Restart your modem periodically

Restarting your DSL modem periodically (eg., monthly) often solves many of DSL connection and performance problems, such as:

• Slow connection
• Intermitent loss of signal
• Speed fluctuations
• Difficulties when connecting
• Browsing problems

The easiest way to restart the modem is to power cycle it:

1. Turn it off (by switch, or unplug it)
2. Wait 30 seconds (this gives time for the remote office to notice)
3. Turn it on

(If you have a separate router connected to your modem, turn it off after the modem and then wait until after the modem is on again to turn the router back on. This ensures the router will be coordinated with the modem.)

Restarting your modem is thought to help because it clears up any problems (ie., maybe caused by software bugs) that might have accumulated in the modem, and it forces the modem hardware to re-initialize its profile of your line, which may better suit current conditions if your line is variable. Bell Canada (provider of the line) recommends restarts once a month (editor: I don't bother, but once I did have a performance problem and restarting cleared it up).

You can also restart the modem by command (log into it and tell it to restart).