Networking Support

How To Troubleshoot Network Connection Problems

February 19, 2024

Having network connectivity issues can be incredibly frustrating. However, there are several steps you can take to diagnose and resolve common network problems. In this guide, I will provide an in-depth look at techniques for troubleshooting network connection issues in both wired and wireless networks.

Identifying the Symptoms of Network Connectivity Problems

The first step in troubleshooting network issues is identifying the specific symptoms you are experiencing. Here are some of the most common indicators of a network connectivity problem:

Slow internet speeds – Pages and videos buffer slowly or fail to load entirely. This often indicates an issue with your internet connection rather than your local network.
Certain websites or services unavailable – You can access some sites and apps but not others. This points to a DNS issue or firewall misconfiguration.
No internet access – You cannot access any websites or internet-dependent apps. Your local network is likely disconnected from the internet.
Local network unavailable – You cannot access other devices on your local network like file shares or printers. This suggests your router or switch is malfunctioning.
Intermittent connectivity – Your network connectivity comes and goes. This is typically caused by loose cables, interference, or hardware failures.
IP address conflict – Two devices on your network get assigned the same IP address. This will prevent them from communicating properly.

Pay close attention to when and how connectivity issues occur. Try to isolate the problem to specific devices, locations, or types of traffic. This will aid troubleshooting.

Checking Ethernet Cable Connections

If you are experiencing network issues on a wired ethernet connection, the first thing to check is your cabling. Here’s how to verify your ethernet cables are properly connected:

Inspect cable ends – Make sure no pins are damaged or worn. Ethernet cables use RJ45 connectors with 8 small copper pins.
Reinsert cables – Remove both ends of a problematic ethernet cable and firmly reinsert them. Loose connections can cause intermittent issues.
Test different cables – Swap out suspect ethernet cables to see if the problem persists. This helps identify bad cables.
Check cable routes – Inspect along the cable’s path to make sure it is not stapled tightly or crimped, which can damage the internal wiring.
Verify port status – Most ethernet ports will have status lights that indicate a valid connection. Make sure these are illuminated.
Update network drivers – Outdated network adapter drivers can cause connectivity issues. Download updated drivers from your hardware manufacturer’s website.

Proper cable seating is crucial for maintaining a solid wired network link. Be sure to inspect your ethernet cabling first when troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting Wireless Network Connectivity

For Wi-Fi networks, connectivity problems typically stem from environmental factors interfering with signals between your router and devices. Here is how to troubleshoot wireless network issues:

Checking the Router Connection

Reboot the router – Cycle the power on your wireless router to clear any software issues disrupting connectivity.
Check router status lights – Most routers have LEDs that indicate proper operation. Consult your router documentation to diagnose any abnormal light patterns.
Log into the router admin interface – View the router admin panel to check for any noted connection failures, DHCP issues, or other alerts.
Replace router antennas – If your router uses external antennas, ensure they are snugly attached. Try swapping them out in case one is damaged.
Test with different router – Verify Wi-Fi connectivity using a different router or hotspot device. This will determine if your main router has failed.

Improving the Wireless Signal

Move router to a central location – Position your Wi-Fi router near the center of your usage area for optimal coverage. Keep it elevated and out in the open.
Check antenna orientation – Angle router antennas vertically to maximize signal broadcast range. Dual band routers may need unique 2.4GHz vs 5GHz antenna positioning.
Adjust wireless channel – Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app to detect congestion from neighboring networks. Then switch your router to a less crowded channel.
Eliminate sources of interference – Devices like cordless phones, baby monitors, and microwave ovens can disrupt Wi-Fi signals if too close. Maintain a good buffer between these and your router.
Add a wireless extender – For large homes, Wi-Fi extenders can rebroadcast your router’s signal to expand coverage. Place them halfway between the router and low signal areas.

