Sometimes Internet connection issues happen from the start when you are setting things up. Not after the fact. Here are 5 common problems people face when setting up cable Internet in their homes and how to proactively avoid them.
1. Beware of loose connections
This first one may seem too easy, but it is easily overlooked and can cause a real headache if you don’t realize that this is the issue: make sure all your connections are properly plugged into where they need to be. A loose Ethernet cable could easily be the source of poor connection issues.
2. Are your cable Internet services activated?
Make sure that your cable Internet is activated by your Internet service provider (ISP). If things haven’t been properly activated on your ISPs end, then you will struggle to get the Internet connection you are paying for.
3. Test for a viable cable signal
Verify that your cable Internet connection is live and working by using a tool like the Hitron DSS-01 Coax Cable Tester. Simply plug it into your coax outlets, press the button, and look for the indicator light to turn green signifying a viable signal.
Not all coax outlets are the same, meaning that they may not all give you the strongest signal. Using the tester helps you find the best spot for your cable modem and router from the start.
4. Check your coax wiring & Ethernet cables for breakage
If you are not receiving a valid signal and you know that your Internet services are activated, you could be dealing with problems with your wiring. If your coax wiring is pinched, bent, chewed, etc. – you will not receive a good signal.
You can easily test your coax outlets and wiring using a coax cable tester such as Hitron’s DSS-01 Coax Cable Tester. In less than 10 seconds, you will know if your coax wiring or outlets are receiving a valid Internet signal from your Cable Internet provider.
5. Set up your cable modem before you set up your router
If you have separate cable modem from your router, set up the cable modem first. Then connect the router. You need your cable modem up and running to get Internet before you can get your router to work for wireless Internet (WiFi).
Have more questions about your cable modem set up? Have a look at our Hitron CODA Cable Modem Set Up FAQs.
Hitron’s CODA DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem is available on Amazon. Hitron’s DSS-01 is also available on Amazon. To learn more about the DSS-01 Coax Cable Tester, cable modems, or cable modem routers check out Hitron’s Learn page or Blog.
