You may have seen router/modem power cycling as a solution to many software and hardware issues. When done properly, a power cycle can do a kind of semi-reset for the modem/router, restarting its modules. But what is the best way to do a power cycle? How can you ensure the best results? I have explained all these in this article.
What Is Power Cycling?
Power cycling is the process of completely restarting your Wi-Fi router or modem by disconnecting from all power sources, including backup ones. It is different from pressing the Power button on the router, though.
During a normal power-on-power-off cycle, the Wi-Fi router/modem may not completely shut down. It may happen if there are backup sources or other currents of power on the network. However, because a power cycling session disconnects everything for a specific period, you get some benefits.
However, you should note that power cycling a router requires more time than a simple restart. Before I tell you the steps to follow, let’s talk about some important aspects.
Power Cycle Vs. Reset: Key Differences
You may confuse power cycling with a router reset. However, there are many differences between the two options.
As I said, a power cycle does not cause any changes to your router. On the other hand, it causes all modules of the Wi-Fi router to turn off and turn back on. So, despite its capacity to solve many issues, power cycling is a non-intrusive procedure for your Wi-Fi router/modem.
On the other hand, resetting a Wi-Fi router causes a lot of changes. A complete hard reset will restore all the settings on the Wi-Fi router to the factory settings. So, all changes you made, such as the Wi-Fi network and parental controls, will be lost. You can log in using default credentials, though.
The biggest difference is when to use which. You should reset your Wi-Fi router or modem only when you’ve exhausted all other options. For instance, if there are issues you cannot solve after multiple attempts, a reset will help.
However, you can do power cycling as a security or digital discipline measure. There are multiple benefits of power cycling your router.
Benefits of Power Cycling a Router
I already told you that power cycling is a useful method. Here are some core benefits of power cycling a Wi-Fi router or modem.
- Power cycling can solve various temporary issues on your Wi-Fi router or modem. These issues may appear due to hardware or software elements, but they are often solved through a thorough restart.
- This process can also speed up your Wi-Fi router and modem. Modems and routers also generate a lot of temporary/junk data, which can slow down the device. When you power cycle a router, all this data will be removed, making the experience faster.
- You can use power cycling to solve issues that ISPs cause. For instance, some ISPs may make many changes to the network at a time, causing network outages. You can use a power cycling method to quickly reflect these changes.
Because of its overarching impact, power cycling can often improve the lifespan of your Wi-Fi router. It is a good way to prevent the router from overloading and overheating as well.
How Often Should Power Cycle Your Modem and Router?
Despite the benefits it offers, power cycling also requires a balance. You should do it at the right frequency so that you have the best results.
I recommend power cycling your Wi-Fi router and modem at least once a month. You can schedule this task for a time when you are sleeping, or internet connectivity is non-essential.
Can Power Cycle Correct Network Issues?
Power cycling does not change network settings. It simply turns off and turns on the router so that all those modules can start working as they should. Even then, this process can correct network issues to an extent. For example, we have the case of IP address conflicts.
When you power cycle a router, the device will disconnect all Wi-Fi devices. When these devices connect to the Wi-Fi router again, they will receive fresh IP addresses. In this way, you can address IP conflicts and get rid of network issues.
Sometimes, connection-based issues can also be corrected through power cycling sessions.
How to Restart a Router Remotely?
Depending on the router/modem you have, there may be options to restart a router remotely. However, it needs to be enabled first. I have always found this feature on ISP-provided Wi-Fi routers and modem-router combo devices. In this case, you can use the router companion app to restart the device.
If you have bought a router on your own, you need to turn on the feature via settings. However, while you are at it, you should improve the security situation as well. To enable remote control, you need to keep the connection active at all times. So, a decent level of encryption is necessary.
Depending on the app/router model, the button may say Restart or Reboot.
Conclusion
Power cycling may seem simple, but it can solve multiple issues with your device. However, make sure you are patient during the process. I recommend keeping your router disconnected for a few minutes before you reconnect power and other cables.
