What is a troubleshooting step when a modem’s lights are not indicating connectivity?

Power cycling the modem is often one of the first and most effective troubleshooting steps when a modem's lights do not show connectivity. This process involves unplugging the modem from the power source, waiting for a short period, and then plugging it back in. This action helps reset the device entirely, allowing it to clear any temporary issues or glitches that may have occurred.

When the modem is powered back on, it will undertake the process of reconnecting to the internet service provider and reinitializing its firmware and settings, which can often resolve connectivity issues. This method is user-friendly and doesn’t require any advanced technical knowledge or tools.

Other options, while potentially useful, may not be the immediate step to take. For instance, calling customer service is a good option but often comes after basic troubleshooting steps, such as power cycling, have been exhausted. Updating firmware or returning the modem to factory settings are also valid solutions, but they involve more complexity and might not be required for simple connectivity issues. Power cycling is typically the most straightforward and often resolves problems before escalating to more advanced measures.