Problems with the Network

Network failures are most likely to occur and are also difficult to solve. Moreover, of all the computer problems you may encounter, network issues are considered one of the worst. And while today's computers can perform many functions offline, being cut off from the Internet is just like being cut off from the entire world. But fortunately, we know how to help you.

Why Might the Network Not Work

Understanding that even the most reliable and time-tested providers can run into problems is essential. Of course, the Internet doesn't disappear for even a second in a perfect world. But we don't live in a perfect world, and troubles happen. But there's nothing wrong with that if you know how to fix or prevent it. So, for example, you can contact two ISPs at once if you encounter a problem with your connection.

Solid providers always use backup power systems and redundant channels and monitor the situation around the clock. Therefore, in many cases, users are not even aware of accidents. However, you have to understand that there is no such thing as a perfect Internet. Even the most reliable systems experience crashes from time to time. So how do you keep risks to a minimum?

1. Use the services of reliable providers who have proven themselves in the market and are respected by your friends.

2. Try to assess your needs adequately. Perhaps you need a more expensive plan to meet your speed requirements? It allows you to download large files and watch videos simultaneously.

3. Choose a fiber-optic cable connection.

Fixing Internet Packet Loss

Packets are blocks of data of a specific size that your computer sends or receives when you study the content over the Internet. For example, when you visit a website, upload a photo, download a file, stream a video, or play a game, data is exchanged between your computer network troubleshooting and other remote devices and servers worldwide. This data is called packets.

Sometimes the distance between the starting point (where you are) and the destination (where the resource requested is located) is so long that the data cannot travel over it without errors. And as a result of these errors, Internet packets are lost. Many reasons affect information delivery. However, errors on the software side are the leading cause of failures.

Checking Your Device for Various Viruses

Computer network troubleshooting viruses and adware can also cause loss of Internet packets. Malware runs in the background and secretly transmits vast amounts of information. As a result, the Internet channel becomes clogged, and the troubleshooter network goes down. In addition, some ISPs block users that create a heavy load on the channel. And they resume access only after the viruses are removed. Try checking for viruses or downloading an app that scans for all viruses. When the program finds them, you should remove them, and everything will work.

Faulty Firmware

Faulty or outdated equipment can also cause several problems. So make sure that your router or hub is functioning correctly. Try updating the firmware through the settings panel, which is usually available at the address, but you can also use other addresses. In addition, you can download the current version of the firmware from the device manufacturer's website.

Just be careful to download the software specifically for your router model. Next, check the condition of the motherboard, connector, and cable. If necessary, repair or replace it. If the wire is new, it is not guaranteed to work. And coping with it can make mistakes, eventually affecting performance.

Influence of Connection Types

The types of Internet connection are mainly two types: wired and wireless. The wired type involves using a cable to connect to the Internet. The main advantage is stability and cheapness, as there is no need to buy a router. Wireless (Wi-Fi, USB modems) is convenient for connecting to the Internet at a distance but highly dependent on signal quality. Radio frequency interference, the distance from the signal source, and the device's serviceability are affected by wireless diagnosis networks.

Shutting Down All Equipment

Maybe there was an error, so try unplugging everything, wait a few minutes, and plug it in again. If this method does not help diagnose network faults, call your ISP and ask them what might have happened. For example, the provider may be doing some work on their servers, which can cause problems with your network.

The Integrity of Wires and Correctness of Their Connection

If a message appears on the monitor when you turn on the computer that there is no signal, the first thing to do is to check the cable used to connect the monitor to the laptop. We can distinguish two problems: the cable may have lost contact where it connects to the computer or monitor, or the cable is faulty and needs to be replaced. So, first of all, you should check if the wires are working and connected correctly.

How to Diagnose a Network Fault

The troubleshooter can help diagnose the network and resolve common network problems. Using this tool can help establish connectivity. So to run the network troubleshooting, you should do the following:

1. Type Network Troubleshooting in the search box on the taskbar, and then select Network Troubleshooting from the results list.

