How Can I Fix My Cisco Router Problem?
When it comes to hardware in communication solutions, Cisco is the world’s biggest player. It provides a huge number of products and services to organizations globally. Almost every organization uses or has used at least some Cisco equipment as a part of its network. Sometimes, the entire network infrastructure comprises Cisco equipment. A few of the popular products are switches, routers, and access points. Good speed and reliability are two reasons for the popularity of Cisco products.
Though Cisco is a leading technology brand, its products face problems like other brands. But, thankfully, the problems can be solved.
In this post, we will discuss Cisco routers and ways to solve the problems of the routers.
What are the common glitches of Cisco routers?
- Unable to change the Cisco router password
- Connectivity problem in the router
- Slow speed of the router
- Configuration issues of the Cisco router
- Cisco password and set up problems
- Issue of installation and configuration
- Incorrect configuration of the Cisco router
- Weak flag problem
- Unable to reset the Cisco router
- Networking problem
How should you install and configure your Cisco router?
Most problems arise when the Cisco routers are not installed and configured properly. So, before knowing how to fix the Cisco router problem, you should learn to install and configure it.
- Connect your computer via an Ethernet cable to the router; the router should be ON.
- Go to the browser and enter the IP address in the search box
- Enter the credentials in the Cisco router login page found on the next page
- Decide a username and password and click OK
- You are logged in. Now, complete the Cisco router basic configuration.
The Cisco installation steps are very easy. You just need to follow them strictly.
What should you do to fix the Cisco router problem?
Reboot the router
To reboot, you should switch off the power of the router and the PC followed by removing the power cables of the devices from the wall socket. Then, you should unplug the Ethernet cables from the back of these devices and wait for 30 seconds.
After 30 seconds, you should put back the Ethernet cables and switch on the router and the PC.
Change the Wi-Fi frequency of the router
If the frequency of the wireless network is not set properly, you should change the Wi-fi frequency. For this, you should open a web browser and enter the IP address in the URL box and press the enter button. On the next page, you will find the Cisco router login page. Set the credentials and click “OK”
Next, you will get a Cisco Router configuration page. On this page, go to the left panel, select the wireless option, and wireless setting page. Here, place ‘channel’ and choose GHz or 5GHz as per the user traffic from the drop-down menu. Last, click on the ‘save’ key and exit from the page. Your router will start working.
Remove the obstructions blocking the Wi-Fi signal
If you think the router isn’t working because of blocked signals, you should place the router in the middle of the house. With this, you will receive a good wireless signal. There should be no obstruction coverage around the router.
When placing the router, make sure it isn’t near the wall or ceiling. You should maintain a distance of 2 feet. Other than this, you should remove all electrical devices kept close to the router.
Enable WLAN Auto configuration service
If you want to configure connectivity settings and wireless security, you should enable the WLAN Auto Configuration service. To configure, you should open the ‘Run’ dialog box. Enter ‘service.msc’ in the dialog box and click ‘OK’. Next, you will find a ‘services’ window. You will get a list.
Select the WLAN auto-configuration service from the list. Next, click on the “Properties” option. You will find a new window with the name WLAN auto-configuration properties.
In the window, click on the ‘General tab’, followed by the ‘Start-up Type’ section from the drop-down menu inside the tab. Click on the ‘Automatic’ option and complete the process by clicking on ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’.
Activate the Wi-Fi service
Sometimes, the Windows operating system deactivates the Wi-Fi service. If the Wi-Fi service is deactivated, the Cisco router will not work properly. To fix this problem, you should search the Network icon, right-click on it and then select open network and sharing center. Go to the left panel on the ‘Network and Sharing center’ windows.
Select the change adapter settings link from the left panel. On selecting this link, Network Connections will open. Place the wireless network you are presently connected to and right-click the selected network to enable it. If it’s enabled, you should disable it and enable it again. After activating, restart your computer.
Upgrade the wireless network
Select Device Manager from the Options Menu found on the Windows Logo. In this Window, there are all the devices and their relevant drivers inside a list. Select ‘Network Adapters. Next, tap on the arrow icon to open an expanded sub-list.
In an expanded sub-list, select primarily driver and then right-click to find the ‘Update driver’ option. Click on it and you will find a new Window with two links. Click on Search automatically to update driver software. It will automatically get downloaded and installed if required. As it will take time, you should wait and then restart your device.
Cisco routers are trustworthy. But, problems come on their way as well. You just need to overcome these problems strategically.
