Question:

Why does my gaming PC lose internet connection when connected to a router, but not to a modem?

I have built a new gaming PC and tested it with two different routers and two different modems. When I connect the PC to the modem directly via ethernet cable, the internet works fine. However, when I connect the PC to the router, the internet connection drops after about 20 seconds. I have tried reinstalling Windows, resetting the router and the PC, and running various commands, but nothing has solved the problem. I have attached two screenshots of the network configuration: one when the PC is connected to the modem and working, and one when the PC is connected to the router and not working. The PC is still visible on the router’s device list and can be pinged from outside. What could be causing this issue and how can I fix it?

Answer:

If you have built a new gaming PC and are facing internet connection issues when using a router, but not a modem, you are not alone. Many PC users have reported similar problems, and there could be various reasons behind them. In this article, we will explore some of the possible causes and solutions for this frustrating issue.

What is the difference between a modem and a router?

Before we dive into the troubleshooting steps, let us first understand the difference between a modem and a router. A modem is a device that connects your PC to the internet service provider (ISP) via a cable or a phone line. A router is a device that connects multiple devices to the internet via a wireless or a wired network. A router also assigns IP addresses to each device and manages the traffic between them.

When you connect your PC to the modem directly, you are using a single device to access the internet. When you connect your PC to the router, you are using two devices: the router and the modem. The router acts as a bridge between your PC and the modem, and also between your PC and other devices on the network.

What could cause the internet connection to drop when using a router?

There are many factors that could affect the internet connection when using a router, such as:

• Router settings: The router may have some settings that are incompatible with your PC or your ISP, such as the security mode, the firewall, the DNS server, the DHCP server, etc. These settings may interfere with the communication between your PC and the modem, or between your PC and other devices on the network, causing the connection to drop.
• Router firmware: The router may have outdated or corrupted firmware, which is the software that controls the router’s functions. This may cause the router to malfunction or behave erratically, resulting in connection issues.
• Router hardware: The router may have physical defects or damages, such as loose cables, faulty ports, overheating, etc. These may affect the router’s performance and stability, leading to connection problems.
• Interference: The router may be affected by external interference, such as other wireless devices, electromagnetic waves, physical obstacles, etc. These may disrupt the router’s signal and reduce its range and quality, causing the connection to drop.
• Network congestion: The router may be overloaded by too many devices or too much data on the network, such as streaming, gaming, downloading, etc. This may cause the router to slow down or crash, resulting in connection issues.

How can I fix the internet connection issue when using a router?

Depending on the cause of the issue, there are different ways to fix the internet connection issue when using a router, such as:

• Restart the router and the modem: This is the simplest and most common solution for many internet connection issues. Restarting the router and the modem can clear any temporary glitches or cache that may be affecting the connection. To do this, unplug the power cords of both devices, wait for about 30 seconds, and plug them back in. Wait for the devices to boot up and reconnect your PC to the router.
• Update the router firmware: Updating the router firmware can fix any bugs or vulnerabilities that may be causing the connection issue. To do this, you need to access the router’s web interface, usually by typing the router’s IP address in your browser. Then, you need to find the firmware update option, usually under the administration or system settings. Follow the instructions to download and install the latest firmware for your router model. You may need to restart the router after the update.
• Change the router settings: Changing the router settings can resolve any incompatibilities or conflicts that may be affecting the connection. To do this, you need to access the router’s web interface, as explained above. Then, you need to find the settings that may be causing the issue, such as the security mode, the firewall, the DNS server, the DHCP server, etc. You may need to consult your router’s manual or your ISP’s website for the optimal settings for your router model and your internet service. You may need to restart the router after changing the settings.
• Replace the router hardware: Replacing the router hardware can fix any physical defects or damages that may be affecting the connection. To do this, you need to check the router’s cables, ports, power supply, etc. for any signs of wear and tear, looseness, or damage. You may need to replace any faulty or broken parts with new ones, or buy a new router altogether. You may need to set up the new router according to your ISP’s instructions.
• Reduce the interference: Reducing the interference can improve the router’s signal and quality, and prevent the connection from dropping. To do this, you need to identify and eliminate any sources of interference, such as other wireless devices, electromagnetic waves, physical obstacles, etc. You may need to move the router to a different location, away from any potential interference. You may also need to change the router’s channel or frequency, usually under the wireless settings, to avoid overlapping with other nearby networks.
• Reduce the network congestion: Reducing the network congestion can prevent the router from being overloaded and improve the connection speed and stability. To do this, you need to limit the number of devices or the amount of data on the network, such as streaming, gaming, downloading, etc. You may need to disconnect any unnecessary devices from the router, or use a wired connection instead of a wireless one. You may also need to use a bandwidth management tool, such as QoS, to prioritize the traffic on the network.

Conclusion

In

conclusion, there are many possible reasons why your gaming PC may lose internet connection when connected to a router, but not to a modem. The issue could be related to the router’s settings, firmware, hardware, interference, or network congestion. To fix the issue, you may need to restart the router and the modem, update the router firmware, change the router settings, replace the router hardware, reduce the interference, or reduce the network congestion. Hopefully, one of these solutions will work for you and restore your internet connection.