Before you run into the specific problems and solutions below, make sure your router’s firmware is always up-to-date. This step is very important, as all other solutions in this sites under the assumption that you have already updated your router’s firmware without solving the problem.

Unlike normal devices, which require drivers to communicate with your computer, your router needs only firmware, which is a small program stored in the device’s memory. Firmware controls the device and provides a menu of features that you can access via an Internet browser.

As they do with drivers, device manufacturers often release updated versions of firmware that fix bugs and add new features. If you’re experiencing any problems with your router, you should kick off your troubleshooting session by making sure that the device has the most latest firmware release, the new firmware version may fix the problem automatically or provide tools that will let you fix the problem.

To determine the router’s current firmware version, you’ll need to open the firmware menu. Open your Internet browser and then enter the router’s IP address in the browser’s Address bar. Your router’s users manual will come in handy, as it will include the router’s default IP address. You will certainly see a login screen before the menu appears. Refer to your manual for the login information if you haven’t changed the username and password. (Read 5 Simple Tips on Surfing Safely at Home)

You can goto the router’s IP address via your Internet browser whether your Internet connection is working or not: the data transfer between your PC and the router via your Ethernet cable. When the firmware menu appears in your browser, look for the firmware version number, which generally appears on the front page of the menu. If you don’t see the firmware version, check your manual, the manufacturer likely printed the version number somewhere in the menu.

Once you have your current firmware version number, visit the router manufacturer’s Web site and look for the Support section. Search your router’s model number to see whether the manufacturer has a more recent version available for download. Don’t panic if you don’t have the latest version.

Downloading and installing it is a very simple process. Once you’ve downloaded the new firmware, check your manual for installation instructions. In most case, the manual will tell you to return to your router’s existing firmware and use a built-in update feature that can automatically update the device via the file you just downloaded.