An outage can be a bad experience for anyone, nowadays. As we have become very dependent on the info we can find on the internet and at any place and time, when disconnected, we start to panic. Internet has become accessible for us from many devices and anywhere we go. It’s not until an interruption happens that we do realize how many information we seek online throughout the day.
Numerous reasons and circumstances can cause a network connection to blackout. These situations are unavoidable but you can learn how to handle them. Here we will present some tips for how to troubleshoot when an outage occurs. Learning some essential steps for troubleshooting a connection problem may help you deal and solve the problem yourself.
However, there are circumstances under which a connection is permanently lost and it’s up to support services to maintain it. In cases where а damage is caused to the network infrastructure or a fiber line has been cut, we cannot do more than wait and be patient.
Sooner or later you’re going to be faced with the outage caused outrage. Therefore, even if you can’t avoid this to happen, you can get prepared by learning some of the causes and solutions for downtime.
Causes for an Оutage
Let’s start with naming and explaining some of the most common reasons that can cause internet outages. Recognizing the cause of the problem is the first step to resolving its consequences.
1. Network congestion is the most common outage issue. Network congestion usually causes the network speed to drastically slow down and cause interruptions sometimes leading to complete outage. It is the most preventable internet outage since it is caused by many users requesting network access at the same time. Congestion is commonly experienced in public, crowded places (malls, libraries, dorms, restaurants). Furthermore it can happen as a result of too many devices connected to the home network.
2. Outdated hardware / faulty equipment – Numerous of network interruptions are caused by not properly set, grounded or protected equipment. Your network components can easily be fried and damaged due to recent surges. These technical issues can be resolved quickly by replacing the faulty or outdated component. Wrongly connected cables and jacks are also a possible cause for disruption.
3. Network speed fluctuations sometimes end in complete blackout. Sometimes, they are caused by congestion, however, in some cases your internet service provider may be slowing the rate of your speed due to many reasons.
4. Weather disaster, human factor or animals can directly cause damage to the network infrastructure, cables and fiber lines causing permanent loss of connection.
5. Operation error occurs from improperly installed internet connection, IP address conflict or an incorrectly configured firewall.
Troubleshooting
If the outage is cause by your home network components you can resolve the problem by yourself. Many of the lost-network problems may occur in the modem, router, cables or signals they are exchanging may come up with a fault. Therefore, a problem simple as that can easily be resolved.
- Check if you have paid your bill!
- Most connection interruptions are resolved by simply rebooting your modem. A brief disruption caused by an unremarkable fault in the modem can be solved in an instant. Try unplugging it, waiting for 20-30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait a couple of minutes before trying to reconnect. However, if all the lights on your modem are flashing than there is a great chance that yourconnection to provider is lost.
- If you are familiar with the installation, check the cables to see if everything is in the right place and functioning. Check for damages.
- If all this doesn’t work, try refreshing the internet signal on your computer. By refreshing the signal you are requesting a new IP address that may be the cause of the problem. Conflicting or duplicating IP address may cause temporary disconnections.
- If you are on a wireless network try connection your computer directly to the router with Ethernet cable. If this helps in re-connecting than you are having a problem with your wireless router.
Request Help from the Support Services
If you already tried everything and nothing helped in getting you back online than probably you are experiencing more complex issue. Calling your provider’s customer services is the most reasonable next step. They will help you determine the type of the outage you are experiencing – single issue or larger-scale issue. When an outage is experienced across whole area than it’s a larger scale issue caused by maintenance or a serious fault.
To be honest, provider’s services are not very time efficient, since they may put you on hold for hours. Therefore, a more efficient way is to find an outage map and look for reports of disruptions in your area. Reporting the network status on the outage chart may help you, and others that are experiencing similar issue, determine the cause of it.