The Most Common Network Issues and How to Resolve Them
published 7/1/2021When computers were first invented, they were for number-crunching. It was in order to calculate the U.S. Census results at a faster rate. Today, we have technology from our phones to laptops.
While you love your computer, you don't when network issues occur. While identifying network issues can be overwhelming, there's hope.
This article will take a look at the most common network issues and how to resolve them. Read on to explore these different network issues and get your computer working like new again.
Network Issues
The first computer was invented in 1822 by Charles Babbage. It was the first mechanical computer, but much different than computers today.
As computers continue to grow and change, network issues are still a common ailment. If you notice that the internet isn't working on any device connected to the computer, then there might be a problem with your modem or router.
When the internet connection issues are on one device, then the problem might be with the Wi-Fi adapter. This means that your computer might be having a hard time connecting with the router.
1. Duplicate IP Addresses
There are 2 forms of IP addresses. Different devices have the IP address version 4.
This is when you have 8 decimal numbers. They're separated with dots.
An IPv6 is newer and different from version 4. This is when you have 8 groups of hexadecimal numbers. Each of them is also separated by colons.
One of the most common home network problems is when 2 devices try to share one IP address. In order to fix this, you'll want to disable the DHCP server on the device.
In order to avoid this from happening again, you'll want to modify your router's configuration. Have it assign DHCP addresses toward the top end of your subnet.
2. No Internet in Certain Rooms
WiFi problems can lead to no or low internet in certain rooms. Your Wi-Fi works on radio waves. Your router broadcasts these waves in all directions from one location.
Consider moving your router to a more central location in your home. This will equate to better reception throughout. For external antennas, you can adjust those as well.
In apartment buildings, other routers can be affecting the quality of your router. If your home WiFi issues are caused by your router overlapping with another, consider moving it to a less busy area.
For larger homes, your router might not be able to reach far enough. You can either use another router or use a wireless repeater.
3. Viruses
Viruses on your network can disable your computer. They can come from malicious software, email attachments, online advertisements, social media, etc.
Removing a virus from a network can be trickier than from one computer. First, determine how serious the infection is by performing a complete network scan.
The scan will find any malicious programs or files on your computer. Make sure that all anti-malware and anti-virus programs that you use are up-to-date. You can also have them scan your email to make sure that there are no malicious items.
Next, you'll want to back up your system files. You can run a complete system backup in order to avoid your data becoming lost.
Take all suspicious files and isolate them. This will prevent them from exchanging with your other network systems or files. If you have problems with any of these steps then you'll want to contact an IT professional.
4. Slow Applications
Whether at home or at work, slow applications can hinder productivity. This is often due to heavy bandwidth usage.
This is when you don't have enough hard drive space, and you have too many applications running at the same time. It can also be due to a dusty room or having too many tabs open at the same time.
You'll first want to identify what applications are using up your processing power. Remove any applications that you aren't currently using to make space. Consider removing some of your browser's extensions.
If this doesn't work then you'll want to make sure that they aren't downloading large files constantly. Avoid viewing too much streaming since that can cause this to happen as well. Sometimes, restarting the computer fixes the problem.
5. Data Back-Up Problems
Data backup problems can be due to software or hardware problems. You can either back it up to an outside source or an outside server temporarily. It's a good idea to reach out to an IT professional when this occurs.
Resetting Your Router
When you're experiencing router issues, resetting it can sometimes help. Keep in mind that it's different than restarting your router.
When you reset your router, you're placing it back to the factory settings. You'll need to place the basic settings and protect your password.
In order to do this, you'll head to settings on your computer. You can also hold the physical reset button that's on your router.
Restarting Your Computer
Another option is to restart your computer. Turn off your router and modem as well. Restart everything after 30 seconds.
Exploring the Most Common Network Issues
Now that you've explored this guide on the most common network issues, you should have a better idea of what to expect. Take your time diagnosing and then fixing the network issues that you're facing.
Whether you're a home or business you don't deserve to suffer from network issues. Whether you don't have time or aren't sure what to do next, we can help! Contact us today Phoenix, and we'll come up with an action plan to suit your needs.
