To troubleshoot a network connection, check physical connectors, software settings, resource issues, and original specifications. Common uses include connecting computers to printers, the Internet, and other computers. Check for loose connections and confirm software settings. Review original specifications to ensure maximum load and correct cables and software. Restarting the computer may temporarily fix the problem, but it is not a long-term solution.
A network connection is a method of transmitting data from one computer or related device to another. Four key steps are required to troubleshoot a network connection: check physical connectors, confirm software settings, troubleshoot resource issues, and check original specifications. Common uses of network connections are connecting a computer to printers, the Internet, and other computers.
The first step in troubleshooting a network connection is to check all of the physical connectors. Look for loose connections, bare wires, and plugs into the wrong outlets. The network connector looks like a telephone connector and is easy to plug into the wrong jack. If you are using a wireless router to manage your network connections, check that the unit is working properly. Power surges can cause the router’s operating system to crash, resulting in a lost network connection.
Check the settings of your network management software. The types of software vary, but all record the Internet protocol (IP address) of connected computers, track data transfer rates, and tell which network hub or switch computers on the network are connected to. Write down the settings on the primary network operating system and check each individual computer to confirm they are correct.
See the list of current jobs or tasks running on the network. A job using all resources will stop processing any other requests from the network, simulating a problem with the network connection. If you see work that requires a significant amount of resources, stop the work or shut down your computer.
Review the original specifications for your network system. Make sure the maximum load has not been exceeded and that the correct type of cables and software are installed. These items may not cause network problems on a small network, but as a network grows, there is no longer the capacity to handle these problems, resulting in a performance issue.
The most common tip for quickly resolving a network connection problem is to turn your computer off and on again. This process terminates any existing connections or jobs and requires the computer to be reconnected. This might temporarily fix the problem, but it’s never a long-term solution.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
