Simple Steps to Troubleshoot Common Network Connectivity Issues
The First Response to Downtime
Before calling your IT support team, there are simple, systematic troubleshooting steps that staff can take to resolve most common network and internet connectivity problems, saving time and costs.
The Troubleshooting Hierarchy
- **Check the Local Connection (Isolate the Problem):** Is the network cable plugged in? Is the Wi-Fi connected? Does the internet work for other devices in the office? If yes, the problem is local to your device.
- **Reboot the Device:** A simple restart of the computer often clears software conflicts or stalled network processes.
- **Check the Router/Modem Status:** Look at the lights on the modem and router. A flashing or red light (often labeled ‘Internet’, ‘WAN’, or ‘Status’) indicates a problem between your office and the ISP. If the lights are off, check the power supply.
- **Power Cycle the Network Gear:** Turn off the router and modem. Wait 30 seconds. Turn the modem on first, wait 60 seconds, then turn the router on. This often forces the equipment to reconnect successfully to the ISP.
- **Verify Server Status (Internal Network):** If only internal files/printers are inaccessible, verify the status of the local server or network switch. If the problem persists after these steps, contact your ISP or IT Support with the results of your checks.
Always start with the simplest solution (reboot) before moving to complex steps.