Learning how to repair internet problems is usually pretty straight forward.

The issue can happen in one of five areas

• The computer
• The ISP has an issue
• The Router or Cable Modem
• The Wireless Connection or Cabling From the Router to the Computer
• The Cabling From the Router or Modem to the ISP or Phone Exchange

Now it is just a case of elimination to find the root or pinpoint the issue when trying to repair internet problems .

The Computer
Do any other computers use the same internet connection? Do they have the same problem?

Yes
This could mean an issue with your Router or Cable modem (if you have one), ISP, or
Cabling

No
1. This will most likely be a local issue with your pc.
a) Something is preventing the computer receiving an IP address normally firewall or security software.
b) TCP/IP is setup for static IP addressing.
c) The network is not working properly
2. If your router has mac address security enabled ensure your pc is added to the access list.
3. Some cable providers will only allow the mac address of one device to connect to a cable modem, so if you change pc’s you may need to change this.

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.

Note
Do not rule out an ISP issue even if they say they have a good service running, as it may not have been reported yet, or the issue could be a phone exchange or account issue that is only affecting your internet connection.

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

Its worth powering off all Routers and Modems for 30 seconds and powering back on. You can also login to your Routers admin section to find out if there are any connection problems.

A good way to check if your router has a connection problem is to log into it via any standard web browser, checkout our article on accessing your routers admin console.

The Wireless Connection or Cabling From the Router to the Computer
If you cannot get a wireless connection try using an Ethernet cable instead, to pinpoint if the issue is the router or simply the wireless connection

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.

The only thing you can do is to ensure everything is working from the phone or cable socket, this means making sure no cables are damaged, all phone extensions have filters and all connections are secure.

Once done contact your ISP as they will be able to run a line trace to your router.

Most problems seem to occur at the phone exchange (if you have a phone line based internet connection) and the ISP will need to resolve this with the phone company if they are separate entities.

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