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How Do You Set Up IP Addresses on a Cisco Router?
Router configuration and setting up IP addresses is a routine task for network administrators and network engineers. Routers available for enterprises are a lot different from routers available for use at home. Business-grade routers are assigned static IP addresses, unlike home-use routers which are assigned dynamic IP addresses.
It is essential to know how to configure and assign IP addresses on a Cisco because this is the task that is done even before installing a router in the network. You need to assign an IP address before doing anything with a router. Fortunately, configuring a Cisco router with an IP address is not a complicated task. Since this guide is for beginners, we will discuss the configuration process of routers in detail.
4 Steps to Configure a Cisco Router with IP Address
There are typically four steps to follow when you need to configure a router. These steps are as follows:
- Verify the router’s current interface configuration
- Select the interface you need to assign an IP address to
- Assign the IP address to the interface
- Enable the interface on your router
Now, let’s learn how to assign an IP address to a Cisco router in detail and all those things you will need during router configuration.
How to Find and Display Interfaces on a Cisco Router
Before assigning an IP address to a router, you will first need to know the current configuration of that router. Generally, Cisco routers come with interfaces that are shut down out of the box. Hence, you need to check its interfaces, especially if a router is being re-used.
To display interfaces in a Cisco router:
- Go to the console window
- Run the “show IP interface brief” command
This command will help you learn about:
- Each interface and its name
- The current IP address for each interface
- If each interface is up or down on the Layer 1 level
- If each interface is up or down on the Layer 2 level
The Status and Protocol columns will show one of the three status messages, namely, up, down, or administratively down.
Each message indicates the status of the associated interface.
- The “Up” message means that the interface is working correctly.
- The “Administratively Down” message means that the interface has been disabled by the network admin by configuration.
- The “Down” message means the interface is not working for other reasons, such as the network cable is not plugged into the network port.
Cisco routers that come out of the box often have an “Administratively down” status for each interface. This is different for Cisco switches as they come already configured right out of the box and can be implemented directly in many cases.
However, using a non-configured or improperly configured router can make a network not functional and can send data from the network into a black hole.
How is Status different from Protocol in router configuration?
When using the command to show interface status, the router will display all the information about each interface on the console. That information will include the link state which is labeled as Status and Protocol.
Status and Protocol, both labels represent different layers on the OSI networking model. The Status column refers to Layer 1 or the physical connection layer, while the Protocol column is for Layer 2.
Hence, the Status shows if a cable is physically connected or if the physical hardware for that interface is working fine. On the other hand, Protocol explains if that interface is receiving signals that it can interpret and identify.
This is why it is crucial to understand the difference between Layer 1 and Layer 2 and their operational status before you configure Cisco routers and diagnose issues in the future.
How to Select an Interface for Assigning IP Address on a Cisco Router
Once you verify the state of all interfaces on a Cisco router, you will need to select the interface in the console.
When you run the “show IP interface brief” command, you need to pay attention to all the interfaces displayed on the console. This will help you avoid plugging the Ethernet cable in the wrong port.
To select an interface, enter the global configuration mode in the router. Now, use the “configure terminal” command to enter configuration mode. Then, use the “interface” command to select that interface. For additional help, you can also add a question mark after the interface command.
Example: interface g0/0
In this example, the network admin has selected the interface which is a gigabit Ethernet port on the router. Depending on your router, you may see differently labeled interfaces.
How to Assign an IP address to a Cisco Router
After listing each interface, entering global configuration mode, and selecting the interface, you can finally assign an IP address to that interface. The assignment of an IP address to the interface is quite simple. All you need is to just use the “IP address” command followed by the IP address for that interface port and its subnet.
For instance: IP address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
If there is any error, you will get the message. If everything is done correctly, you will not get any confirmation message. It is simply done.
After this, you can again run the “show IP interface brief” command to see the IP address that you assign to your interface.
How to Enable an Interface on a Cisco Router
To activate the interface, you will need to enable the interface on the router. First, enter the “show run” command to see the router’s status and configuration and check the current information of each interface. You can use the space button to jump and see all configuration information. After the interface status is verified, select the interface and use the “no shutdown” command to enable the interface.
If everything is fine, you will get three messages. The first message will show that the interface is down, and then the next two messages should convey that the Status and Protocol are up now. You can also see LEDs blinking next to the physical interface port that is just configured on the router.
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A Complete Guide on Cisco Router (and How to Update it)
A Cisco router is a networking device that receives and sends data on computer networks. It is most often confused with network hubs, modems, or network switches but is an entirely different device. This device combines the functions of these devices and connects with these devices to improve the accessibility to the Internet or create business networks.
