What are the common issues with Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers and Linksys Wi-Fi Routers?
The quickest and easiest workaround for most issues concerning Linksys routers is to powercycle the device. To do this, power OFF the router, unplug the power cord and wait for 10 seconds before plugging it back in.
If the problem still persists after performing a powercycle, you may then proceed with other workarounds for the issues listed below:
Dropping / Intermittent wireless connectivity
Slow downloads
Slow upload
Forgot the wireless settings of the router
Unable to access the router’s web-based setup page
Dropping / Intermittent wireless connectivity
There are four (4) factors contributing to why the wireless connection between your Linksys router and your device is intermittent and dropping:
- Maximum Transmission Unit size
- Frequency interference from other wireless devices
- Low signal quality received from your wireless router
- Outdated router firmware
Frequent wireless disconnection can be resolved by doing the following:
- Adjusting the Maximum Transmission Unit size
- Reducing wireless interference
- Customizing the wireless settings of the router
- Updating the firmware of the router
For information on how to resolve these issues, click here.
Slow downloads
A slower-than-normal download may be due to the IPv6 feature on your computer. One of the solutions may be disabling IPv6. Refer to the technical support of your computer’s operating system for instructions on how to disable IPv6 on your computer.
Why this works: The slow download is caused by the use of IPv4 as the default protocol in your network; the slower data transfer is rooted on the “translation” of the data into an IPv6 compatible form.
If the issue still exists after performing the steps above, you can also perform the following troubleshooting tips:
- Isolate the issue by checking if your other computers have the same download speed.
- Check if your computer has the same download speed when connected straight to the modem.
- If the suggested solutions made no changes with the download speed, do the following in order:
i. Perform a firmware upgrade. For instructions, click here if you are using a Linksys Wi-Fi Router. For Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers, click here.
ii. Reset the router by pressing and holding the Reset button for 10 seconds using a pen or any pointed object.
iii. Reconfigure the router using your ISP’s connection: Cable Internet service, DSL Internet service, Static IP account
Slow upload
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers and Linksys Wi-Fi Routers are known for their fast upload and download speeds, so if you experience a slowdown in your upload speed, you may need to set your router's Quality of Service (QoS). This means controlling the priority of your network traffic, ensuring that the data you consider most important gets through faster.
To learn how to set up QoS, check here.
Forgot the wireless settings of the router
In order to connect to the wireless network, you need to know its wireless settings. These settings refer to the wireless network name (SSID) and wireless password / passphrase. To check the wireless settings of your router, click here. It is also recommended to take note of your wireless settings in a piece of paper to serve as your quick reference in case you forget it.
Unable to access the router’s web-based setup page
The Linksys router’s web-based setup page can be accessed using a wired or wireless computer. To do this, enter the router’s default IP Address “192.168.1.1” in your web browser’s address bar. A user login will then appear asking you to enter a username and password. If you have not changed your wireless settings yet, you may leave the username blank and the password is admin.
However, there are times when you are unable to access the router’s web-based setup page, this may be because:
- The router’s IP Address has been changed
- The router’s password has been changed
- The router’s firmware needs to be upgraded
- There is no network connection with the router
- The computer’s firewall may be blocking the connection
For specific details on what to do if you are unable to access the router’s web-based setup page, click here.