The utilities menu in your modem settings GUI has tools that let you reboot, restore defaults (reset), upgrade firmware, and run various tests and diagnostics.
Video: Using modem utilities
Access modem utilities
Note: Your modem settings may appear slightly different from the images below, but the steps will be the same.
1. Connect a device to your network over WiFi or using an Ethernet cable connected to your modem. This works best on a tablet or computer.
2. Open a web browser and type http://192.168.0.1 into the web address field.
3. Sign in to the modem settings (GUI) using your Admin Username and Admin Password, printed on the sticker.
You can find the Admin Username and Password printed on the sticker attached to the side, back or bottom of the modem.
CAUTION!Do not remove your modem sticker. It includes your default Admin Username and Admin Password, which cannot be retrieved if lost. Your modem could become unusable without them.
4. Select Utilities in the main menu.
Utilities menu
Select a utilities option from the menu. Not every option listed here is available on every modem.
Click on the menu options below to see a screenshot and brief description.
The reboot utility powers down your modem and restarts it. Rebooting your modem can often fix internet connection problems, improve slow connections and resolve many wireless issues.
Restore defaults clears all settings and restores the factory defaults. You can selectively restore settings, including PPP username, administrator credentials, wireless settings and firewall settings, or restore the modem (all settings) to its factory default state.
Update firmware checks the permanent software programmed into your modem and installs an update if you don't have the most up-to-date version. Firmware updates are important to add features or improve the performance of the modem.
The ping test tests your internet connection to a specific destination (host).
Traceroute records the route taken by a packet of data from your computer to a specified destination through the internet.
Configuration save allows you to back up your modem's settings and then restore them later. You may want to do this before doing a modem reset to return to factory defaults, for instance.
Select Configuration Save in the left sidebar.
Select Download and save the file to your computer. You should see a prompt to allow you to name the file and save it to a folder of your choosing. The default location will be your computer's 'Downloads' folder. You will use this file to restore your settings when you're ready.
You can now reset your modem to its original settings, if needed. After performing the reset, you will be able to restore your settings using the file you saved.
Wireless diagnostics provides information and troubleshooting tools related to your WiFi connection and network (not a feature on all models).
Select a Wireless Tool from the dropdown menu. The list of diagnostic tools varies from model to model, so your particular modem may not offer all of the options listed below.
Channel Analysis gives data about available WiFi channels, including non-WiFi noise, noise from other access points, total channel noise, and channel rank. This can help you choose and set the optimal channel.
The HPNA test is a group of tools used to test the HPNA connection status (not a feature on all models).
The diagnostic test series checks your WAN Ethernet connection, DSL PHY, encapsulation, PPP, and DNS.
The web activity log provides details about what the devices on your network (LAN) are viewing.
The system log shows the date and time of all system actions.
The firewall log allows you to see if the firewall has taken any action to protect your connection. This feature comes in handy if an application is not working on your network and you want to know if the firewall is blocking the application (not a feature on all models).
The time zone utility allows you to view or change the current time zone for your modem. This is useful if you have a wireless schedule set up in the wireless settings.
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