Network downtime costs organizations an average of $5.6 million annually.
According to a 2022 global IDC survey, 615 businesses experienced downtime of data center assets and network performance issues, a common and frustrating challenge for IT professionals and end-users.
When networks fail, quick identification and resolution are critical to prevent the problem from escalating and to minimize inquiries from staff or clients.
This guide will walk you through proven troubleshooting steps, from simple checks for common issues to advanced diagnostics. With the right methodology, even complex Network Problems become manageable.
Let’s dive into the practical steps that will help you get your network back up and running fast!
Table of Contents
Start with the Basics: Quick Checks That Solve Most Issues
Most network problems can be resolved with simple checks rather than complex troubleshooting. I focus on these fundamental steps, which fix most connectivity issues without advanced skills.
Check the WiFi status and airplane mode.
Airplane mode is often the culprit behind sudden network disconnections. This setting disables all wireless communications on your device, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular connections. On Windows, you can toggle airplane mode by selecting the network icon in the taskbar or going to Network & Internet settings. For Android devices, open Settings, tap Network & Internet, then toggle Airplane mode.
Remember that airplane mode remembers your last settings. If you had WiFi enabled last time you used it, turning on airplane mode will keep WiFi active. This feature is helpful when you want certain connections to be available while blocking others.
Restart your router and modem.
Restarting network equipment is a cornerstone of basic troubleshooting that can genuinely resolve many connectivity Network Problems. To properly restart your router and modem:
1. Unplug both devices from their power source
2. If your modem has an internal battery backup, remove it
3. Wait at least 60 seconds (some experts recommend waiting up to 2 minutes)
4. Reconnect the modem first and wait for all lights to stabilize
5. Subsequently, reconnect the router and wait for it to fully boot up
Power cycling refreshes your network connection by clearing temporary memory and reestablishing ISP connections. Service providers often recommend this for preventative maintenance.
Inspect cables and power connections.
Physical connections are often overlooked during troubleshooting, yet they can cause numerous network issues. Examine all cables connected to your network devices for:
· Visible damage or fraying
· Loose connections at both ends
· Correct positioning in appropriate ports
· Signs of damage from environmental factors like temperature changes
Even slight cable movement or vibration over time can cause intermittent connectivity problems. Additionally, ensure all devices have power and show indicator lights. As obvious as this sounds, it’s surprisingly common to find equipment accidentally unplugged or powered off.
Test with another device to isolate the issue.
Testing another device on the same network helps determine if the problem is network-wide or device-specific.
If only one device has connectivity problems while others work normally, the issue is likely device-specific. Conversely, if all devices experience the same problem, your network infrastructure is the probable cause.
This technique prevents troubleshooting the wrong component and directs you to the real issue. It follows the network troubleshooting principle: start with simple causes.
Diagnose IP and DNS Problems
After basic steps, IP and DNS issues often hide behind persistent network problems and need specific diagnostic tools to identify.
Use the ‘ipconfig’ command to check your IP address.
The ipconfig command provides crucial information about your network configuration—an essential first step when diagnosing deeper network issues. To use this powerful tool:
6. Open Command Prompt by pressing Windows+R, typing “cmd” and pressing Enter
7. Type ipconfig and press Enter to display basic TCP/IP configuration for all network adapters
8. For more detailed information, use ipconfig /all, which reveals your physical address, DHCP status, IP address, default gateway, and DNS server information
Pay special attention to your IP address—if it starts with 169.254.x.x, this indicates your computer troubleshooting. Which mean your computer isn’t receiving a valid IP address from your router. This “link-local” address appears when DHCP fails, meaning your device cannot communicate properly with other network devices.
Release and renew IP settings.
When encountering connectivity Network Problems , refreshing your IP address often resolves issues caused by improper DHCP assignments. This process essentially asks your router for a fresh network configuration:
9. Open Command Prompt as administrator
10. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter (this disconnects you temporarily)
11. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter (this requests a new IP configuration)
This process is particularly effective following power outages, network reconfiguration, router changes, or when moving your computer to a new location. On Mac systems, this same function is performed through System Settings → Network → selecting your connection → Details → TCP/IP → Renew DHCP Lease.
Run nslookup to test DNS resolution.
