Encountering problems getting online using a cable modem

This article will discuss the things that you can do if your computer is encountering problems getting online using the cable modem.  Follow the steps below to resolve dropping Internet connection on the modem.

i.    Verifying Internet connection
ii.   Verifying physical connections
iii.  Checking the LEDs
iv.   Disabling proxy settings
v.    Powercycling the modem and the computer

 

Verifying Internet connection
 

Make sure that you have an active Internet connection before proceeding with any of the troubleshooting steps listed below.  For more information, you may contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).  After confirming that your Internet connection is active, you can proceed with the troubleshooting.  Follow the instructions below to learn how.
 

Verifying physical connections
 

Step 1:
Check if the coaxial cable is properly connected to the CABLE port of the modem.

 


NOTE:  If the image of the modem above is not similar to the one you are using, refer to your modem documentation.

Step 2:
Make sure that the power adapter is plugged into an available power outlet.

 


Step 3:
Check if the Ethernet cable is properly connected to the ETHERNET port on the back of the modem and its other end to the Ethernet port of the computer.

 


NOTE:  If USB is used, make sure that the USB cable is properly connected to the appropriate port on the back of the modem and the other end to the USB port of the computer.  Make sure that the USB drivers are installed.
 


Step 4:
Make sure that the cable modem is powered ON.  Once you have verified proper physical connections, check the LEDs of the cable modem.  For instructions, follow the steps below.

 

Checking the LEDs
 

The LEDs located on the front panel of your Linksys cable modem are indicators of the status of your connection.  Once you have verified if there is an active Internet connection and you are finished connecting the modem to the computer, make sure that the following LEDs are lit up:
 

•    Power – If the Power LED is not lit, make sure that you have properly connected the power adapter.

•    Ethernet – If the Ethernet LED is not lit, check if the computer is powered ON.  You may also try using another Ethernet cable.

•    Cable – The Cable LED will light up if the coaxial cable is properly connected to the Cable port of the modem.

•    Activity – The Activity LED will light up if the modem is properly connected to the computer.  The computer should also be powered ON.

•    Online – The Online LED will light up steadily if the modem is registered on the network.

•    USB – If a USB cable is used, make sure that the necessary cables are properly connected to the USB port of the modem.
 

After verifying that the necessary LEDs are lit up and you still have problems getting online, you can disable the proxy settings of your web browsers.  Follow the instructions below to know how.
 

Disabling proxy settings
 

Sometimes, the proxy settings of your browsers tend to limit network connectivity.  To improve Internet connection, you may need to disable the proxy settings of the web browser that you are currently using.  Click on the links below for instructions in disabling the proxy settings of different web browsers.
 

Disabling Proxy Settings on Internet Explorer
Disabling proxy settings on a Mac® computer


After disabling the browser’s proxy settings and you’re still experiencing difficulties accessing the Internet, perform a powercycle on the modem and the computer.
 

Powercycling the modem and the computer


Step 1:
Shut down the computer.  Unplug the modem’s power cable and wait for 30 seconds.

Step 2:
Plug in the modem's power cable and wait for its LEDs to appear solid.

Step 3:
Power ON the computer.

 

You should now be able to access the Internet without any problems.

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