An interruption in internet connectivity could be catastrophic for any company which can result in lower efficiency, revenue loss as well as customer complaints. The costs of downtime for the internet are often very costly as high as $5,600 per hour in some instances. Just a few minutes of Wi-Fi and internet issues could greatly impact your company’s bottom revenue. To avoid the negative effects it is essential to understand how to identify and address the issue head-on.
Electric’s IT Support Analyst Jairo Lino advises us to “check other devices to determine if the issue is confined to a single device or is affecting several devices. If additional devices are not connecting the issue could lie related to Internet service providers (ISP) or the network device. Make sure to contact your ISP to find out whether there are problems in your area.”
If the first step did not resolve the issue, and you’re still unable to access the Internet, try these tips for troubleshooting your network to bring your network back up and running.
Can’t Connect to the Internet? Here’s 15 Ways to Troubleshoot
1. Check for Physical Connectivity Issues
Sometimes internet connections can be interrupted due to simple problems such as a loose, disconnected connection to the network, modem, or router. Or, if you’re using an internet-connected wireless network, your devices can’t connect to wifi.
If you’re using an Apple device, you can check your Wi-Fi settings by going to Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi. Then, switch the Wi-Fi to the “On” position. For Windows Click on “Wi-Fi (or “No Internet”) icon on the taskbar to verify that Wi-Fi is turned on.
If you are browsing on your tablet or smartphone Check your Wi-Fi settings to make sure it’s enabled Also, make sure that your device does not have Airplane Mode enabled.
For wired connections, look at the Ethernet cables connecting with your router. If it appears that one cable is at fault you can try replacing it with a different one or switching ports.
2. Restart the Router and Modem
Restarting your router may help resolve the connectivity issue on your internet. If your router is not working for a while it is possible to bring it back online. Rebooting your router can fix the issue.
The software and hardware components of a modem or router can cause problems from time to time In the same way your computer should be regularly restarted to restart running processes and clean the cache. To perform a quick restart:
- Unplug the modem and router.
- For at least 30 seconds, after which connect the modem to switch it on.
- For another 60 seconds, plug in the router, and switch it on.
- Give yourself two minutes before determining whether your connection has been restored.
Rebooting your modem or router is a good idea however, if it gets to the point that you have to reboot it daily or several times per week to resolve connectivity issues, it could be that you require a new modem or router. In such a situation you should contact your local ISP could be required.
3. Evaluate Software Problems
Security policies may be the cause of your connectivity problems. For instance, several new generation antivirus software such as Norton and ThreatDown have security for network intrusions that act as firewall software in blocking and filtering dangerous traffic.
When you install two different software firewalls on the same machine, like a Windows Firewall and a third-party, private firewall, the competition between them may result in a mistaken blocking of traffic. If you’ve recently added or upgraded a firewall on your PC try disabling it for a short period to find out if it’s the source of the issue.
4. Check If You’re Outside the Wireless Signal Range
If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, the speed of your connection may vary based on the distance that lies between the Wireless Access Point and the device. The further you get to the router, or the wireless access point the slower the internet connection will be and any further fluctuations could cause a complete breakdown. Signal interference in your area may also restrict the range of your Wi-Fi connection.
Wi-Fi extenders or boosters can provide an easy solution to this issue when you aren’t able to move closer to your router. they will help increase the range and speed that your WiFi network offers. Alternately, you can use the Ethernet cable to link your computer to an access point which can provide more stability to your connection.
5. Check Service Isn’t Being Blocked
In some instances, Internet Service Providers (ISPs)can decide to stop access to your account for not paying or violating the terms of Service. If you’re using paid hotspots that charge per hour or every day it’s easy to ensure that your subscription is up-to-date.
In other instances you may find that your ISP may block your account if you’re over bandwidth limits, downloading illicit indecent content or unwanted emails. The majority of internet providers will inform users when they attempt to access a website when their account is suspended. It is a good idea to notify your ISP immediately if you suspect your account is suspended.
6. Start Windows Network Diagnostics and Check your DNS settings
Windows comes with a program known by the name of Windows Network Diagnostics that allows users to troubleshoot internet connectivity problems. Simply go to Windows Settings > Network & Internet > Status. Then, go to Network Settings and then click Troubleshooter.