DNS issues often manifest as the frustrating inability to connect to IP addresses directly, but succeed when using domain names. The nslookup tool helps determine whether Network Problems stem from DNS resolution:
12. Open Command Prompt
13. Type nslookup followed by a website name (e.g., nslookup google.com)
14. Examine the response for successful resolution or error messages
The command has two modes: interactive and non-interactive. For quick checks, non-interactive mode works well, but interactive mode (initiated by typing ‘nslookup’ alone) allows for multiple lookups and configuration changes. Common error messages reveal specific Network Problems :
· “Timed out” indicates the DNS server didn’t respond after multiple attempts
· “No response from server” suggests no DNS server is running
· “No records” means the DNS server doesn’t have records for that name
· “Nonexistent domain” indicates the domain name doesn’t exist
Switch to a public DNS service, such as Google or Cloudflare.
When your ISP’s DNS servers experience issues, switching to a reliable public DNS provider often restores connectivity immediately. The most reliable options include:
· Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
· Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1
To change your DNS settings on Windows:
15. Access Network Properties through ncpa.cpl in the search box
16. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties
17. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses”
18. Enter your preferred public DNS addresses
19. Click OK and restart your browser
This change bypasses your ISP’s potentially problematic DNS servers; moreover, it often improves browsing speed, as major providers like Google and Cloudflare maintain extensive global infrastructure specifically optimized for DNS resolution. Unlike your ISP’s DNS, these services prioritize speed and security over tracking browsing habits or injecting redirects.
Network problems resulting from DNS issues can be particularly frustrating since they cause intermittent connectivity that’s difficult to diagnose with basic troubleshooting. Consequently, understanding these diagnostic tools transforms seemingly random connectivity problems into solvable configuration issues.
Use Built-in Tools to Troubleshoot Network Problems
Built-in diagnostic tools in most operating systems can identify and resolve many network issues beyond the basics.
Windows Network Troubleshooter
Windows offers an automated troubleshooting tool that can diagnose and repair many common network issues. To access this handy utility:
For Windows 10:
20. Click on the network icon in the taskbar
21. Select “Network Troubleshooter” from the menu
22. Allow the tool to scan and detect Network Problems
For Windows 11:
23. Open Settings and select “System”
24. Click “Troubleshoot” then “Other Troubleshooters”
25. Find “Internet Connections” and click “Run”
This utility automatically checks network adapters, connection settings, and router communication, often fixing Network Problems without further intervention. Throughout the process, you’ll see diagnostic messages explaining what’s being checked and potential solutions.
macOS Network Diagnostics
Apple’s macOS includes comprehensive wireless diagnostics that excel at identifying Wi-Fi connectivity issues. To access this powerful tool:
26. Option-click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar
27. Select “Open Wireless Diagnostics”
28. Enter administrator credentials when prompted
Wireless Diagnostics analyzes your wireless environment and provides specific recommendations. Additionally, you can monitor your connection for intermittent issues by selecting “Monitor my Wi-Fi connection” and clicking Continue.
For a deeper analysis, the tool generates detailed diagnostic reports that contain information about signal strength, interference, and configuration settings. These reports are saved as compressed files that network specialists can examine thoroughly.
Ping and Tracert for connection testing
Command-line utilities provide precise information about network connectivity and path issues:
Ping tests basic connectivity by sending data packets to a specific destination and measuring response time. Open Command Prompt or Terminal and type:
ping example.com
Successful responses show round-trip times in milliseconds and packet loss statistics. Asterisks (*) or timeouts indicate connectivity problems between your device and the destination.
Tracert (Windows) or traceroute (macOS/Linux) shows the complete path data takes to reach its destination, revealing where bottlenecks or failures occur:
tracert example.com
This command displays each “hop” your data takes across the network, showing response times for each router along the way. Slow responses or timeouts at specific hops help identify precisely where connection problems exist.
Obviously, these built-in tools provide essential diagnostic information without requiring third-party software, making them both reliable and accessible even when your network connection is limited.
Fix Device-Specific or Software-Related Network Problems
Device and software issues often lurk behind persistent network problems that basic troubleshooting fails to resolve. Beyond connectivity checks and hardware examination, software-related conflicts require specific approaches to diagnose and repair.
Update network drivers and firmware
Outdated network adapter drivers are commonly the cause of connection issues, especially after upgrading to Windows 10 or 11. To update your network drivers:
29. Open Device Manager (search for it in the Start menu)
30. Expand the Network adapters section
31. Right-click on your network connection driver
32. Select “Update driver”
33. Choose either “Search automatically for drivers” or browse your computer for manually downloaded drivers
Although Windows can automatically find some updates, downloading drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website typically provides the most recent versions. For router firmware, always download updates from the manufacturer’s official website to avoid compromised firmware that might contain malware.
