5 Networking Problems and How to Fix Them

Need assistance with your networking problems?

If you are ready to throw your devices out the window, we are here to help. Below, we have put together a list of the most common networking issues and their solutions. Keep reading for details.

Devices Won’t Join

One of the most annoying problems Wi-Fi users face is a strong wireless signal but no internet connection. The strong signal seems to indicate everything is ok so why are you not getting a connection?

The problem may stem from one of several sources. Here is how you fix it:

Reset Your Router. Unplug your router. Wait for 30 seconds. Plug it back in and wait five minutes to ensure it has had enough time to refresh your service.

Open Your Browser. Many Wi-Fi hotspots require you to login or accept their terms of service. Open your browser. If the page opens to a login screen, you will know that is the issue.

Reinstall the WEP/WPA Code. This is referring to the security password. Right click on the Wi-Fi icon on the bottom of your screen. Click “disconnect.” Then reconnect and enter the password.

Slow Network

The term latency is used to describe the time delay of processed network data. For our purposes, you can think of latency as synonymous with slowness. A high-latency means your connection suffers from long delays. A low-latency refers to short delays.

The delays may come from problems with hardware, software or bandwidth. Each can be further broken down into sub-categories.

Bandwidth. Check to see if anyone else is using your internet connection. Are others in your office streaming a program? If so, that may be the problem. If not, use a network speed test to determine the network’s data transfer speed.

If it does not match the speed of your internet plan, call your internet service provider to discuss the problem.

Hardware. If things seem to slow down only after you have been using your device for a while, you might have a problem with overheating. Run a speed test on your device and at least one other device connected to the same network.

If the test comes back normal, feel around your device to see if it is running hot. If it is, you will need to increase airflow to the critical components inside your device.

Software. Check to make sure other software is not taking up all your processing power. Close the applications you are not using. Make sure your antivirus software is not updating.

Double check the size of the files you are downloading. If they are huge, it may feel like your network connection is slow, even when it is not.

Need More Range

If your signal is weak, you may need to increase your router’s range. Double-check the following:

Central Location. Place your router in a geographically central location.

Avoid Obstructions. Physical obstructions, especially dense objects, interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Remove any obstructions in the path of transmission. Reflective surfaces, such as windows and mirrors, notoriously cause problems.

Avoid Other Wireless Signals. Equipment, such as microwave ovens, may produce wireless signals. These often interfere with the signal from your router. Unplug them to see if it helps.

Cannot Find Other Devices

If you cannot find your printer or other peripheral devices, it might be one of several issues.

Verify File and Printer Sharing. Check your network and internet settings to make sure your file and printer sharing options are configured correctly.

Temporarily Disable Firewall. Your antivirus or firewall software may be hiding your device. Disable them temporarily and search for your device again.

TCP/IP. Network protocols may differ from device to device. Check to see if the device in question is using a NetBEUI or IPX/SPX protocol. If so, uninstall it. Then install a TCP/IP instead.

Connection Drops Unexpectedly

If your network connection drops regularly and unexpectedly, we may have already given you the solution in one of the above sections.

First, check your Wi-Fi network range. Then, check to make sure other wireless signals are not interfering. Next, perform a speed test to determine if there is a delay. If those do not work, take a look at the following solutions:

Which Network. Double-check to make sure you are on the right network. Some modern routers offer connections with different bandwidths. If your router provides different connections, try another one to see if that is the problem.

Outdated Driver or Firmware. Make sure your drivers and firmware are up to date. If they are not, they will increase the time it takes your system to process data. This out of date drivers or firmware may lead to connection drops.

Networking Problems and Beyond

If your networking problem persists, try out a different internet service provider. Sometimes your complicated problem has an easy solution.

Are you in need of further assistance? We are here to help. We handle everything from data breaches to network audits. Contact us for a free network assessment.

Sagacent Technologies offers technology management and support, including proactive/preventative maintenance, onsite and offsite data back-ups, network and security audits, mobility solutions, disaster planning and emergency business resumption services. The company serves clients of 10 to 150 employees within the Silicon Valley region.