Buzz
These signs indicate that your modem is experiencing issues.
Electronic devices running continuously, and the hotter they get, the faster they tend to degrade. Your modem falls into this category.
Can modems malfunction?
Most people leave their modems running 24 hours a day, even when they're asleep. Modems are constantly communicating with the ISP and handling traffic between any devices in your home that may be automatically connecting to the internet. This can include mobile devices, smart home devices, etc...
Because of this, modems always run hot. That heat quickly degrades the electronic components inside the modem. Most modems show signs of malfunction before they stop working altogether.
Before trying any troubleshooting steps, ensure to reset your router to its original default settings. Doing so resolves most issues with modems. If not, the troubleshooting tips below will help you determine if a modem is still functioning properly.
How do you know if your modem is malfunctioning?
If your internet connection frequently drops or your modem restarts automatically, you may be experiencing a malfunctioning modem. The following steps will help you determine if your modem is malfunctioning and whether you should replace it before it completely 'dies'.
1. Your internet connection is significantly slowing down. This is often one of the first signs that your modem is experiencing issues. First, contact your service provider and confirm the current download and upload speeds for your account. Next, connect your computer via Ethernet cable to a numbered port on the modem. Turn off Wi-Fi on your computer to ensure you're connecting to the internet via Ethernet. Open Google and search for 'internet speed test' and select Run Speed Test. If the download and upload speeds are much lower than the speeds you're supposed to receive from your provider, this could indicate a faulty modem.
2. Overheating is a common sign when your modem can no longer cool properly because damaged electrical components tend to overheat more. To check if this is happening, let your modem run for at least a day. Then, place your bare hand on the side of the modem. If it feels excessively hot, your modem may be malfunctioning and it's time to replace it.
Note: Insufficient space around the modem can also lead to overheating. So, before performing this check, ensure that you let the modem run for a while with plenty of space around it for ventilation.
3. Every modem comes with admin troubleshooting tools. These usually include error logs. Another sign of serious modem issues is frequent serious errors in the error log. Access this log by logging into your modem with admin privileges and navigating to the advanced administration section. Look for Event Log or Error Log in the navigation menu. If you see a long list of serious errors every day, that's a sign that the modem's software or hardware is faulty.
4. Check the modem lights. Every modem light serves an important function. These lights indicate whether the modem is connected to the ISP, transmitting over Wi-Fi (if it functions as a router), and sending data. If the top light labeled 'Cable', 'Cable Link' or 'WAN' ('DSL' or 'Phone' for DSL modems) isn't lit but your ISP confirms the connection seems fine, the modem may be faulty. When the data transmission light (often labeled 'Activity', 'Data' or 'PC Link') doesn't blink even when you're using the internet, this could indicate the modem is starting to malfunction.
5. Modems frequently resetting themselves is a common sign they're not functioning properly. Some things to check before replacing the modem include loose power connections or faulty power adapters, poor cable connections (coaxial cable) from the wall, overheating (as mentioned above), or the modem operating excessively.
6. If your modem is unresponsive and all lights are on, it's a sign the modem has 'died'. Symptoms of an unresponsive modem include:
No internet access when connecting via WiFi or Ethernet cable
Unable to connect to WiFi (if it's a dual modem/router)
Unable to connect to the modem using the default IP address
Note: Always try unplugging your modem, wait a full 60 seconds, then plug the modem back in. If the unresponsive issue persists after rebooting, it's time to replace the modem.
