How to Fix a Modem that Keeps Disconnecting

Why does my modem keep going offline?

Your modem may keep resetting because of loss of power, loss of connection to ISP, account termination, faulty cables, or a power outage.

 

• Loss of power
• Loss of connection to ISP
• Account termination
• Faulty cables
• Blown capacitor
• Incorrect IP address configuration
• Modem getting heated up

 

As mentioned above, a blown capacitor, incorrect IP address configuration, and modem getting heated up are other reasons why your modem keeps going offline.

 

Loss of power

The modem is likely to keep going offline if it cannot receive sufficient power for its operation.

 

Loss of connection to ISP

If the modem keeps losing its connection to the ISP, the modem is likely going offline on and off.

 

Account Termination

The modem might keep going offline if the ISP has terminated your account for some reason or another.

 

Faulty cables

Damaged or defective power and data cables such as cut cables are one of the key reasons for the modem to keep going offline.

 

Blown capacitor

The modem has chances of going offline when one or more capacitors in it are either blown out, bulged, or leaking.

 

Incorrect IP address configuration

If the modem has been configured with an incorrect IP address, the problem of the modem going offline is likely to persist.

 

Modem getting heated up

Long hours of non-stop usage can trigger overheating of the modem and cause it to keep going offline as a safety measure.

 

 

How to fix my modem keep disconnecting and reconnecting

You can fix your modem that keeps disconnecting and reconnecting by opting for a modem power cycle, cooling an overheated modem, and updating or reinstalling network card drivers. Reseating the network card, removing corrupt Windows OS files, and a Windows update rollback can also help.

 

1. Do a power cycle of the modem after turning OFF your computer and disconnecting the router, followed by the power cable of the modem. Wait for at least ten seconds, reconnect the router, and plug the cable into its slot.
2. Check if the modem is showing signs of overheating and if so, turn it OFF. Allow it to cool down for a sufficient time, and then turn it ON again.
3. Look out for outdated network card drivers and update them to their most recent versions. If the problem is not resolved, the drivers may be corrupt, and you might have to reinstall it.
4. Inspect the network card to see if it’s firmly seated in its slot. You can remove the card from the slot and reseat it tightly once again.
5. Restore Windows to an earlier version when you did not have the disconnecting and reconnecting issues. This will replace corrupt files with non-corrupt files and solve the problem.
6. Do a rollback of the Windows operating system to a previous version. This will address the issue if the problem occurs after a recent Windows update.

After trying out all the above steps, you can contact your ISP for assistance if you continue to face the disconnecting and reconnecting problem with the modem.

 

Why does my modem keep resetting?

Your modem keeps resetting for several reasons, such as a loose cable connection, overheating or a pending firmware update, or an incorrect configuration.

 

Sync, network, ISP, or hardware issues can also cause your modem to reset.

 

You can stop the reset problem by tightening the loose power and data cables, allowing the modem to cool down for a considerable period, updating the firmware to the recent version, or reconfiguring the modem. 

Resyncing the modem to the network, restoring the modem to the default settings, or removing obstacles placed before the coaxial cable may also do the trick. For hardware-related issues, you may have to change the router.

 

Why does my Internet keep disconnecting every few minutes?

Your Internet keeps disconnecting every few minutes because the Internet connection is slow, the modem is incompatible or there is a problem with the cables. 

The problem could also result from technical network issues, an outdated Wi-Fi router, or corrupt operating system files.

You can fix the issue by enhancing the Internet speed after doing a speed test, using another compatible modem instead of the existing one, and opting for approved cables to replace the present broken or old cables. You can also try reinstalling the operating system, using a router that supports Wi-Fi requirements, and removing any physical object between the system and the router.

Seeking assistance from your ISP or customer service personnel can help to resolve network technicalities and find a compatible modem for a stable Internet connection.

 

Why do I have to reset my router every day?

You have to reset your router every day due to a resource issue, outdated firmware, or a power supply issue. The problem may also be because of the router getting overheated or too much incoming traffic.

You can do a power cycle to clear up all the resources causing problems like firewall sessions not getting cleared or a memory leak and updating the firmware to the latest version. Check for a bad power supply and get it replaced. Turning OFF the modem for a while to cool it and minimizing the connections to file-sharing services may also work.