How does a Cisco router work?
Cisco routers are networking devices that are meant to guide and direct network data through packets. These packets contain different kinds of data, including files, communications, and simple web interactions.
A data packet consists of several layers or sections, one of which contains information that helps its identification. This information includes the sender IP address, data type, size, and the destination IP address.
The router is designed to read this layer, prioritize data accordingly, and select the best route for each transmission of data.
How is a Cisco router used for business?
Cisco routers have become a common tool for modern network computing as they connect employees to local networks and the Internet, where every business activity (such as application use, video conference, download, and web interactions) takes place. If there is no router, you cannot use the Internet to collaborate, communicate, and gather information.
In addition to guiding and directing data packets, a router also provides security. Firewall and content filtering software embedded in routers makes it possible to provide additional protection from malicious content and websites without interrupting the online experience.
Besides, a router also helps you to connect hard drives and use them as file-sharing servers or printers that can then be accessed by anyone on the network.
Read About: Top 5 Cisco Routers For Small and Large Businesses
What are the different types of Cisco routers?
Generally, there are five types of Cisco routers that can be used when building business networks and accessing the Internet.
Core Routers
These routers are most suitable for service providers (such as Vodafone and Verizon) and cloud providers (Google, Amazon, and Microsoft). These devices provide maximum bandwidth to connect additional routers or switches and are not needed for small businesses. Sometimes, they are used by larger organizations that have multiple buildings.
Edge Routers
Also known as gateway routers, edge routers act as a network’s outermost point of connection with external networks, including the Internet. They are optimized to provide higher bandwidth and designed to connect to other routers to distribute data to end users. They usually come with Ethernet ports to connect to the Internet and don’t offer Wi-Fi or the ability to manage local networks fully.
Distribution Routers
A distribution router or an interior router is designed to receive data from the edge router via a wired connection and sends it on to end users with Wi-Fi. However, a router usually has Ethernet connections to connect to additional routers or users.
Wireless Routers
Wireless routers, often called residential gateways, offer the combined functions of both edge routers and distribution routers. They are commonplace routers widely used for home networks and Internet access.
Virtual Routers
A virtual router is available in the form of software that enables some router functions to be virtualized in the cloud and delivered as a service. Ideal for large businesses with complex needs, virtual routers offer high flexibility, easy scalability, and a lower entry cost. They also offer the benefit of local network hardware.
How to Buy the Best Cisco Router for My Small Business?
When buying Cisco routers for your small business, you can determine the right router by keeping the following parameters in mind:
Connectivity: Check the number and types of ports such as phone, Ethernet, cable, and USB and see if you can connect the necessary devices in your office with it. Always remember that it is okay to have unused ports but a lack of ports can lead to problems as many devices won’t be connected to the network and Internet then. On the other hand, having unused ports allow you to expand the network as needed.
Bandwidth: To provide a smooth user experience, bandwidth must be sufficient. It helps you ensure maximum performance even when multiple users are connected. The more users you have, the greater bandwidth your router should support. Otherwise, it can lead to bottlenecks. If necessary, you can expand your business’s network by adding more routers or hubs.
Wireless Feature: Wi-Fi comes with routers but there are different standards. The best choice is to go with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) as it delivers much higher transmission speeds, especially when multiple access points get connected at once. This standard Wi-Fi is also backward compatible with old standards.
Easy Setup and Management: Most routers offer a browser-based interface that connects directly to the router to help with the setup and admin. However, modern Cisco routers also come with mobile apps that provide more intuitive interfaces for easier setup.
In addition to the above parameters, you should also check if a router comes with the following features and capabilities:
- Flexibility
- Security
- Guest networks
- User changeable configurations
- Quality of Service (QoS) controls
- Automatic updates
- Mesh networks
How to Upgrade My Cisco Router
Before upgrading your Cisco router firmware, you need to make sure that you have a sufficient disk or flash memory to store Cisco IOS, sufficient DRAM to run Cisco IOS, the new Cisco IOS supports all interfaces and modules in the router, and the new Cisco IOS supports all features used with previous Cisco IOS.
Steps to Upgrade Cisco Firmware
- Go to Network Configuration Manager and download the Cisco IOS software image onto the TFTP server.
- Verify if the TFTP server has IP connectivity to the router by checking that the router interface and TFTP server must have an IP address in the same range or a default gateway configured.
