You get into work on Monday morning after a very relaxing weekend, sit down at your computer and login. Suddenly you realise there’s been no internet connection since 7pm Friday and you need to follow up on all those client emails that need to be answered in the next few hours.
Has this happened to you? This and similar data-based issues have affected many. But before rushing off and calling your service provider, there are a few things you can do to see if your issues can be resolved quickly.
Here is a list of common data connection issues and some of the steps you can take to get them fixed.
No Connection
Probably the most common problem on this list is having no connection. Depending on how you connect, there are a few things you can do to get it up and running. First of all, do you use a Wi-Fi or cabled connection for your computer? If Wi-Fi, make sure you are connected to the Wi-Fi network. If not, connect and try again. If cabled, make sure your cables are plugged in snugly and, if at all possible, swap them with some newer ones.
If this still doesn’t fix your problem, always make sure to “power cycle” (turn off and on) your modem or router setup and check the manual to see which lights should be lit. If you’re feeling especially technical or have done it before, try logging into your modem and checking that everything is set up correctly. Sometimes modems get a bit forgetful and need you to jog their memories. It’s a good idea to check any cables and splitters connected to the phone connection to make sure they’re not causing the problem.
Slow Speeds
Few things are more infuriating than having an internet connection that’s slow. This insidious little problem has been the cause of countless hours of yelling at the screen, and we completely understand why. Once again, when trying to solve this problem, look at either Wi-Fi or cabled connections. If you’re on Wi-Fi, run a cable directly from your computer to your modem/router. If the connection is not slow anymore, there could be a problem with the wireless capabilities of your modem/router or maybe the device you’re on. If it’s still slow when cabled, check that the problem isn’t just with your device. The next step is the good old power cycle. Sometimes modems can get a little upset when they are connected for too long and just need a well-earned breather.
A common cause of slow speeds can be surge protectors. Many users have plugged in power boards with a built-in surge protector, only to find that it makes their connection grind to a halt. Try removing this from the equation and test again.
As with the no connection issue, if you’re comfortable with the technology, try and give your modem a factory reset if you’ve got the usernames and passwords on hand.
Drop Outs
This intermittent connection issue is another one that can make you pull your hair out in frustration. As with all these faults, check first if they happen when using Wi-Fi or cabled connection, and if the issues affect just your computer or all devices. Then act accordingly.
Drop outs can also happen when your modem/router is at the end of its life cycle. If you use an ADSL connection, try borrowing someone’s modem (or even use yours from home) and see if the issue is still present.
Some of the rarer causes of drop outs come from surges on the line due to faulty or degraded wiring. Is the modem/router plugged into a power board? Does it share a power socket with anything else? Sometimes the fridge can cause drop outs when the compressor cuts in and out, making the tiniest fluctuation on the line and kicking you off the internet.
Overall, the best practice is to isolate your connection and move backwards from there. In other words, make sure you start with the most basic of set ups. Begin with your modem/router plugged in with one device connected to it with a cable. Ensure if you’re on ADSL to remove any filters or splitters, as they might be causing the problem, too.
If you get a good, strong connection free of any of the problems, add in the rest of the setup one by one. The minute the issue pops up, you’ll determine the weak link in your data chain.
If all else fails, give us a call here at Arrow Voice and we’ll help you out!