Check for malware or firewall conflicts.
Router malware has become increasingly problematic, with over 6 billion incidents of router malware reported in 2023, representing a 10% increase from 2022. This malware can intercept data, redirect browsing, or significantly slow your connection.
If you suspect router malware:
· Disconnect your router from power for at least 5 minutes
· After restarting, change your default passwords immediately
· Reset to factory settings if necessary, which removes most malware
· Update firmware to patch security vulnerabilities
Firewall conflicts simultaneously create network problems when incorrectly configured. If you’ve verified other connections but still experience issues, check if your firewall is blocking necessary ports. Common web traffic ports include 80 and 443, yet email requires ports 587, 465, 110, and 995. Use the Windows Firewall Troubleshooter to diagnose and automatically resolve common firewall issues.
Reset network settings on your device.
When other solutions fail, resetting network settings often resolves persistent connectivity issues by reverting all network-related configurations to factory defaults. This process affects:
· Saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords
· Cellular settings
· VPN and APN configurations
· Bluetooth pairings
On iOS/iPadOS 15 or later, navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Reset > Reset Network Settings. For Android devices, the path typically involves navigating to Settings > System > Advanced > Reset Options > Reset Network Settings.
This solution is effective in troubleshooting devices that consistently experience connection problems despite a functioning network infrastructure. Ultimately, resetting network settings helps resolve issues like Wi-Fi not working, automatic Bluetooth disconnections, and VPN configuration Network Problems .
When to Escalate: Monitoring, Documentation, and ISP Support
When technical solutions fall short, sophisticated monitoring, systematic documentation, and ISP escalation become crucial next steps in solving persistent network problems.
Use network monitoring tools for deeper insights.
Network downtime costs enterprises approximately $5,600 per minute, making monitoring tools essential investments. These specialized applications continuously track network performance metrics, including bandwidth utilization, latency, packet loss, and device uptime. Whenever issues arise, these tools provide concrete evidence of exactly where and when Network Problems occur, helping identify patterns that might otherwise remain hidden.
Document your Network Problems troubleshooting steps.
Proper documentation serves as both a historical reference and a communication tool. Upon encountering similar issues in the future, documented steps prevent the repetition of unsuccessful troubleshooting attempts. Within your records, include:
· All diagnostics performed and outcomes
· Configuration changes made
· Exact error messages received
· Timestamps of when issues occurred
This systematic approach saves valuable time, primarily by eliminating redundant work. As one IT professional noted, “I had a three-page list of things we didn’t need to try again”.
Contact your ISP if the issue persists.
Eventually, some network problems require escalation to your Internet Service Provider. Before calling, gather your documentation, as well as any monitoring data that shows performance issues. Unfortunately, first-level support often provides generic responses, such as “We’re not seeing any issues on our end.” Whenever this happens, politely request escalation to higher technical tiers or engineering teams who possess the specialized knowledge needed to resolve complex connectivity problems.
Conclusion
Network issues might seem intimidating at first, but most Network Problems can actually be solved with the systematic approach outlined in this guide. Basic checks, such as restarting your router, examining cables, and toggling airplane mode, should therefore be your first response to connectivity problems.
Afterward, if issues persist, IP and DNS troubleshooting provides deeper insights. Commands like ipconfig, release/renew, and nslookup help identify configuration Network Problems that often hide behind seemingly random connection failures. Switching to reliable DNS providers, such as Google or Cloudflare, similarly resolves many browsing difficulties.
Built-in diagnostic tools offer additional advantages. Windows Network Troubleshooter, macOS Diagnostics, and command-line utilities like ping and tracert pinpoint exactly where network paths break down. These tools work reliably even during limited connectivity.
Device-specific Network Problems require different solutions. Outdated drivers, malware infections, or misconfigured firewalls significantly impact network performance. Consequently, keeping your software updated and occasionally resetting your network settings can prevent many common issues.
Finally, proper documentation proves invaluable when problems defy simple solutions. Thorough records help identify patterns and prevent wasted time repeating unsuccessful troubleshooting steps. This preparation also strengthens your position when escalating issues to your ISP.
Remember, network troubleshooting follows a logical progression from simple to complex. Begin with basic checks, then proceed to advanced diagnostics if necessary. This methodical approach, coupled with the right tools, will help you restore connectivity quickly and minimize costly downtime.
