How to Repair Internet Problems

The issue can happen in one of five locations

a) The computer
b) The ISP has an issue
c) The Router or Cable Modem
d) The Cabling from the Router or Modem to the ISP or Phone Exchange
e) The Wireless Connection or Cabling from the Router to the Computer

Now it is just a case of elimination to find the root of the Internet problem.

a) The computer
Do any other computers use the same internet connection? Do they have the same problem?



If yes proceed to the next section

If no and only a single computer is having the issue then this generally points towards a problem with the computer itself

1. The computer has a firewall blocking the computer receiving an IP address
2. The computer has static IP addressing credentials setup.
3. The network card is not installed or working correctly

b) The ISP has an issue
Even if your computer is showing a network connection, this means nothing as it could simply mean you have a network connection to your router and not from the router to your ISP, so in this case the easiest way is to check with your ISP, either from the service status on their home page or by phoning their customer service department.

If you find the ISP has no issue move onto the next section.

c) The Router or Cable Modem
Does the modem or router show an internet connected light?

It’s worth powering off all Routers and Modems for 30 seconds and powering back on (this will be the first thing your internet service provider will ask). You can also login to your Routers admin section to find out if there are any connection problems.

The Wireless Connection or Cabling From the Router to the Computer

If you cannot get a wireless connection try using an Ethernet cable instead

The Cabling From the Router or Modem to the ISP or Phone Exchange

This is perhaps the hardest problem to pinpoint as the connection runs all the way from the ISP to your Router or Cable modem.

computer adviser how to repair internet problems article

The only thing you can do is to ensure everything is working from the phone or cable socket.

The means making sure no cables are damaged, all phone extensions have filters and all connections are secure.

d) The Cabling from the Router or Modem to the ISP or Phone Exchange
This can be the hardest problem to pinpoint as most of it is out of your hands and your ISP or phone company will need to resolve this.

e) The Wireless Connection or Cabling from the Router to the Computer
A wired/Ethernet connection is more resilient than a Wi-Fi connection, a good way to test if the problem is connection based is to test using the wired connection if you’re computer uses Wi-Fi.

If the problem occurs on an Ethernet cable the easiest way to check is to try using another computer or cable.

Look on the router and check if it shows a connection light for your Ethernet cable, if it does it means there is connectivity between the computer and the router.

Read more here on accessing your routers admin console, this way you will be able to see if the router is actually connected to your ISP, plus which computers are connected to it.

Connectivity is one thing, but we need to make sure your computer is getting an IP address, read our article on IP addressing problems and fixes

For more on how to repair internet problems

computer adviser how to repair internet problems article