Network Problems
When you suddenly cannot connect to the Internet, any of
several things could be wrong. Use this checklist to find and solve
common Internet connection problems.
1. Unplugged Network Cable
Unplugged or loose network cables are one of the most common
reasons why you might suddenly find yourself unable to connect to the
Internet. That's a problem on wireless networks, but on most laptops the
wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) radio can be inadvertently shut off instead. On
homenetworks, it's also possible that someone unplugged the router.
Action:
Ensure your wired or wireless network hardware is switched on and
plugged in.
Network Problems
2. Website Temporarily Offline
What may seem to be a network problem connecting to the Internet
is sometimes simply a Web site (or whatever server is on the other end of
the connection) being temporarily offline.
Action:
Before assuming your Internet connection is faulty, try visiting
several popular Web sites rather than just one.
Network Problems
3. IP Address Conflicts
If your computer and another on the network both have the same IP
address, the conflict between them will prevent either from working
properly
online.
Action:
To resolve an IP conflict, follow these instructions to release and
renew your IP address. If your network uses static IP addresses, manually
change your IP to a different number.
Network Problems
Windows XP
Step 1:
Click Start > Run. In the Run window, enter “cmd” then
click OK.
Step 2:
On the command prompt, enter “ipconfig/release” then
press [Enter].
Step 3:
Once the IP address becomes [Link], enter
“ipconfig/renew” then
press [Enter].
Network Problems
4. Computer Firewall Malfunctions
Firewall software running on most computers is intended to prevent
unwanted network traffic from disrupting its operation. Unfortunately,
these
software firewalls can malfunction and start blocking valid Internet traffic.
When two software firewalls, such as Windows Firewall plus a third-party
product, are installed on the same computer, contention between the two
can also incorrectly block traffic.
Action:
If you have recently installed or upgraded software firewalls on your
computer, temporarily disable them to determine whether it may be the
causeof Internet connection problems.
Network Problems
5. Outside Wireless Signal Range
The performance of Wi-Fi network connections depends on distance
between the device and the wireless access point. The farther away a Wi-
Fi device is, the slower the local connection generally runs, until it breaks
altogether. Wireless signal interference in the area can also limit the
effective range of a Wi-Fi connection. Whenever you are unable to reach
the access point, you also cannot connect to the Internet, obviously.
Network Problems
5. Outside Wireless Signal Range
Action:
Use one of the options written below to measure the strength of
your wireless signal and try these ideas to expand the range of your Wi-
Fi. Ideally, you should place the router at a height in some central location
and away from other cordless devices. Make sure that the router is not
placed near something metallic (like an almirah or window grills) as that
will weaken the wireless signals. Avoid mirrors as they can reflect the
wireless signals
away from the desired direction. Wireless routers generally ship with
omni-directional antennas but you can replace them with more powerful
uni-directional antennas and that will keep the signal from getting
broadcast in all directions.
Network Problems
5. Outside Wireless Signal Range
Action:
Use one of the options written below to measure the strength of
your wireless signal and try these ideas to expand the range of your Wi-
Fi. Ideally, you should place the router at a height in some central location
and away from other cordless devices. Make sure that the router is not
placed near something metallic (like an almirah or window grills) as that
will weaken the wireless signals. Avoid mirrors as they can reflect the
wireless signals
away from the desired direction. Wireless routers generally ship with
omni-directional antennas but you can replace them with more powerful
uni-directional antennas and that will keep the signal from getting
broadcast in all directions.
Network Problems
6. Wireless Network Configuration
Wi-Fi networks with encryption options like WPA or WEP turned on
require computers to use matching security keys when connecting. If
someone changes the encryption keys or password on the access point,
devices that worked before will suddenly be unable to establish sessions
and Internet connections. Likewise (though less likely), if the access point
settings are changed to require using a specific Wi-Fi channel number,
some computers may be unable to discover it.
Action:
Confirm that the Wi-Fi channel number and encryption keys on your
router have not recently changed (check with the network administrator if
necessary). When using a hotspot, follow the provider's instructors for
signing in carefully.
Network Problems
7. Broadband Router or Access Point Malfunctions
Home networks that use broadband routers are easier to manage
than those without one, but technical glitches with the router can also
prevent computers from connecting to the Internet. Router failures are
caused by overheating, excessive traffic, or simply a faulty unit. Typical
symptoms of a flaky router include computers on the network not being
able to obtain IP addresses, or the router console not responding to
requests.
Action:
Check the router's lights and console if possible to ensure it is
running and responding properly. Troubleshoot and reset the router if
necessary. Change the old router if necessary..
Network Problems
8. Blocked By Your Service Provider
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can choose to block access from
your account if you fail to make payment or otherwise violate the
provider’s Terms of Service. Especially when using paid hotspots that
charge by the hour or day, sometimes people forget to keep their
subscription updated. Other common reasons an ISP might block your
account include exceeding bandwidth caps, sending spam e-mail, and
downloading illegal or inappropriate content.
Action:
Contact your ISP if you suspect your account has been blocked.
Network Problems
9. Computer Glitches
Computers suffer from technical glitches or malfunctions. Although
relatively uncommon nowadays, a computer's network adapter hardware
might suddenly fail due to overheating or age. Failures in the operating
system software that control the adapter, on the other hand, can occur
frequently especially with computers that are heavily used. Viruses and
worms also may disable or block a computer's network interfaces from
functioning properly. If using a laptop or other mobile device, transporting
it from one location to another can corrupt the state of its network.
Action:
Check the computer and remove any malware that you will find. On
Windows computers, try resetting the network connection. Reboot the
computer if necessary.
Network Problems
10. Network Downtime
Those using satellite Internet service may notice they cannot
connect to the Internet during periods of very bad weather. Providers in
dense urban areas (including cellular Internet carriers) sometimes are
unable to support peaks in network traffic that causes sporadic outages
for some customers. Finally, those who subscribe to newer or more
complex forms of Internet services (such as fixed wireless broadband)
may experience more downtime than others as providers encounter more
issues with relatively less mature equipment.
Action:
If all else fails, contact your Internet provider to verify whether they
are experiencing an outage. Some providers also give advice on
troubleshooting problems connecting to their network.