The process of monitoring, recognising, and addressing network-related issues is known as network troubleshooting. It can also be characterised as a logical procedure that network engineers use to ensure high speed internet and improve overall network operations.
To maintain smooth operations, troubleshooting is a repetitive, thorough, and effective procedure that requires regular study and testing of individual network components.
What is the significance of network troubleshooting?
Network troubleshooting is critical because it assists IT administrators in understanding network component issues, reducing downtime, and improving the network’s Quality of Service (QoS) for users.
It is easier to diagnose issues, discover network slowdown immediately, analyse latency measurements, trace packets, and more with an effective and dependable network monitoring system.
In addition to troubleshooting, network monitoring systems help manage network configurations and monitor vital metrics such as packet data and capacity to ensure the seamless operation of mission-critical business processes.
With the increasing demand for smart home devices and the storage of all data in the cloud, it has become extremely important to have a strong internet connection. A lag in the internet may cause you a lot of trouble. Moreover, if you own a business, then your company may have to face a severe loss if there are any internet issues. Even a few minutes of internet disconnectivity can have a major impact on your company’s bottom line. Thus, it is very important to know how to troubleshoot the connection on your own so that you can do it on your own without calling your internet service provider.
What are the common issues that occur with networks?
Network issues can crop up for various reasons, including sudden spikes in bandwidth usage, security breaches, hardware glitches, and adjustments made within applications. Let’s delve into a few of these causes:
High Bandwidth Usage: More extensive bandwidth facilitates faster data transfer between devices via the internet. When users engage in activities like downloading large files, sharing folders, or streaming video content, it can lead to network congestion due to the heightened demand for bandwidth, resulting in a slowdown.
Faulty Hardware: A common culprit behind network performance problems is malfunctioning network hardware. Routers, switches, cables, and other devices within the network ecosystem must be correctly configured and subjected to regular testing to ensure smooth operation.>
High CPU Utilization: Network traffic surges can significantly increase CPU usage as a larger volume of network packets traverse the network. This elevated traffic load can overwhelm the network, necessitating higher CPU utilization to process the incoming requests effectively.
Poor Physical Connectivity: The integrity of network cables is crucial. Damaged or defective cables can introduce errors since they directly interface with network equipment. Cable issues can lead to packet loss and a reduction in the volume of data transmitted.
Network administrators rely on various software tools to monitor and mitigate these network issues. These tools encompass network monitoring, security, configuration management, and change management applications. By utilizing such software, network administrators gain insights into network activities, enabling them to proactively identify potential problems and take preventive measures to avoid downtime and mitigate damage.
How do I troubleshoot the connection?
Examine if there is an issue with physical connectivity:
A simple issue such as a loose cable, modem, or router may impact your wireless network. It’s also possible that your computer’s wireless network interface card is disabled. Therefore, you should double-check your Wi-Fi settings before flipping the Wi-Fi switch to the “On” position. You should make sure that Wi-Fi is enabled on your mobile device before you start browsing online.
You should also double-check the Ethernet wires linked to your router if you have wired connections. If you doubt that there is a faulty cable, then replace the cable with a new one.
Check if the issue is with the website:
There is also a high chance that a specific website is not loading. To rule out this possibility, you can always visit another website. If you see that other websites that you have visited are functioning well, then it means that there is a problem with the website that you wanted to browse. In such a situation, you will have to wait for the website owners to fix the issue on their end. Moreover, if you find that there is no service outage, then you can check your browser’s cache. You can also try to visit the website with a different browser. If you find that the issue is with the browser, then delete the cache and cookies.
Check for software issues:
Strict firewall configurations and security policies may constitute the fundamental source of connectivity challenges. Numerous modern antivirus solutions, exemplified by Norton and Malwarebytes, comprise network intrusion protection functionalities akin to software firewalls, actively scrutinising and impeding potentially malicious network traffic. In situations where dual software firewalls are concurrently operational, such as the native Windows Firewall and an external third-party firewall, conflicts between these systems may inadvertently impede network traffic flow. In light of this, a judicious troubleshooting strategy, especially subsequent to installing or updating a firewall on the system, involves the temporary suspension of the firewall. This step serves as a diagnostic measure to ascertain whether the firewall is indeed the underlying cause of the encountered connectivity issues.
Scan for viruses and malware:
Occasionally, your internet connection might suffer due to malicious software residing on your computer, such as spyware, viruses, or malware. These unwelcome guests can significantly impact your web browsing speed and overall system performance. When everything else seems inexplicable, it’s advisable to run a virus scan using tools like Windows Defender for Windows users or other free and paid antivirus utilities. It’s worth noting that even Mac users should consider investing in reliable antivirus software since, contrary to popular belief, Macs are not impervious to infections.
Check DNS setting:
Windows Network Diagnostics is a valuable tool in Windows that is designed to help users to troubleshoot any internet issues. Here is a method through which you can take help of Windows Network Diagnostics:
Go to the Windows Settings menu, which can be achieved by either selecting the gear icon within the Start menu or utilizing the “Win + I” keyboard shortcut.
Proceed to the “Network & Internet” section.
Under the “Status” category, navigate down and locate the “Network Troubleshooter.”
Select the “Network Troubleshooter” option.
Once you’ve activated it, the Windows Network Diagnostics tool will take you on a series of tests, aimed at unveiling the culprits behind your internet connection woes. If any problems are detected during these tests, Windows will provide you with a comprehensive list of recommended actions to rectify the situation.
Check for the internet package:
If you notice that your internet connection is not performing as fast as expected, you can conduct a speed test on any website designed for this purpose. This test will provide you with a number, which usually measures in megabits per second and reflects the actual speed your computer is currently experiencing. Following the speed test, visit your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) website and review your billing details. If the speed test result matches the speed specified on your bill, it indicates that you receive the internet speeds you’ve subscribed to. However, if the speed feels insufficient for your needs, consider upgrading to a faster plan. On the other hand, if the speed test result is significantly lower than what you’re paying for, it suggests that there might be an issue, and it’s recommended to proceed with troubleshooting to address the problem.
Reboot the computer:
Frequent occurrences of failures in the operating system software responsible for regulating the adapter are not uncommon. It is advisable to regularly restart one’s computer to clear the cache and prevent the persistence of outdated configurations in the system settings. This phenomenon is observed with regularity. Occasionally, despite implementing all appropriate modifications, the solution needs to be revised. Under such circumstances, the fixes’ application occurs only after the computer is restarted.
In conclusion, there are several methods you can use to investigate potential internet outages on your own. However, if these initial attempts don’t resolve the problem, it’s time to contact your provider for some assistance.
If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) confirms that there’s no widespread outage in your area, they can conduct diagnostics on your modem to ensure it’s effectively communicating with their network. During this diagnostic process, they may uncover various potential issues, such as a weak signal, registration problems with your device, outdated equipment (even if it’s rented from the ISP), or system glitches. Sometimes, it might simply be an oversight, like forgetting to pay your internet bill. In such cases, the ISP can provide the necessary guidance to address the specific problem and get your internet back up and running smoothly.
You should always hire an Internet Service Provider like Brilliant Mind, that provides 24*7 customer support so that no internet outage can have any negative impact on your personal or professional life.