How Often Should You Reboot Your Network Router?
Slow internet connections with constant interruptions can be extremely inconvenient. However, you can prevent this from happening if you reboot your router now and then. This doesn’t mean you have to do it every hour but your router can do well if you reboot it once a month or so. It can refresh the router’s cache memory and allow it to start anew. Almost all ISPs encourage users to reboot their router to refresh the network and troubleshoot any minor issues.
However, there is no set of rules for how often you should reboot your router. For instance, if you have a Spectrum router, you can ask customer service to help you out. They might ask you about the router’s model and can give some useful bunch of instructions. Other ISPs and router models may have different recommendations. So, how often you should reboot can depend on your network quality, router model, and ISP instructions.
How to Reboot Your Router?
The first question that may pop up in your mind is how you can reboot your router. Rebooting the router can help you even if you have a reliable internet connection like the Cox wifi plans. Your internet can be slowed down if the router’s channels are clogged up or the cache memory is full. So, a reboot can give it a fresh memory and clear all the channels.
There can be different ways to reboot your router depending upon the make and model. Here are a few of the most common methods that work for most routers.
#1: Run a Power Cycle
One of the easiest and fastest ways to reboot is to pull the plug. If your router is heating up, it can cause your internet to slow down as well. Draining electricity from the motherboard of the router can allow it to take a breather and cool down. Here is how you can run a power cycle on your router:
- Turn your router off.
- Unplug the power cord.
- Wait for a few minutes.
- Plug the cord back into the router.
- Wait for the router to calibrate and turn back on.
Rebooting a router manually might be better than rebooting through the web admin panel or an app. Because it can put the hardware at rest too.
#2: Reboot via App
Most modern routers have a compatible app that you can download on your phone. The app allows you to change all router settings, manage your wifi password, create a guest wifi and reboot your router. Here is what you need to do:
- Launch the app and log in with your device credentials.
- Find the credentials from the back of the router or ask your ISP.
- Find the Settings.
- Tap on Slow Internet or Network Settings.
- Find the Reset Router option and click on it.
- Press Confirm.
Your router will reboot on its own and you can observe all the lights going off and then turning back on again. Wireless internet gateways are some of the best routers for streaming and you can reboot them by the app as well. You can look for the restart equipment button in the modem services tab.
#3: Use the Web Portal
If your router is a slightly older model, you may not have a compatible app. In such cases, you can always use the online portal for updating router settings. Most routers have a sticker at the back with an IP address, username, and password written on it. The IP address is static and you can use it as a web address in any browser to launch the portal. Then, all you need to do is follow these steps:
- Log in to the web portal using the username and password.
- Go to Router Settings.
- Click on Troubleshooting.
- Go to the Diagnostics tab.
- Click on the Restart router option.
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Why Should You Reboot Your Router?
A router is like a mini-computer and has a processor, memory, and system storage. Its main job is to assign addresses to all the devices connected to it. And then route the internet traffic to those devices. So, there may not be specific recommendations for how many times you should reboot your router. But most ISPs agree that rebooting can help.
Here are a few reasons why you should reboot your router now and then.
#1: Troubleshoot Network Issues
Whenever your internet is slow the first thing you should do is check your billing details. For instance, if your Optimum bill pay is overdue, you may face technical difficulties. However, if there are no billing discrepancies, the next thing to do is reboot your router. Troubleshooting network problems is a multi-step process but rebooting your router is the first one. You can then move on to checking your internet cables, loose connections, or calling the ISP. However, in most cases, the reboot can get your internet connection back online.
#2: Get Faster Internet
There can be many reasons for a slow internet connection. If you have a big house the best wifi router for long-range can help transmit signals everywhere for a faster connection. There could be multiple devices connected to your router or a full cache memory. A simple reboot can refresh and empty the memory and refuel the router with a fresh start. Most minor network problems can be fixed with a router reset and it is the first line of defense against clogged-up networks.
Conclusion
Rebooting your router often can help prevent you from getting slow internet and improve router protection against hackers as well. There are no specific rules and recommendations but whenever you think you can benefit from a router reboot you should go ahead and do it.
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