- When the connection is set up, copy the IOS image to the router from the TFTP server.
- Save your configuration to the router and reload it.
- Once the router reload is complete, the router will run desired Cisco IOS image.
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Cisco Router Not Working Issue | How to Fix?
Cisco routers are commonly used in businesses, big or small because of their excellent speed and reliability. However, if your Cisco router stops working, you might wonder how to fix it quickly. There could be several reasons why your Cisco router is not working.
Some of the common glitches that Cisco router users face are:
- Not being able to change the Cisco router password
- Cisco router connectivity issue
- Too low speed of the router
- Having configuration issues
- A problem in Cisco password recovery and setup
- Installation and configuration issues of Cisco switches
- Incorrect configuration of the router
- Not being able to fix the router with simple tricks
- Weak flag problem
- Unable to reset the router
- Networking problem
If your router is not working and you don’t have any idea about the reason behind it, you can try the following tips to fix your Cisco router.
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Reboot Your Router and Connected Devices
Most often, the first step to fix a not working router is to reboot it and the connected devices. Here is how to reboot your Cisco router:
- Switch off the power of the router and the PC.
- Remove the power cable of the router and the connected devices from the wall socket.
- Unplug the Ethernet cables from the back of both these devices and wait for half a minute.
- Put back the Ethernet cables you removed from the router and the PC.
- Switch on the power of the router and the PC.
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Try Changing the Router’s Wi-Fi Frequency
In case the frequency of the wireless network is not set correctly, you might face the problem of “Cisco Router Not Working” once in a while. You can set the Wi-Fi frequency of the router by following the below steps:
- Open your web browser. Type “192.168.1.1” in the URL box and press Enter.
- Once the router login page opens, leave the blank “username” box. Go to the password box and type “admin” and click OK.
- Go to the Router configuration page, then the left panel. Select the wireless option and go to the wireless settings page.
- In this section, select ‘channel’, and from the drop-down menu, choose either 2.4 GHz or 5GHz as per user traffic.
- Click Save and exit from the router settings page.
- Now, see if your router is working properly or not.
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Eliminate Hindrance that Blocks Wi-Fi Signal
If there is some kind of hindrances such as a wall or floor bricks that are blocking the Wi-Fi signal, you can take the following steps:
- Position the router in the middle of your house or office so that you can receive a good wireless signal.
- Confirm if there are any obstructions in the coverage area of the router.
- Do not place your router near a wall or ceiling. Maintain a distance of at least 2 feet and see if the connection improves.
- Make sure that you don’t place your router near certain devices such as TV, cordless phone, or microwave.
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Enable the WLAN Auto Configuration Feature
The WLAN Auto-Configuration feature is used for the auto-configuration of connectivity settings and wireless security. Here is how you can enable the WLAN Auto-Configuration feature:
- Press the Window and R keys at once and open the Run dialog box.
- Enter “service.msc” and click OK.
- You will see a new “services” window as you have services for all plans set up inside the computer in a list.
- Locate and select the WLAN ‘auto-configuration’ service. Right-click on the service and select the open “Properties” from the pop-up window.
- Now, you will see a new window of WLAN auto-configuration properties. In this window, click on the General tab and find the section “Start-up Type” from the drop-down menu. Now, click on the “Automatic” option.
- Click on “Apply” and then OK.
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Re-activate Wi-Fi Service
If your Wi-Fi service is deactivated, then your Cisco router might not work properly. In that case, you can fix your router by taking the following steps:
- Go to the Start button and type Network in the search box.
- Under Control Panel, you will find Network and Sharing Center.
- Open Network and Sharing Center and go to the left panel.
- Select the “Change the Adapter Settings” link. It will open Network Connections.
- On the same page, select the wireless network to which you are connected currently. Right-click on the selected network and click on ‘enable’.
- If the network is already enabled, then disable it and then again enable it.
- Once the Wi-Fi service is active, restart your computer and see if the Cisco router works now or not.
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Update the Wireless Network
- Go to the Start button and type Device Manager in the search box.
- In the Device Manager window, you will find all the devices and their relevant drivers in a list.
- From the list, select “Network Adapters”. Tap on the arrow icon to see an expanded sub-list. This list includes driver network adapters.
- In the expanded sub-list, select primarily driver, right-click on it, and update driver.
- A new window will open with two links. Select Search Automatically for updated driver software.
- If the driver needs an update, it will automatically be downloaded and installed. Wait for some time to complete.
- Now, restart your PC.
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