I've Got No Internet or WiFi!

Modem vs Router

Your modem is a box (often black or white) that connects your home network to the Internet. A router is a box that lets all of your wired and wireless computers (laptop, desktops, tablets and phones) use that Internet connection at the same time and also allows them to talk to one another without having to do so over the Internet. Often, your ISP or Internet Service Provider will give you one box that combines both modem and router. They’re still different technologies; not all modems include routers and not all routers have modems. For your home or business network you need both, integrated or not, in order to provide an Internet connection for all the devices in your home.
Many people use the term "modem" or "router" to mean either one or the other item, or both combined! Usually, this isn't a problem as the context makes the meaning clear to a technician. "A modem modulates and demodulates electrical signals sent through phone lines, coaxial cables, or other types of wiring; in other words, it transforms digital information from your computer into analog signals that can transmit over wires, and it can translate incoming analog signals back into digital data that your computer can understand. Most stand-alone modems have just two ports: one that connects to the outside world, and an Ethernet jack that connects to a computer or a router." - NY Times https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/modem-vs-router/Your Internet Service Provider will often give you a basic router-modem when you sign up. These are typically very poor quality and often struggle to do the job well. Investing some money in a better quality modem-router will improve your internet and wireless experience. The problem with the basic routers is they usually have a poor connection to the internet itself and a weak WiFi signal. Your router’s primary responsibility is to route data between devices in your home, and between those devices and the wider Internet. The system of interconnected devices plus the router itself is what we’re collectively referring to when we talk about a home network. Your modem connects to one port on the router—usually (but not always) labelled “Wide Area Network,” or “WAN”—and all of your devices connect to the other ports, or wirelessly over the Wi-Fi standard.

Internet and WiFi Tips For Your Modem Router

ONE - Make sure to position it well: A modem router should sit as close to the centre of your home or business as possible and out in the open. Limit how many obstructions are around the router (especially metal ones) as WiFi is blocked by solid materials. Try not to put them inside a cupboard, behind your computer monitor, or in a far corner of your home.
TWO - Update the firmware: New firmware updates can improve your router’s performance, add new features, and (most important) fix security problems. This fix is one for the geeks sorry, and since most routers won’t install firmware updates automatically, so you'll need to look at your router’s manual for instructions on how to check for updates and install them. If your router hasn’t received a firmware update in more than a year or two, it may be time to consider a replacement.
THREE - Change the default passwords: This means both the WiFi passkey you use to connect new devices to the router and the administrative password you use to change settings and install firmware updates. The default passwords for each are usually printed on a label on the bottom of the router. "Admin" is often the admin username and password! Changing both reduces the risk of someone hopping on your network and using your Internet or changing the settings without your permission.
FOUR - Reboot your router and modem: Despite being a stereotype this fixes many issues. If your router keeps dropping connections or can’t access the Internet at all, turn it off or unplug it, wait 10 seconds, and then turn it back on (do the same with your modem, if you have a separate one). It’s totally normal to need to do this every once in a while, but if you’re doing it every day, your router or modem may need to be replaced. A computer technician can help you with this.