 

What do the indicator lights on my modem mean?

Your modem has LED indicator lights in various colors that either keep blinking or show a steady illumination. Each of these indicator lights has a specific meaning, as explained in the table below.

  

Modem Light	Status	Representation
Power	Steady Red	·       Overheating of the modem ·       No power supply from the source ·       No secure connection to the power outlet
	Steady Green	Modem linked to the power source and booted up
	OFF	No power supply to the modem
Upstream	Steady Green	Connection of multiple channels
	Blinking Green	Upstream channel scanning in progress
	Amber	Connection of only one channel
	OFF	No channel connection
Downstream	Steady Green	Connection of multiple channels
	Blinking Green	Upstream channel scanning in progress
	Amber	Connection of only one channel
	OFF	No channel connection
Ethernet	Steady Amber	10/100 Mbps connection
	Steady Green	1000 Mbps connection
	Blinking Light	Network traffic in process by Ethernet port
	OFF	No Ethernet port connectivity
Internet	Blinking Green	Synchronizing modem with the Internet connection
	Steady Green	Online status of the modem
	OFF	No Internet connection

 

Why is my modem’s orange light flashing?

Your modem is flashing an orange light because of a problem with the power supply. Some common related issues are no or low power supply or a damaged or loose cable. The blinking may also be due to a backup battery in use.

1. Ensure that you have enough power supply by confirming that you have the right power adapter and power cable in place. The power adapter must have the correct current and power specifications. You can look up the user manual for this information.
2. Make sure that the power and data cables are connected firmly to their respective sockets. Loosely or incorrectly connected cables can trigger a flashing orange light.
3. Do a modem reboot by switching it OFF and unplugging it for a while before plugging it once again. An overheated modem due to extensive use can cause overheating or other power-related issues.
4. Check if the backup battery is low on charge and recharge it to the maximum extent needed.

 

Why is my modem flashing blue light?

Your modem is flashing blue light to indicate that it’s actively searching for a network of an Internet connection. The blinking stops automatically when the search is successful. 

1. Check if the DSL cable of the modem has been connected correctly. Ensure that both the ends are securely connected to the wall jack and the modem. You can try removing the connections and reestablishing them once again,
2. Check if the wall jack to which the modem is connected is functioning properly. An inactive wall jack can also result in a blinking blue light. Connect the modem to a different wall jack and see if that helps.
3. Restart or reset the modem. This is often the simplest and quickest fix. To do the restart, remove the modem from its power source and leave it that way for a couple of minutes. Connect the modem to the power source once again and switch it ON. Once the booting is complete, the blue light will not blink anymore.

If you still notice the blue light blinking after trying all the steps mentioned above, you can contact your ISP to check for a possible service outage. The blue light will stop blinking when the outage issue is resolved.

 

Why is my modem’sred light blinking?

Your modem has a blinking red light because of faulty cable connections, failed ISP authentication, or a modem failure.

1. Inspect all the cable connections to and from the modem to make sure that they are intact. They should be tight and not corroded or frayed. Tighten loose cables and replace damaged or frayed cables. This is also a good opportunity to check if you’re using a standard Ethernet cable.
2. Re-enter the login credentials if your modem supports it. This might help validate the ISP authentication and stop the red light blinking issue. If not, you can always get to your ISP for assistance.
3. Check if the correct network frequency has been selected. You can do this modification in the settings of the router.
4. Make sure that the firmware associated with the modem is of the most recent version. Outdated firmware can cause a blinking red light on the modem.
5. Unplug the Ethernet and power cables from the PC and modem and do a power cycle or reboot as explained earlier to stop the red light blinking problem because of a power failure.
6. Connect another modem in place of the old modem and see if the problem persists. If not, the original modem is likely to have a hardware issue and has to be changed.

If all the above steps except the final option of trying out another modem fail, you can always fix the issue by reverting to the factory default settings.

 

Why is my modem’s yellow light blinking?

Your modem has a blinking yellow light due to a power-related problem such as loose connections or a power outage.

1. Disconnect the modem from the related power source and reconnect it. You can do the same disconnection and reconnection with the power plug on the wall or the modem.
2. Check if there is a power outage in your area. If there is, the problem will get resolved when the power outage is fixed.

