Restart your modem periodically
You should restart your modem periodically. Once a month is recommended.
Restarting your DSL modem periodically often solves many DSL connection and performance problems, such as:
- Slow connection
- Intermittent loss of signal
- Speed fluctuations
- Difficulties when connecting
- Browsing problems
Restarting, or rebooting, your modem will restart the modem's operating system and will thus correct any errors that might have accumulated. It also allows the modem hardware to re-initialize its profile of your line, which may better suit current conditions if your line is variable. Bell Canada, the provider of the line, recommends restarts once a month.
The easiest way to restart the modem is to power cycle it (hard restart):
- Turn it off (by switch, or unplug it)
- Wait 30 seconds (this gives time for the remote office to register that it is off-line)
- 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.
Most modems can also be restarted from the modem interface (soft restart).