables and replace if necessary

2) Power cycle both the router and modem

3) Upgrade the firmware on your router

4) Update the drivers on your computer

5) do a full updated spyware and Virus scan

Article written by MyComputerAid.com