Troubleshooting Client Connectivity Issues

Verify Wi-Fi is enabled – Make sure the Wi-Fi adapter on your computer, phone, or other client is switched on. Some have a physical toggle switch.
Check router connection status – View the Wi-Fi settings on your device to confirm it sees the network SSID, has sufficient signal strength, and can get an IP address via DHCP.
Toggle airplane mode – Turn airplane mode on and off to force your device to rediscover nearby Wi-Fi networks. This prompts it to reconnect if the existing connection has faltered.
Forget and rejoin network – Removing and rejoining the Wi-Fi network forces your device to rescan, authenticate, and establish a fresh wireless connection.
Restart your device – Power cycling your smartphone, laptop, or other wireless client will clear any stuck connection instances preventing proper association with the router.
Update wireless drivers – Outdated Wi-Fi adapter drivers on PCs and laptops can impede connectivity. Updating these drivers from your device manufacturer can resolve issues.
Close proximity to router – Test wireless connectivity right next to the router with line of sight. If this works, environmental interference is likely limiting range to remoter areas.

Using Network Utilities to Diagn diagnosing issues

Your computer includes built-in network utilities that provide detailed connection information to assist troubleshooting. Here are some key utilities to use:

ping

The ping command verifies basic connectivity to another network device. It sends ICMP test packets and reports roundtrip times and packet loss statistics. Slow or failed replies indicate an issue contacting the target.

ipconfig /all

The ipconfig /all command displays your computer’s network adapter settings and tcp/ip configuration in detail. This lets you confirm DHCP is working properly and verify related settings like DNS servers and default gateways needed for connectivity.

Pathping

pathping combines ping and traceroute to show connection latency and packet loss at each router hop between you and a target. High latency or loss at a specific hop means the issue lies along that path segment.

nslookup

nslookup queries DNS servers to resolve hostnames and domain names to IP addresses. Use it to check DNS functionality when you cannot access sites by name. Verify the results match your expectation.

netstat

netstat outputs active network connections, routing tables, and network interface statistics. Check for failures, errors, and unusual connection states that may indicate where problems arise.

Refer to your operating system’s documentation for using these and other built-in network utilities to analyze connectivity and narrow down issues.

When to Call a Professional

If you still cannot resolve network connectivity problems after thoroughly troubleshooting your equipment, layout, and configurations, it may be time to call a professional. Consult a managed IT services provider or network specialist if you encounter any of these situations:

You lack the technical expertise to diagnose advanced networking issues
New cabling must be installed to reach a remote location
ISP service appears to be down or inadequate at your location
Business-critical resources are impacted, like your email server or VoIP system
Security concerns, such as a Wi-Fi intruder or DDoS attack
Hardware failures requiring router, switch, or Wi-Fi extender replacement

A managed IT services provider can assess your network infrastructure health using advanced diagnostic tools and troubleshooting experience. This quickly resolves problems minimized business disruptions.

Maintaining Network Reliability

Preemptive maintenance is key to avoiding network issues and achieving consistently reliable connectivity. Here are some best practices:

Keep firmware on routers, switches, and other infrastructure updated
Periodically scan Wi-Fi environments and optimize channels
Visually inspect cables and connections for damage
Purchase quality CAT5/CAT6 Ethernet cables and replace old ones
Maintain reasonable router placement centralized to wireless clients
Clean up sources of RF interference that can disrupt Wi-Fi
Backup router and Wi-Fi configurations in case replacements are needed
Contact IT support at the first sign of connectivity problems

Taking a proactive approach allows you to detect and correct small network issues before they snowball into significant outages. Analyzing technical indicators like uplink port utilization, retransmits, and DNS latency can also prevent future problems. With constant monitoring and maintenance, you can minimize connectivity disruptions.

Troubleshooting network connection issues requires methodical analysis, but following the techniques outlined in this guide will allow you to systematically pinpoint the root cause. Knowing your options for checking wired links, optimizing Wi-Fi, using network utilities, and when to call a professional will help resolve problems quickly and maintain continuous connectivity across your environment.