A network connection is a method of transmitting data from one computer or related device to another. Four main steps are required to troubleshoot a network connection: verify physical connectors, confirm software configuration, remove resource problems, and verify original specifications. Common uses for network connections are to connect a computer to printers, the Internet, and other computers.
A wireless router.
The first step in troubleshooting a network connection is to check all physical connectors. Look for loose connections, exposed wires, and plugs into the wrong outlets. The network jack looks like a phone jack and it’s easy to put it in the wrong jack. If you are using a wireless router to manage network connections, check that the unit is working properly. Power surges can cause the router’s operating system to freeze, which can lead to a network connection failure.
A network hub.
Check the settings of your network management software. The types of software vary, but they all log the Internet Protocol (IP address) of connected computers, track data transfer rates, and indicate which hub or switch the computers on the network are connected to. Write down the main network operating system settings and check each individual computer to confirm that they are correct.
View the list of current jobs or activities running on the network. A job that uses all resources will prevent the network from processing further requests, simulating a problem with the network connection. If you see a job that requires a significant amount of resources, stop it or turn off your computer.
Check the original specifications of your network system. Make sure the maximum load has not been exceeded and that the correct type of cables and software are in place. These items may not cause network problems on a small network, but as the network expands, there is no longer the ability to manage these issues, leading to a performance issue.
The most common suggestion to quickly resolve a network connection problem is to turn off the computer and turn it on again. This process ends any existing connections or jobs and requires the computer to reconnect. This might solve the problem temporarily, but it’s never a long-term solution.
Resetting your router can resolve many network connection issues.
