How to Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection
Table of Contents
- Check the equipment
- Test your connection
- Test different devices
- Check another website
- Restart your modem or router
- Check the wires
- Contact the Internet Service Provider
- Conclusion
Having issues with your internet connection can be very frustrating. While the provider may be at fault for this at times, it’s not always the case. No matter how you are connected to the internet, you may be able to sort out the disrupted connection from your end.
We would like to state that restarting your modem isn’t the only solution available to you. Instead, we will try to explain how you can find out the actual cause of the issue and the steps you can take to improve your connection and its speed. You can also try a combination of a few solutions and sort out the problem.
Check the equipment
If you have had a look at your router/modem, you’ve probably noticed a few lights, some steady, some blinking. These lights are there for a reason. Mainly, to indicate what’s the status of your internet device. The lights may be labeled differently on different models, but they all mean the same. Understanding the meaning of LED lights can help you diagnose the problem quickly.
The light of the internet connection on the router could be labeled as WLAN, Internet, or with an icon of a globe. This light should, in most cases, be on. If the light is blinking, or if it’s showing as red, the router is unable to connect to the internet. If the lights on the router are not indicating the issue, you can move on to the next steps.
Test your connection
If your wireless connection isn’t stable, try to connect to the internet with the help of an Ethernet cable. The Ethernet cable can connect your laptop, directly to the router. All you need to do is plug the cable in the Ethernet port and the other end at the back of the router. By creating this direct connection, you will be able to bypass some security measures that are part of the router.
If the cable helps you connect to the internet, the issue exists with the Wi-Fi. But, if you still don’t have an internet connection, the problem may be your device.
Test different devices
Your device may be the cause of the problem instead of the connection. If your laptop isn’t connecting to the internet, try to see if your phone or your tablet can connect to the internet. If the connection is established on any other device, you can rule out the internet as the cause of the problem. On the other hand, if none of your devices can connect to the internet you may want to contact your internet service provider.
Check another website
If you are unable to access the website, the site may be unavailable or down. Try accessing any other website to ensure that the problem isn’t with that particular website. If you are unable to access another website, try to implement one of the other tips.
Restart your modem or router
One of the first things you are asked to do in case the internet isn’t working is to restart the wireless router. You shouldn’t skip this, because this simple step, may help kick start your internet back into action. Whether you have a cable or fiber internet connection, you may be able to solve the concern with this simple step. To find a reliable internet connection, browse through the AT&T bundles that are available.
All you need to do is switch off the router using the on/off switch or unplug the router for sixty seconds. Plug it back in and wait for the internet connection to be established once again. You can also restart your device.
Check the wires
If you are connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable, you may want to check the condition of the wire. If your wire turns around a sharp corner or slips in under your door, chances are that your wire is damaged or cut in someplace. If that happens, your connection may not work properly or at all. If you have pets in your house, you may want to check if any part of the wire has been chewed on. By replacing the wire, you will be able to reinstate the connection.
If you have a DSL connection, you may want to check the phone lines. Swap them out with new ones to reinstate the connection.
Also, ensure that the cables are properly fitted into their sockets or outlets. A loose connection may cause the internet to disable continuously. Fit the cable firmly into the socket to ensure no disruptions in your connection.
Remember, there are different types of Ethernet cables that are available in the market. Choose the right type when you want to replace it.
Contact the Internet Service Provider
You may not be the only one facing these issues. By contacting the provider, you can immediately be informed if there is an internet outage, or if the service is down. If you have tried everything from your end, your provider may be able to run a diagnostic and help you find the issue.
Conclusion
Starting with restarting the wireless router may not always solve your problems. In that case, you can try any one of the listed tips to help you resolve your issue. AT&T Internet plans are usually reliable but contacting the provider can help you find the underlying cause of any existing problem.
