Network Troubleshooting Guide - Fix Common Issues

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Before diving into complex diagnostics, try these basic steps that resolve most common issues:

Step 1: The Classic Restart

Unplug your modem and router power cables
Wait 30 seconds (allows capacitors to fully discharge)
Plug in the modem first, wait for it to fully boot (1-2 minutes)
Plug in the router, wait for it to fully boot
Restart your computer/device

This simple step resolves approximately 80% of connectivity issues.

Step 2: Check Physical Connections

All cables are securely connected
No visible damage to cables
Modem/router lights indicate normal operation
Try a different ethernet cable if using wired connection

Step 3: Test Multiple Devices

Check if the problem affects:

All devices: Likely ISP or modem/router issue
One device: Device-specific problem
Wired devices work, Wi-Fi doesn't: Router/Wi-Fi issue

No Internet Connection

When you have no internet access at all, follow these steps:

Check Modem Lights

Solid green: Normal operation

Blinking yellow: Establishing connection

Red or off: No signal - contact ISP

Command Line Diagnostics

Check your IP configuration:

# Windows
ipconfig

# Mac/Linux
ifconfig

Test connectivity to your router:

ping 192.168.1.1

(Replace with your router's IP)

Test internet connectivity:

ping 8.8.8.8

If Router Responds But No Internet

• Check if ISP has outage in your area
• Verify account is in good standing (bills paid)
• Check modem connection to ISP (WAN port)
• Contact ISP if modem shows no sync signal

Slow Internet Speed

When internet works but is slower than expected:

First: Run a Speed Test

Compare your actual speed to what you're paying for:

Common Causes of Slow Speed

Too Many Devices

Disconnect unused devices or use QoS settings

Background Downloads

Check for system updates, cloud sync, or streaming

Wi-Fi Interference

Move closer to router or switch to 5GHz band

Peak Usage Times

ISP congestion typically occurs 7-11 PM

Malware

Run antivirus scan to check for bandwidth-consuming malware

Wi-Fi Problems

Can't Connect to Wi-Fi

Verify you're connecting to the correct network name (SSID)
Double-check the password (case-sensitive)
Forget the network and reconnect
Toggle Wi-Fi off and on
Check if MAC filtering is enabled on router

Weak Wi-Fi Signal

• Move closer to the router
• Remove obstacles between device and router
• Switch from 5GHz (faster but shorter range) to 2.4GHz
• Change Wi-Fi channel in router settings
• Consider a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system

Wi-Fi Keeps Disconnecting

• Update Wi-Fi adapter drivers
• Disable power saving for Wi-Fi adapter
• Update router firmware
• Check for interference from other devices
• Reset network settings on your device

DNS Issues

If you can ping IP addresses but can't access websites by name, you likely have a DNS problem.

Fix DNS Problems

1. Flush DNS Cache:

# Windows
ipconfig /flushdns

# Mac
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

# Linux
sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

2. Try Alternative DNS Servers:

Cloudflare

1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1

Google

8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4

Advanced Diagnostics

Using Traceroute

Traceroute shows the path packets take to reach a destination:

# Windows
tracert google.com

# Mac/Linux
traceroute google.com

Look for high latency or timeouts at specific hops to identify bottlenecks.

Checking for Packet Loss

ping -n 100 8.8.8.8    # Windows
ping -c 100 8.8.8.8    # Mac/Linux

More than 1% packet loss indicates network issues that need investigation.

Network Reset (Last Resort)

If all else fails, reset network settings:

Windows: Settings → Network & Internet → Network reset

Mac: Delete network preferences and recreate

Router: Factory reset (use reset button - note: you'll lose settings)

Useful Diagnostic Tools

Speed Test

Test your download, upload, and ping

Traceroute

Trace the path packets take

DNS Resolver

Test DNS resolution and response times

Speed Optimization Guide

Learn how to maximize your internet speed