Why the order matters
Network equipment wakes up in a cascade: the modem/ONT negotiates the connection with the provider, the router gets an IP from the modem, and switches and access points depend on the router already being active. Restarting everything at once, or in the wrong order, means some devices finish booting before they have anything to connect to — and they end up in an inconsistent state.
The correct order
- Turn everything off, starting with the devices furthest from the internet connection (access points and switches) and ending with the modem/ONT.
- Wait 30 seconds with everything off. This ensures devices release their previous sessions and IP addresses.
- Turn on the modem/ONT first and wait for the lights to show a stable connection with the provider (1-2 minutes).
- Turn on the router and wait for it to get an IP from the modem and bring up the local network (1-2 minutes).
- Turn on switches and access points one at a time, leaving 30-60 seconds between each if there are several.
What NOT to do
- Don't "restart" by unplugging and replugging the network cable instead of power — that doesn't restart the device's operating system.
- Don't power cycle repeatedly within a few seconds: business-grade equipment needs to complete its boot sequence before accepting a new cycle.
- Don't restart a managed switch if you made recent configuration changes without saving them.
When it's NOT a restart problem
If a device needs restarting more than once a week to work properly, that's not routine maintenance — it's a sign of hardware failure, overheating, or outdated firmware. Open a ticket instead of continuing to restart it: repeatedly power-cycling a genuinely failing device can shorten its lifespan.