ModemGuides BlogGuides for people who would rather own their hardware than rent it.
Home Networking · Topic
Step-by-step fixes for a connection that worked yesterday and does not work today.
91 articles
Setup
Turning off the WiFi on a router or modem takes about two minutes once you know where the switch lives. Here is where to find it on every major router brand and ISP gateway, how to turn off just one band or...
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the advice that matters fits on one page. Here are the four habits CISA wants everyone to adopt in 2026, plus the router settings that protect every device in your home at once.
Changing your WiFi password takes about two minutes once you know where the setting lives. Here is where to find it on every major router brand and ISP gateway, what to name the new password, and how to get every device back...
Start with the symptom. Each one opens the guide that fixes it.
A light on my modem is blinking
Modem & Router Lights Meaning: What Every LED Color Means
Internet Keeps Disconnecting? How to Fix Random WiFi Drops & Connection Timeouts
How to Fix Slow WiFi: 10 Easy Steps to Speed Up Your Internet
I can't get into my router settings
Router Login: How to Log Into Your Router (Any Brand)
I want to stop renting my modem
Stop Renting a Spy: Why Owning Your Modem is the First Step to Privacy
Almost every router sold today is dual band, but the spec sheet never explains what that means. Here is what the two bands do, how to tell which one your devices are using, and when tri-band or mesh is worth the step...
VPN passthrough is a router setting that lets VPN connections from your devices reach the internet without being blocked. Here is what it does, when you need it, and how to check it.
Wi-Fi
Most WiFi routers last 3 to 5 years before speed, range, and security updates fall behind. This guide covers how long routers last, the signs your router is going bad, what to try first, and the best refurbished replacements for every home...
Restarting your router fixes most slowdowns and dropped connections in about three minutes, and it keeps every setting intact. Here is the right order for a modem and router, how long to wait, and how to reboot from your ISP's app.
Setup
A plain-English guide to port forwarding on every major router brand. Find your router login, open the right ports, and keep your network safe.
What does that blinking light on your modem or router mean? This guide covers every LED color and pattern across Xfinity, Spectrum, AT&T, and CenturyLink gateways, with step-by-step fixes for the most common issues.
From the ModemGuides store
Your ISP bills you every month for hardware you never own. Every unit in our store is professionally refurbished, hand tested in the US, and backed by our 90-day warranty.
Shop by provider
XfinitySpectrumCoxCenturyLinkBrightspeedVerizon FiosOptimumMediacom
Shop refurbished gearBest sellersSee all
GreenWave C4000LG CenturyLink WiFi 6 Single Line xDSL Modem RouterCenturyLink, Brightspeed
Verizon Fios G3100 Router | Tri-Band WiFi 6, MoCA 2.5Verizon Fios
Actiontec C3000A CenturyLink DSL Modem Router | Bonded VDSL2CenturyLink, Brightspeed
Refurbished ARRIS DG3450 Modem Router Combo, Spectrum ApprovedSpectrum, TDS
What every Motorola modem light means — green, blue, and blinking — with fixes for the MB8600, MB8611, MB7621, and MG series gateways.
Every cell tower near you is findable — active, broadcasting, or still in permitting. Here are the free databases and the paper trail carriers must file.
Confused by the lights on your Motorola cable modem? This guide explains every LED on the MB7420, MB7621, and MB8600, shows you what a normal light pattern looks like, and walks you through quick fixes for blinking or missing lights.
If your eero keeps disconnecting, the fix is usually simple: restart your equipment, check node placement, or update your eero software. This guide walks through the most common causes of eero WiFi drops and gives clear, step-by-step instructions anyone can follow, no...
If your internet keeps dropping every few minutes, the cause is usually overheating equipment, loose coax connections, outdated firmware, or signal problems on your line. This guide walks you through nine simple fixes in order, from a proper reboot to checking cables,...
If your Cox internet keeps going out, the problem is usually your modem, router, coax connections, or neighborhood congestion. This guide walks you through nine easy fixes, from checking for outages to replacing aging equipment, with clear steps anyone can follow.
If your CenturyLink internet keeps going out, the cause is usually an overheating modem, a loose cable, a missing DSL filter, or a line problem. This step-by-step guide walks you through the eight fixes that resolve most CenturyLink dropouts, plus how to...
If your Spectrum internet keeps going out, the fix is usually simpler than you think. This guide walks you through checking for outages, restarting your equipment, inspecting cables, and fixing Wi-Fi interference, with easy steps anyone can follow, plus when to call...
A blinking orange light on your Xfinity router means the gateway cannot connect to the Xfinity network. This guide explains what the light means on the XB6, XB7, XB8, and XB10, and walks you through seven simple fixes, from checking for outages...
A clear, step-by-step guide to canceling T-Mobile Home Internet and wireless phone service, including how to keep your phone number, return your gateway, handle device payments, and avoid extra fees.
Gaming
Spectrum lag is usually easy to fix at home. This step-by-step guide shows you how to lower ping, stop buffering, and reduce latency for gaming and streaming, plus when a new modem, gaming router, or mesh system will help.
Cox internet lagging during games or video calls? Learn the fastest ways to fix Cox cable lag, lower your ping, and stop buffering with simple step-by-step troubleshooting anyone can follow.
Gaming
Xfinity lag has a few common causes, and most are easy to fix yourself. This step-by-step guide shows you how to stop lag, buffering, and high ping on Xfinity, from quick restarts to modem upgrades, gaming routers, and mesh systems.
A plain-English guide to eero status light colors. Find out what solid white, red, blue, green, and yellow lights mean, and how to quickly fix eero connection issues.
Where you place your modem and router has a bigger impact on Wi-Fi speed than most people realize. Here is how to set them up for the strongest, most reliable signal.