 

Why is my Wi-Fi connected but I have no Internet?

Your Wi-Fi is connected but you have no Internet because the computer can connect to the modem or router but not with other systems like servers or websites. This is because of a pending modem restart, a DNS cache conflict, an IP address conflict, or an outdated network driver.

• Restart the modem as highlighted above. In some cases, you will have to restart the router as well. If so, do the same process as for the modem. Make sure that you turn ON the router a minute later than the modem.

 

Clear the DNS cache as a corrupted DNS cache can cause an IP address mismatch and prevent you from getting the Internet connection. 

• Press the Win and R keys together to open the Run window. 
• Type ipconfig/flushdns in the Open:field.
• ClickOK.

 

Resolve the IP address conflict that tends to happen when two devices have the same static IP address.

• Open the Run window.
• Type ncpa.cpl in the Open: field.
• Click OK to open the Network Connections window.
• Select the desired network and right-click on it.
• Select Properties from the context menu.
• Click the Networking tab.
• Select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) checkbox.
• Click the Properties button.
• Click the General tab.
• Select the Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server address automatically radio buttons.
• Click the OK button.

 

Update the outdated network driver. The updated driver will often fix the problem.

• Press the Windows and R keys simultaneously to access the Run window.
• Type devmgmt.msc to open the Device Manager window.
• Expand the Network adapters node.
• Select the desired network adapter and right-click on its name to open the window for updating the driver.
• Select the Search automatically for the updated driver software option.

 

The issue could also be due to a problem with your Internet connection. You can always call up the Internet provider to check on this. If the problem is from their end, you will have to wait for them to resolve the issue.

 

How do I reset my modem?

You can reset your modem by pressing the Reset button or through the user settings interface.

Pressing the Reset Button

1. Look out for the Reset button on your modem. This is typically a red recessed button behind the modem.
2. Make sure that the modem is plugged in as well as powered ON.
3. Press the Reset button with the help of a pen tip or a bent paperclip until there is a slight clicking sound.
4. Release the Reset button when you find the Power light glowing in orange color.

 

Resetting with the User Settings Interface

1. Connect a computer to the Internet through the Wi-Fi connection.
2. Open a browser window of your choice.
3. Type http://192.168.0.1 in the website address field.
4. Enter the required login credentials to access the settings interface of the modem.
5. Click the Utilities icon.
6. Select the Restore Defaults option from the left pane.
7. Click the Restore button next to the Restore Modem to Factory Default State option.

The whole process takes about 3 to 5 minutes and the Power LED illuminates in orange when the reset has been done. 

 

Why does my router not work after reset?

Your router does not work after reset because of a pending restart, firmware update in progress, or a static IP that needs to be reconfigured.

1. Do a restart of the router. Often, a restart will take place automatically after a reset. If this doesn’t happen due to instances like power loss during the reset, you must do a manual restart. 
2. Wait for the firmware to get downloaded and installed on the computer. The router will begin working after the update. Whenever a reset has been done, a firmware update request is initiated automatically. If there is an update, the download will get initiated. It’s worth noting that if you do a router reset during the firmware update, it may get bricked.
3. Reconfigure the router and the static IP. It’s important to do so every time you do a router reset.

 

When you reset your router what happens?

When you reset your router, it will result in the saved configurations getting erased. The router will get reset to its factory default values. 

You’ll need to set up the network name (SSID), password, and other details all over again. The default network name (SSID) and password can often be found at the bottom of the router.

 

Why is my modem not working with Xfinity Comcast?

Your modem isn’t working with Xfinity Comcast because of damaged or loose Ethernet cables, overheating, wrong gateway configuration, or hardware issues.

1. Make sure that both the power and Ethernet cables are connected properly and tightly at both ends. Replace them if they show signs of damage such as fraying.
2. Allow it to cool down for some time if you find the modem hot when you touch it. This is a common problem due to a long usage period.
3. Check if the IP details, DHCP configuration, and other details have been properly set up. You must also make sure that the firmware is updated.
4. Use another modem in place of the existing modem and check if it works as intended. If it does, there are chances that the original modem has a hardware issue and needs to be changed.