This Windows Network Diagnostics tool will conduct a series of tests to identify what could be the cause of your issues with internet connectivity. If an issue is identified, Windows will give you an array of actions you can take to restore your connection.
A lot of SoHo (Small Office/Home Office) routers act as DNS servers automatically. However certain SoHo routers are not built to handle the high CPU load that the DNS service may put on the device, therefore it’s best practice to replace both the main and second DNS servers within the NIC (Network Interface Card) setting manually using Google DNS (8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4).
7. Check the Wi-Fi Adapter
The settings of the Wi-Fi adapter may often cause connectivity problems. To determine if this is the case, head over to the Device Manager under Network Adapters, then select your adapter’s name. Choose Advanced and then look for the Wireless Mode setting to make sure that it’s set to the mode that your network is running.
8. Reset Internet Explorer Settings
If your browser is Internet Explorer, perform the following reset of your browser’s settings to see if it can restore your connection.
- Close all programs currently open.
- Open Internet Explorer > Tools > Internet options, and then choose the Advanced tab.
- Open Reset Internet Explorer Settings and then click Reset.
- Allow your default settings to be restored then select the Close button, then OK, and then restart your device.
9. Reset Network Settings
A network reset is one of the alternatives you explore in case you’re unable to connect to the internet as it can impact other software that you may be using. However, a reset of the network is often required when it is the case that you’ve recently completed the OS upgrade.
On Windows start by opening Settings > Network and Internet » Advanced settings for network and then Network reset. In this window, click Reset Now, and click Yes to confirm.
If you’re using Apple devices, go to your Apple Settings menu, then System Preferences and Network. Select the name of your Wi-Fi then click the minus sign and then select Apply. You can then add your settings for connection through the + symbol choosing the Wi-Fi you are connected to, and then click Apply.
10. Restart File/Windows Explorer
To find a quick solution to troubleshooting on your computer try rebooting File Explorer. Use CTRL + Alt + DEL to access the Task Manager and scroll until you see File Explorer (or Windows Explorer in old versions or versions of Windows). Right-click and select Restart.
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11. Check Windows Services
Similar to the previous step, you can start The Task Manager on your computer by pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL. Click the Services tab, and then select Open Services at the bottom of the page. Look for DHCP on the list and verify whether the status is set to running. If it is marked as stopped or Disabled, right-click and choose Properties. Change the type of startup to Automatic, then choose Start, Apply, and then OK.
12. Forget Wi-Fi Network
If your network settings changed recently it is possible that you will not be able to connect to the Wi-Fi network that you had previously saved. To resolve this issue go to Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi and Manage networks. Choose the network you want to connect to and select Forget. After that, click the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar to locate and connect to the network.
13. Reboot the Computer
Defects in the software running on your operating system that controls the adapter are common.
This is why it’s always recommended to reboot your computer. In doing this you will be able to clean the cache and make sure the settings aren’t following outdated configurations.
This is a frequent occurrence. After applying all the correct modifications the correct changes, it’s only after rebooting that computer, the changes take effect.
14. Contact Your Internet Service Provider
When you’re connected to a satellite Internet provider you might notice that your connection isn’t as reliable in times that are characterized by extreme weather. Sometimes internet service providers or cellular internet providers in cities with high populations aren’t able to handle high volumes of traffic on their networks, which can result in intermittent downtimes for certain users. If you’re unable to determine why you’re not able to connect to the internet or get online, your ISP can provide you with a clear and accurate explanation.
15. Reach Out to IT Professionals
In the end, if you’ve tried everything, but your internet connection continues to fail to be restored, it’s recommended to contact an expert IT support team to resolve the problem and fix your connection before the downtime affects your business further. It is also possible to try no cost our AI-powered IT assistance, sign up to test electric today!
If your business partners together with Electric Electric, the Electric staff of IT experts will be able to identify the connectivity issues you are experiencing and solve them your connectivity issues. Electric offers a cutting-edge and user-friendly IT management system that streamlines IT for small businesses. With our complete set of tools and professional guidance, you can handle every aspect of IT from one central location starting with devices and employees to security and applications.
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