Internet connectivity in our homes has become a necessity in this day and age. With the internet, we can work from home, shop online, or even watch Netflix when we want. But what happens if your internet stops working?
The truth is that Internet connectivity issues are incredibly common. Whether it’s due to equipment failure, or simply an interruption in service, these issues happen more often than you might think.
And while you may know how to troubleshoot some of the most common problems with your internet connection at home, there are many people who don’t have a clue of where to start.
Some people may wonder why there is a connection problem when streaming and go for how much internet speed is required for streaming questions. However, the issue may not be the speed but other internet connectivity concerns.
The internet is our connection to the world. It provides a gateway to people, information, entertainment, and more. The internet opens up so many opportunities for people like you and me who live in rural areas where there are few if any stores or places to go out.
Troubleshooting WiFi Connectivity Issues
If you’re having problems with your internet connectivity, it might be time to troubleshoot. There are a few things that could go wrong and here’s how you can fix them:
- Check your WiFi router’s lights. If they don’t turn on or if they blink slowly, this could mean that your internet is not working properly.
- Ensure that you have the latest firmware update on your WiFi router. This will help to ensure that any improvements have been made since the device was first released.
- Test your signal strength by moving closer to the WiFi router or unplugging other devices that might be using bandwidth (e.g., cordless phone).
- Verify whether there’s a problem with the cables connecting your devices to the router or modem (e.g., check for intermittent “jumping” of the connection icon on your computer screen). A bad cable can mean a slow internet connection and make it difficult to upload information from one device to another or download data from the internet.
- Make sure that wireless security settings are not blocking access from other devices in range of your wireless signal. If the security settings were changed without notice and someone else’s device is not able to connect, this could explain why you are experiencing these issues as well.
- Check the ISP connection- if there are outages in your area
Check your WiFi router’s lights in addition to the modem lights
If you have a new modem and it is not connecting to the internet, the first thing that you should do is check the lights on your WiFi router. For example, if the Spectrum router lights are flashing red, then that means that there is a problem with the connection between your modem and WiFi router.
The most common fix for this is to unplug all of your devices from power for about ten seconds and plug them back in again.
Ensure that you have the latest firmware update on your WiFi router
The internet relies on a series of signals to transmit data. The WiFi router is the main point for these signals, and it’s important to make sure that your WiFi router has the latest firmware update.
You may notice that when you’re downloading a large file or streaming video, your device might disconnect from the WiFi signal and reconnect once it finishes downloading or streaming.
This is because old firmware updates have a maximum amount of bandwidth they can provide at one time, which can result in frequent disruptions while you’re trying to use the internet.
If you are experiencing disconnections while using your WiFi connection, then this section should be helpful in solving some of your problems with connectivity.
- First, check your WiFi router’s lights to ensure that it’s still connected and receiving power.
- Then make sure that you have the latest firmware update on your WiFi router by checking for an app or webpage on the manufacturer’s website where you can download and install them (e.g., Linksys).
- If all else fails and you need assistance with other issues related to wireless routers and home networking, contact a digital marketing consultant who specializes in providing IT support.
Testing the Signal Strength
You might be experiencing internet connectivity issues in your home because the signal strength either is too weak or you’re getting interference.
The solution for this is to move closer to your router or unplug any devices that might be using bandwidth (e.g., cordless phone).
Check if there is a problem with the connecting cables
One possible issue is with the cables connecting your devices to the router or modem. If you notice that the connection icon on your computer screen intermittently “jumps” when the cable is connected, it’s possible that there are some issues with the cable.
First, check if you’re using a CAT 5e (or higher) wired Ethernet cable. These cables are more durable and less likely to cause interference.
Next, try switching to a shorter cable in case there’s too much distance between your device and the router or modem.
Moreover, you should check if your coaxial cable or Ethernet cable are worn out. This may be a major problem with internet connectivity in our homes.
Finally, be sure that all of your connections are securely plugged in so they don’t come loose over time.
Make sure that wireless security settings are not blocking access from other devices in range of your wireless signal
Sometimes, the connection problem may be due to security settings on our router or our devices. This is done to ensure that you have internet security.
You can check where your connection problems are due to these settings by finding out the wireless security protocol in use by your router and devices. For example, some devices may not have drivers or may have compatibility issues for WPA3 internet security protocol.
Check if there is a problem with the ISP internet provision
Finally, the connection problem you are facing may be due to internet outages in your area. You can easily use an internet outage detector. This for example can help you in diagnosing Optimum Internet Outage and ensure you know when to expect the internet back.
Conclusion
If you’re still experiencing internet connectivity issues, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it. The first thing to do is to check your WiFi router’s lights in addition to the modem lights.
If they’re all green, then your internet is working just fine. If they’re not, it could be a problem with the device itself (e.g., the modem).
Next, make sure you have the latest firmware update on your WiFi router. Sometimes ISPs will push out updates to routers and modems to improve performance.
Another thing to check is signal strength. To do this, move closer to the WiFi router or unplug from devices that might be using bandwidth (e.g., cordless phone). If this still doesn’t work, then it could be a problem with the cables connecting your devices to the router or modem (e.g., check for intermittent “jumping” of the connection icon on your computer screen).
If you’re still encountering problems, you can contact your ISP for further troubleshooting and assistance.