2. Follow the troubleshooting instructions and check to see if the problem has been corrected.

Checking Your Device's Network Address

Internet Protocol can be an identifying network problem for gadgets connecting to the Internet. If you know the IP of a device, you can determine the location of its owner or provider. Therefore, hackers can connect to the tech remotely, knowing only the IP. For example, you can check if it so as follows:

1. Log in to your profile;

2. Go to settings;

3. Go to "Recent sessions."

If that list contains someone else's IP, you should click on "log out of all sessions." The service will disable the false addresses from all gadgets except the current one. To log in again, you must enter the login and password of the profile within the service. You can only find out the IP if the device is now online. And when you connect from a new location, the computer's address also changes. It depends on the router to which it is connected.

How Do I Check My Network Address

There are five ways to check your connection type:

• Сonnect and disconnect from the Internet by checking IP through services;

• See the settings of the device or router. The mechanism of IP checking is described in the router's manual;

• Read the contract with your provider;

• Log in to a personal cabinet where your ID number is specified;

• Call the provider and get detailed information.

You can find the IP on Android gadgets in four network troubleshooting steps:

1. Go to "Settings;"

2. Turn off Wi-Fi;

3. Go to "Phone Details;"

4. Go to the "Status" tab. Below will be a line with the IP.

Update the Network Card Driver

Check if an updated driver is available.

1. Enter Device Manager in the search box on the taskbar, and then select Device Manager from the results list.

2. In Device Manager, select diagnose network cards and then choose the name of the appropriate adapter.

3. Right-click (or press and hold) the networking troubleshooting card, and then select Update Driver → Search Automatically Updated Driver. Follow the instructions on the screen, and then choose Close.

4. After installing the updated driver, if you are prompted to restart your computer, click Start and then Power → Restart. Then check to see if the network problem is resolved.

Contact Your Provider

If none of the options help at all, it is worth finding your provider's phone number and calling to find out the relevant information about the malfunction of your diagnosed network. They can also advise you on how to improve the situation. Otherwise, you can get Microsoft Windows support on Howly. After all, this consulting service has the best experts in the tech industry who can solve the problem quickly and efficiently and do it at any time of the day or night. If the issue has already arisen, go to the Howly website and enter your question in the pop-up window.

How Do I Update My Windows Device

1. Click Start > All Programs > Windows Update Center.

2. Click the "Check for updates" link in the Windows Update window. It will take some time to search for and check for updates so that you can do other things in the meantime.

3. In the dialog box on the screen, click the "Updates Available" link to see all connections to necessary updates.

4. In the next window that displays all available updates, select the critical or optional updates you would like to install. After that, click the "OK" button.

5. The Windows Update window appears again, and you should click the "Install Updates" button. It will display an indicator showing the process of installing updates.

6. When the installation is complete, a message prompts the user to restart the computer to complete the installation process, so you need to click the "Restart" button.

Setting Up DHCP

To configure the server, you need the DHCP snap-in. You can run it from the "Tools" menu of the Server Manager or by pressing Win+R. First, you must create a scope, a range of IP addresses issued to clients. Since your DHCP server will only give out IPv4 addresses, go to the IPv4 section, right-click on it and select "New Scope" in the menu that appears. Next, set the area's name and, if necessary, its description.

Then you should specify the range of IP addresses and the prefix/subnet mask. Remember that the mask determines the possible number of addresses in the diagnose network; for example, a diagnose network with the prefix 24 contains 254 addresses. By the way, it is not necessary to allocate all the available addresses for the area, and you can leave a dozen or two, just in case, for servers or diagnose network devices.

If necessary, you can exclude one or more IP addresses from your creating area by adding them to Exclusions. Exclusions may be required if there are already manually issued addresses in the specified subnet. The following network troubleshooting steps are to set the Lease Duration, the period for which the IP address is issued to the client.

The choice of this parameter directly depends on the characteristics of the served-to-diagnose network. So if there are many frequently changing clients (e.g., public network), the lease duration should be less, and if the diagnose network is static and rarely changes (enterprise network), then the lease duration can be increased. For example, the default lease time in Windows is eight days.

Then enter the domain name and add DNS servers by specifying the server name, clicking "Resolve," or indicating the IP address. You can immediately activate the domain or postpone this action. Congratulations! Setting up the DHCP server is complete. And finally, you only need to check the server.

Final Words

In this article, we've covered the most common network problems and how to solve them. After that, you can easily apply what you've learned to fix the problem or go straight to the experts at Howly if you don't have much time to spare. Whatever you choose, we're sure you'll succeed.