Reboot a DSL Modem Remotely

When an internet router simply refuses to cooperate, giving you a sporadic connection or even none at all, the first remedy is to reboot. This can be done by unplugging the device or pressing its “reset” button. However, it can also be done remotely if the router is in an inconvenient place. Rebooting from your PC, using a remote power switch, or calling your internet service provider (ISP) are ways that you can reboot from afar, without having to walk across your house.

Steps

Rebooting from Your PC

1. Open your web browser. Open up an internet browser on your computer. It could be Internet Explorer, it could be Firefox, it could Chrome. It does not matter. What does matter is that you are able to type an address into the web browser URL.
2. Enter your router's IP address. An Internet Protocol or IP address is an identifying number that computers use to send data over a network. You will have to type your router's IP address into the web address field. Often it is http://192.168.1.1 or something similar. Try this as a default IP address.
   • If the default fails, you can locate the router's IP address by launching a command prompt (in Windows) and entering “ipconfig.” Do this by clicking the “Start” button, then choose “All Programs,” “Accessories,” and lastly “Command Prompt.” This will tell you the correct IP address under “default gateway.”
   • Another way of doing this is click “Start” and “Control Panel.” Then select the option “Network and Sharing Center.” Here you should find the name of your network and click “View Status.” If you ask for “details,” the computer will then give you a series of numbers. The router's IP address is listed as the “IPv4 Default Gateway.”
3. Enter your administrator password. At this point you will need to enter your network administrator name and password. You cannot access the router settings if you do not have administrator access. If using your home computer, this should not be a problem and the router may even be using its default name and password. You can find often this these the user's manual or on a sticker on the router itself.
4. Access the router settings page. Although every router and modem is slightly different, they all should have a “settings” or “management” tab that you will be able to access as the network administrator. This tab should come up automatically on your web browser and should have an option to launch a reboot under its “basic settings.”
5. Select “save,” “apply,” or “reboot.” Choosing one of these options should automatically reboot the router and reconnect you. Make sure that you do not make any other changes to the router in basic or advanced settings, however, at the risk of causing further problems. In case of a mistake, you can usually restore the router to its factory settings by physically hitting its reset button.
6. Wait for restart. It might then take a bit of time for the router to regain its functionality. The screen will refresh automatically when almost done. The reboot will not be complete until your computer says that you have internet connectivity.
7. Bookmark these steps. You can bookmark your IP address as a shortcut. This will save you from having to repeat the above steps again should something go wrong. Save the URL as a bookmark immediately after clicking OK. It should be something like http://192.168.1.1/htmlV/reset.asp?restart=TRUE

Rebooting with a Remote Power Switch

1. Buy a remote power switch. You can also reboot your router remotely with what is called a “remote power switch.” These are devices that attach to your computer and automatically control functions over a network like power and internet access and can reboot cable modems, DSL, and routers. Models like iBoot can be purchased at computer stores or online and generally cost around $200.
2. Set up the device. Remote power switches are made to hook directly to your principal PC. Plug the computer's power cable as well as its internet cables into the device. Hooking up your computer will allow you to control certain functions on all other computers on your network, remotely, and to even automate these functions.
3. Enable remote reboot function. Once you have hooked up your computer, set up the remote power switch so that it automatically monitors internet connectivity and will reboot the router in case of a failure. You should be able to do this by accessing the device settings on your desktop. You can also schedule it to reboot regularly, every morning or every other morning, for example.
4. Let the device go to work. Remote power switches work automatically once you set them up. If your router is giving you problems, the device will automatically detect it and reboot the router, leaving you with fewer worries.
5. Wait for restart. As before, once the router has rebooted it will take some time for it to regain its usual functionality. You should be able to access the internet again in several minutes.

Rebooting through your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

1. Identify your ISP. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to first figure out who is providing your internet service. This involves finding out the Public IP address from which your connection originates. Some internet sites can do this for you. Alternately, you can browse an IP address identification website for the address. It will be in the format xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx. Other websites can then tell you what organization uses the Public IP address as well as give the service provider's name, address, and telephone number.
2. Call your ISP. If you are unable to do reboot your router using the first two methods, or if you are having chronic problems with internet connectivity, contact your service provider over the telephone and report the problem. As there may be an underlying issue that needs to be fixed, you will need to speak with the provider's customer service representatives and also identify yourself and details about your internet account.
3. Ask your ISP to reboot the router. If your ISP supplied the router that you are using, chances are good that they can access it remotely through the so-called TR-069 or CPE WAN MGMT Protocol. This is a protocol that broadband companies use to remotely manage and troubleshoot customer devices like modems, routers, and gateways. It is very possible that they can reset the router for you.
4. Wait for restart. It possible, it still may take a while for your ISP to reboot the router. Be patient. Once the reboot has taken place, your router should return to functionality and connectivity within a few minutes.

Sources and Citations

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