How to Troubleshoot Network Connectivity Problems

Wireless networks are getting more pervasive and complicated behind the scenes. Due to the sophisticated nature of wireless networks, people often ask how to troubleshoot network connectivity problems. 

Undoubtedly, of the several types of computer issues you have, issues related to network are the worst.  Especially when you want to Cricut maker, explore air, video, or photo editing with your device. No matter how much your computer can accomplish offline, the very thought of working offline is quite irritating. What’s more, you can’t even search for the issues when you are not connected to the internet.

When we operate a network, there are always possibilities of failure in the smooth operation due to various faults. Hence, to ensure the uninterrupted running of the system, one has to opt for network troubleshooting. 

The process of identifying and minimizing the faults which occur in a specific network is known as troubleshooting. So let’s take a glance at the various ways with which you can diagnose and resolve network problems.       

How to Troubleshoot Network Connectivity Problems Effectively?

Network connectivity issues can arise at various points of the network. But before you start resolving the issue, you have to understand the real problem. It is always imperative to collect the right information whenever network issues plague you. Also, this would help you avoid wasting time on unnecessary fixes. 

Check and Reboot Hardware

Getting upset with the network issues wouldn’t help you much. The solution to the network issue may be quite simple. For instance, you can reboot the hardware components to restore network connectivity. No doubt, rebooting fixes a lot of problems. Hence, ensure that you restart the crucial hardware components in your network. 

Reboot your modem, router, and computer properly. Once you are done restarting, connect another device to the network. In case there are no connected devices to the network, the issue is probably with the hardware components. The problem may also lie with the local ISP who is providing you with internet services.  

If you want to know how to troubleshoot network connectivity problems, remember that the issue can lie with your computer too. At times, running an anti-malware scan in your computer also helps restore the network connectivity. 

Any malware with dangerous threat levels can interfere with your computer’s internet connectivity. Also, ensure that the firewall is not hindering the normal internet connection. You can also use another browser if you think that the current browser is not responding properly. 

Use ipconfig

Well, when there are issues with network connectivity, you need to possess some technical know-how. With the use of ipconfig, you can sort out nagging network issues with ease. To use ipconfig, you have first to open the command prompt.

Type “ipconfig” without quotes in the command prompt and press enter. You would find a series of numbers in the first line separated by periods. Your router’s IP would be the default gateway listed last. Moreover, the IP address of your computer would be the number next to the normal IP address. 

Note that if your computer’s IP address starts with 169, it is not receiving a valid IP address. On the other hand, if it starts anything apart from 169, your computer is allocated a valid IP address. You can opt for network troubleshooting tools online to get rid of connectivity issues.

  

Windows Network Troubleshooter

Well, the answer to how to troubleshoot network connectivity problems lies in your computer. You are in luck if you are using a Windows computer. To be frank, Windows comprises some built-in network troubleshooting steps and tools which can detect and address issues. 

To activate the Windows network diagnostics, click on the network icon in the system tray. You have to select “troubleshoot network issues.” Let the troubleshooter run and, if possible, stop all the background processes. Windows troubleshooter can fix mid-level network issues correctly. The Windows troubleshooter is a reliable option when you want to get back online in a hurry.  

Opt for Ping in the Command Prompt

As discussed earlier, if 169 is not present as a starting number, your IP address is valid. So you have narrowed down the problem, and now you know that the real issue is between the router and connection.

Press the Windows key and R simultaneously to open the command prompt. Type ping then followed by 8.8.8.8 to ping the DNS servers of Google. This command would send packets of data to Google. In case they are unable to send the data packets, you would notice some basic information behind this failure. 

On the other hand, if you want to monitor the pinging process continuously, you can add –t with the command. What’s more, you can also type tracert, space, and then followed by 8.8.8.8 in the command prompt section. With this command, you can see the information path clearly of the data packets. 

In case an error comes up as soon as you launch the command, the problem is probably with the local internet connection.     

Reassessing the Database Logs

At times, troubleshooting network issues with database logs can turn out to be an ideal solution. This is the reason that you have to reassess your database logs to ensure that the databases are functioning satisfactorily. 

Note that if there is no issue with the network, it might be the faulty database logs that are causing hindrance. In that case, you have to clean all the cache files from the database logs. This can help you to reinstate the network connection in a proper manner. 

Scenario Related to Faulty Ports

Many times, network connectivity can be disruptive due to faulty ports. Thus it is imperative to check that the port or interface on which the link relies is not shut down. What’s more, you can verify the duplex mode along with the speed of the ports too. On the other hand, if the port is functioning well, the problem persists, contact your ISP.

You can also check the indicator lights for any sign of an anomaly. Indicator lights would always radiate in case the port is malfunctioning physically. Apart from calling your ISP, you can configure the link on other free ports. 

Update Windows

At times, you can update Windows for troubleshooting network problems. We always tend to forget that a pending Windows update can slow things down. If there is a pending Windows update on your computer, try updating it as soon as you can. Your network issues can be caused by your computer. In that case, Windows could have released a fix. 

Update your Windows computer to the latest software release. But note that this troubleshooting step applies to any device you are using. Whether you are using a Mac or Android, updating your device’s software like design space is the first step to enjoy fast network connectivity. Updating your device also makes it less susceptible to crash down during network issues.

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Best Practices Related to Network Troubleshooting

To know how to troubleshoot network connectivity problems, people often tend to forget the best practices to solve connectivity issues. Well, it is quite accepted that no one loves redundant efforts. With the help of the best network troubleshooting practices, you can save time too. 

Get to the Bottom of the Issue

Getting to the bottom of the issue can help you solve your network connectivity issues. If you have the sound technical know-how, you can readily eliminate the network issues. But if you are a layman, you would face some difficulties while troubleshooting the network problems. 

That’s why getting to the bottom of the problem always helps. The primary step is to check all the hardware components that are connected to your network. Checking your computer for any updates can help solve various issues too. 

Double Check Access Points and Security

In the process of troubleshooting, it is normal to alter the access points. But it is a good idea to restore them to their original state as this can cause plenty of problems. Make sure that all the access permissions are intact as they should be. Check whether or not anybody has altered a sensitive part of access points accidentally. 

Taking note of these small issues can ensure the proper functioning of your internet network setup. Also, re-check all the firewalls and antivirus software and set them to their default state. If they aren’t set to their default state, there might be serious security risks.

Use of Network Troubleshooting Tools

To know how to troubleshoot network connectivity problems effectively, you can opt for tools. Network troubleshooting tools can help you save precious time as you don’t have to look for the issues manually. 

Network monitoring tools are extensively used in businesses and large-sized enterprises, where it is seemingly impossible to troubleshoot manually. But even if you have a mid-size business, you can opt for network monitoring tools. At least, your work productivity would not take a hit if you use these tools.  

Final Touch

To learn how to troubleshoot network connectivity problems, you have to consider various aspects. Before opting for expert help, you can troubleshoot the issues by yourself. In case the same issue happens over and again, you can sort it out. Follow the best practices of network troubleshooting and enjoy blazingly fast network connectivity.