Despite the best efforts to keep things flowing every day, things do happen. When we are faced with network problems, we usually end up spending hundreds of dollars on technicians to come and solve our problems. The truth is, you can solve most of the common network problems you face in everyday life.
Here is an overview of some common network problems, some tips to resolve them quickly:
1. Duplicate IP Address
When two or more devices attempt to share the same IP address, an “Address already in use” warning is displayed. The error often lies in the default DHCP configuration of the router. Whenever a new device is introduced into the Internet connection, the router automatically assigns the new device to a DHCP server.
Solution:
Simply disable the DHCP server on the new device and connect to the internet again.
2. IP Address Exhaustion
To work around this problem, use the "ipconfig" command. If the workstation has assigned itself an IP address starting with 169.x.x.x, this means that no IP address was available from the DHCP server.
Some wired Internet users may not have a local router, in which case IP addresses are assigned to some extent directly by your ISP. You probably no longer have IP addresses authorized by your ISP.
Otherwise, if you already have a local router with DHCP, the default address pool may be too small for your network.
Solution:
Invest in a standalone router or a Wi-Fi router access point with a built-in router. If you already have a local router with DHCP, access the router's DHCP settings to increase the address pool size to meet your network needs.
3. DNS Problem
Common network issues such as "The network path cannot be found", "IP Address Can't Be Found" or "DNS name does not exist" are usually caused by DNS configuration issues.
Solution:
Configure your workstations and devices to use their own DNS server. Checking your adapter's Internet Protocol Version 4 (IPV4) settings will show if an incorrect DNS server has been specified, instead, select "Obtain DNS server address automatically".
4. Slow Internet Connection
The most common network problem that users face and they don't know how to fix it.
Slow performance is usually caused by congestion or sometimes poor quality connections that have been corroded or degraded.
Solution:
Plug an Ethernet cable into your laptop or desktop computer to see if the network is still slow, if it's going smoothly resetting the router will do the trick.
If your internet speed is slow even on your ethernet cable, check if any running background tasks are choking your bandwidth, otherwise it might be time to switch ISPs.
5. Local Network Can't Connect To The Internet
Oftentimes the hardest part of dealing with an external network problem is finding the responsible company and then hiring them to fix the problem. Sometimes this can be such a problem that organizations will have to change ISPs to resolve the issue.
Solution:
Start by restarting your router and modem. The TRACERT utility can then be used to identify communication interruptions and hang on the specific router hop that is causing the problem. Contact your ISP with the results, presenting screenshots if necessary.
6. Single Workstation Can't Connect To The Internet
If only one workstation displays the "No Internet" message when opening a web browser, we can generally assume that the rest of the network is healthy and turn our attention to any hardware and software specific to that system. .
Solution:
Check for obvious communication barriers such as defective cable, poor Wi-Fi signal, faulty network card or bad drivers. Ensure the workstation network card is configured with the correct IP, subnet, and DNS servers.
7. Internet Connection Keeps Dropping
We all hate it when you are surfing the internet and your network suddenly goes down. Sometimes you see the lights fade from the modem and router. Anyone using a cable or fiber internet connection faces this problem. If you are using more than one splitter network, this is likely to happen from time to time.
Solution:
Most network splitters are -7dB, try replacing it with -3.5dB and you will see a difference in network speed and consistency. Also, if you are using a three-way splitter but only use the two connections, you should only use a two-way network.
Conclusion
If you get consistently slow internet speeds, you should take an online speed test to see if you are getting the bandwidth you are paying for.
Now with a better understanding of how your network works, you can prepare for the inevitable, and you can even train end-users to solve simple problems on their own
If you find that none of the above suggestions work for you, you should contact your Internet service provider for network troubleshooting.
Not sure how to secure your network and data?
Call us at +65 6262 0402 or email us at care@acebizservices.com to get the information details on your needs.
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