All about Fire Extinguishers in Nepal
May 2nd 2023
We are in an age where the internet has become a part of our daily lives. Regardless of where we are, we can always find a way to stay connected through the internet. Even in public places, we freely access the internet through free wifi zones. But for this to work smoothly, there are several components that are working in tandem with one another. One such device is the internet router which most of us have seen and used. That said, there are times when the router does not work properly.
Here we will talk about some of the most common router problems and how to troubleshoot them. But before we go into the specifics, what even is a router, and what is troubleshooting
In layperson's terms, a router is a device that connects two or more subnetworks and has two primary functions: to manage traffic between the subnetworks and allow multiple devices to use the same internet connection.
There are many types of routers, but most of the routers that we encounter in our daily life are LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks). As their name suggests, a LAN is a group of connected devices that is limited to a specific area. At the same time, WAN is a network that is spread across a wide range of areas, often encompassing multiple LANs.
Do note that while routers and network switches sound similar, they are not the same. For more information on access network switches or PoE switches, you can give the info at the end of the linked pages a read.In simple words, troubleshooting is the process of identifying the problems within the network through careful and repeatable processes and then solving the problems through a testable method. In other words, troubleshooting is the process of solving problems within the network through a process that shows results and is repeatable.
Now that we have got a clear definition of what a router and troubleshooting process is, we can finally talk about some of the most common router and internet issues in Nepal and discuss the method to solve them. So, without any further ado, let's get started!
This is one of the most common router issues that most of us have faced when we first install a new router. In this issue, the settings between the two wifi devices, most commonly the router and PC, prevent the internet from working at all. While this issue is indeed one of the most common, it is also one of the most annoying.
To solve this issue, you can do the following.
The settings in a router must be enabled to support all versions of wifi used by the devices. To do this, you must change the router to run in a mixed mode. To do this, you should enter 192.168. After a prompt appears, click on the settings tab, then go to new network mode, and select B/G/N Mixed.
Most of the wifi devices support several network Security protocols. All the devices using a wifi router must share the same security mode. For this, you can either select the security mode within the network settings of your device or change the security mode of the router. If you wish to change the security mode of the router, follow this procedure.
Log on to your router settings.
Find the wireless network configuration section on the wireless security or wireless network page.
Select WPA or WPA 2 option
Click on save and apply.
Security Key/ Passwords
This one is rather simple, as you simply need to know the router's password.
Many routers support a feature called MAC address filtering. This is generally switched off or disabled as a default setting. That said, the router administrators can turn on this feature to only allow a specific device to access the wifi as per the MAC address number. If you are the router administrator and want to enable a device to your router, you should:
Go to the Firewall
Click on Advanced Settings
Go to MAC filtering
Check the Enable Box to enable MAC address filtering for the device.
Click Add in the MAC address Table.
Enter the MAC address description of the device, add it to the table, and click Save.
Repeat for each address to allow or block
Click on Save
This is another one of the most common and simplest router problems that we face in everyday life. Sometimes the cables just get disconnected. To solve this issue, you should ensure that the power strips are switched on and receive the power from the outlet. If possible, you should also ensure that the ethernet cables are firmly connected to the device. Unless the cable connector mechanism is damaged, it should make a click sound when it is properly connected to the device. If you cannot connect to the internet, but the cables are connected properly, you should check the cables in the modem.
Overheating and overloading are some of the most common router problems that we face in our everyday life. This issue occurs when we download large files for long periods or process heavy files on the internet for too long.
Do note that the definition of large files here is variable as the router that is designed to run at the speed of 10Mbps would not find downloading a file of 5 or even 10 GB as too large, but the same file would be too large for a router that operates at the speed of 1Mbps.
The solution for this problem is rather simple, as it is just turning off the router and letting it cool down. However, if this problem occurs too often, ensuring that the router to a cooler location and ensuring that it has proper ventilation is the key.
If this does not solve the problem, then you might need to consider upgrading the router to one with better data processing capability or adding a second router to the network.
This is another common problem with another simple solution. The range of the wireless signal is limited, and it can easily be blocked by many things, including but not limited to garage doors and operating microwave ovens. The simplest solution is to move the router to a position where the chances of the signal being interrupted are relatively low. If this does not work, then changing the wifi channel number might be your solution. To do this, you will need to:
Open a web browser
Type the IP address of your router
Enter the username and password
Open Wireless Settings
Click on channels and select the desired channel number
Click on save or apply
The best channels are channels 1, 6, or 11, as they are generally the least crowded channels.
In a nation like Nepal, where power outages are common during the summer, it is not uncommon for the internal circuitry to get damaged. The sad part about damaged hardware is that there is no solution. The best prevention measure is to keep connecting the power supply of your router to a voltage guard as a preventive measure. You should also consider keeping a cheaper backup router and a few extra cables, just in case.
In the case of defective firmware, you should try updating the router's firmware. Should this fail as well, it is a sign for you to get a new router.
Routers are a vital network component as they are the direct link between the devices and the network. When there is an issue in the router, you don’t just get slow internet, but no internet at all. This cannot be solved by contacting the ISP (Internet Service Provider). That said, because they are connected to a multitude of devices, router problems are rather common. As such, it is important to know how to troubleshoot some of the common router issues.
Here we talked about 6 of the most common router issues in Nepal and how to troubleshoot them.
We hope you found this helpful, and as always, thank you for reading till the end.
A: Some of the common router problems are:
Mistached wifi Settings
MAC address restrictions
Loose or Disconnected Cables
Overheating and overloading
Signal Limitations
Defected hardware and firmware
A: A modem connects your home network to the internet, while the router connects the devices within your home or your local area network.
Q: Do routers affect internet speed?
A: Yes, they do affect the internet speed.
Quick and delivery of innovative fire safety and electronic security solutions for better convenience and additional assurance
Delivery and installation of security products before payment for trust and customer satisfaction
24/7 technical support from security experts to solve all your queries, concerns, and curiosities