There are a number of potential causes for an internet connection not working. In order to diagnose and potentially fix the issue you will need to determine what type of internet connection is being used, the type of device connected, and the symptoms of the problem.
I. Troubleshooting Internet Connections
A. Wired
1. Connected Devices – Make sure all necessary devices (such as a router or modem) are powered on and properly connected using cables and/or wires. All cables should be securely fastened and there should be no visible damage to the cable itself.
2. IP Configuration – Check the IP configuration of the connected device; make sure the IP address, DNS servers, and other settings are correct. If the settings are incorrect, change them to the correct values provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
3. Firewall Settings – Most routers and modems come with built-in firewalls which can sometimes block certain types of internet traffic. Double-check the firewall settings and make sure they are not blocking your connection.
B. Wireless
1. Visible Network – Make sure the network you are trying to connect to is visible by checking the list of available Wi-Fi networks on your device. If it is not showing up, try rebooting your wireless router.
2. Network Key – Make sure you have the correct security key and/or password for the network. If the key provided is wrong or outdated, it will prevent the connection from being established.
3. Wireless Settings – Check the wireless settings on your device. Make sure the network name (also known as SSID) is correctly entered and the encryption type is set correctly.
Once these steps have been completed, it is important to test the connection again. If the connection is still failing, there are a few more potential issues that may be causing the issue.
II. Additional Potential Issues
A. Power Outage – A power outage in your area can cause your internet connection to not work. Check with your ISP to see if they are aware of any outages in your area.
B. Overloaded Network – Your internet connection may be working but it could be very slow due to an overloaded network. This could be caused by too many people using the same network or downloading large files.
C. Bad Hardware or Software – Your hardware (modem or router) or software (operating system) may be outdated or malfunctioning. Try updating the hardware and/or software and then test the connection again.
D. Virus/ Malware – If your computer has a virus or malware, it can prevent your internet connection from working properly. Make sure to regularly run anti-virus and anti-malware scans to detect and remove any malicious software that could be causing the issue.
E. Data Caps – Some ISP’s impose data caps on their customers which limit how much data can be downloaded or uploaded in a certain period of time. Check with your ISP to determine if this is the case and adjust your usage accordingly.
F. Restrictive Policies – Some workplace, college, or school networks may block certain types of internet traffic. Check with the administrator to see if this is the case and adjust your usage accordingly.
Finally, if none of these potential issues are the cause, it is usually best to contact your ISP and ask them for assistance. They will be able to diagnose the issue further and suggest the best course of action.