Few things can be more irritating than an unstable internet connection, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. You may have experienced absent meetings and having to drop out of important discussions, with the annoying message stating “I can’t reach the internet right now”.
In the modern working from home (WFH) environment, where maintaining a solid internet connection is more vital than ever, connectivity issues and being disconnected can be extremely frustrating. It’s critical for all homeowners to avail of high-quality internet service plans like our own, especially with the increased use of the Internet over the past decade or so.
So, if you’re dealing with an unstable internet connection and need advice on what to do when your Internet is down, here are some practical steps that you can take to get connected once again.
If you encounter issues with a single device such as your PC, check if another computer or mobile device conncted to the same network is also having the same issue. If the issue is only happening on a single device, the issue is likely with the device itself and its settings and configurations.
However, if you’re experiencing the issue across multiple devices, it is more likely that the issue is with your internet connection. This is a good way to determine what your next troubleshooting steps should focus on.
Connectivity issues on WiFi are commonplace, which means that there could be a variety of reasons why you’re having such problems. Before you make that discouraging call or text to say, “I can’t reach the internet right now,” start by taking a look at your WiFi settings to assess if your connection is limited. A limited connection means that your device is not receiving information properly, which is a bigger problem than simply, slow speeds or having insufficient bandwidth.
If you’re maknig use of multiple access points, such as a secondary router or an extender device, you could be generating a weaker signal by connecting to an option that’s farther from where you are situated. Windows devices can modify the connection preference by right-clicking the further-away connection points and selecting “Forget Network”. For MacBook users, you can navigate to the system preferences in the Settings, open the "Network option", choose the Advanced option and remove any additional networks beneath the column. Following this ensures you’ll always be connecting to the optimal (and strongest) access point for your device.
If you’re still experiencing connectivity issues despite using the optimum network connection, your device’s adapter may be the culprit. If you’re a PC user, you may need to restart your network adapter, while on a mobile device, you’ll need to toggle your WiFi connection off and on again to reset it. Doing this often corrects any issues in the adapter’s drivers and can minimize cases where your internet remains unstable. However, if this issue persists, you might have a major hardware issue that could require replacing your device entirely.
One possible reason for Internet issues is the issue of "Connection Speeds". If the internet is running slower than it should be, run a simple speed check, commonly offered through Google or free services like Speedtest. Compare the real-time results to the speeds you should be getting on your current Internet service plan. If you’re noticing speeds much slower than what they should be, contact your ISP for assistance on resolving the issue.
Note that WiFi speeds will always be slower than what you’ll get through a LAN hardwired connection, so ensure you take this into account beforehand. If your ISP still isn’t able to resolve the issue, you may want to consider upgrading your plan or even switching ISPs to a HiFi service like Desert Winds Wireless.
Internet connections are affected and even disrupted by malicious software and viruses that inadvertently interfere with the network connectivity of your device. Because of this, a key step towards troubleshooting your internet connection is to perform a spyware, virus, and malware scan using anti-virus and malware detection software, as all of those could have a significant effect on surfing speeds and performance.
Some operating systems like Windows have basic malware prevention programs built in, but there are both reliable and free and paid software alternatives, such as Norton, that can offer a comprehensive scan to detect and remove malicious malware, thus improving your Internet connectivity issues.
Occasionally, connection issues might originate from your hardware itself. Troubleshooting your connection should also involve taking a look at your broadband or router; which display LED signs that indication their connection. (or lack thereof) Your ISP can explain to you what the lights mean,and if some or all of them are off or flashing, you are likely to be experiencing connection issues related ot modem or router configuration issues.
Sometimes, a solution can be as simple as restarting your modem or router, unplugging its power cable, waiting a few minutes, and then rebooting it. Resetting the cables may also help, and should only be done while the device is powered off. Note that during the start-up process, some lights will flicker as the device comes online fully. This is perfectly normal, and it's recommended to wait at least a few minutes before checking your internet connection again. For specific details on how your device operates, refer to your device's documentation or check with your ISP for further information and instruction.
If you’ve tried all the above options and still pulling your hair out from connectivity issues, the best resolution is to get directly in touch with your internet service provider so they can assess and diagnose your connection. Often, additional tests and troubleshooting steps are required for connection issues that might involve remote and physical work performed by technicians. Your ISP is often your 'knigh in shining armour", for resolving internet connection issues in the long term.
However, if you experience frequent problems despite help from your ISP, the truth may simply lie with the service you’re getting. In these situations, it might be a good idea to switch providers to a different brand, such as Desert Winds, to eliminate the possibility of incompatibility or poor service quality leading to connection issues.
If you're tired of phoning in with the excuse of “I can’t reach the internet right now,” the following troubleshooting steps are a great starting point to get your connectivity issues resolved. However, if you’re still having issues and need to switch to a more reliable Internet provider, Desert Winds has you covered. Contact us today to discover how our local team of experts can connect you to the highest speeds available for your needs.
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