Can’t Connect To The Internet? Try This

There are many reasons for not being able to connect to the internet. Finding the right one will get you back to enjoying the internet quickly. Troubleshoot your internet connection by using these suggestions. 

Obvious Issues

There are some obvious things you need to check first. Ruling out these issues will make you certain that something else is the problem with your internet connection. 

Ensure that the internet modem and router is switched on. Check that both devices are plugged in and that there are no loose connections. It can also help to restart your computer or device as it may have changed settings inadvertently. 

Sometimes the website you are on is undergoing maintenance or is having issues. This does not mean there is an issue with your internet. Try visiting a different website; if it works then your internet connection is not to blame.

Conflicting IP Addresses

An IP address is a code given to each device to identify it to a network or the internet. It is possible that the network or computer somehow has the same IP address. 

To sort this out, you will have to assign a new IP address to one of the devices. An IP address must be unique to each device. This can be done manually or you can do an internet search on how to set IP addresses. 

Wireless Issues

Wireless networks are great but still have a limited range in which they function. You could be too far away from the device to get a good signal, or there may be too many interferences. 

Moving closer to the router should solve this problem. It can be a good idea to add a signal extender if you need to broaden the range of the Wi-Fi network. Too many walls or large appliances will also affect the range of the router. 

The configuration of your wireless network may have changed and is now blocking internet access. Some encryption on wireless networks, such as WEP or WPA, will require a network security key to be entered for access to the network and internet. 

Check if someone has changed the security key, or reenter the existing key to try and reestablish a connection. If you are making use of a hotspot then you should ensure you are following all the instructions to the letter.

Malfunctioning Firewall

A firewall is computer software, which limits the amount of traffic on the network to avoid the disruption of the computer’s operation. The firewall can malfunction occasionally and then block you from accessing the internet. 

Too many firewall products and antivirus programs on one computer can be a problem. The software doesn't always communicate well and may result in internet issues. 

To check if the firewall is a problem, you will need to switch it off. Disable it entirely and then try to access the internet. If you manage to get internet access, then your firewall is to blame for the problem. 

Malfunctioning Hardware

Broadband routers are devices that allow the use of wireless networks in homes and small businesses. It is easy to sort out any issues with a router and often they can be to blame for not connecting to the internet. 

Do a physical check of your router. It may have overheated, or even burnt out entirely. If the router is very old then it might be time to invest in a new one with more modern technology. 

Many routers have lights that will turn red if it has issues. Try to reset your router by switching it off for 10 seconds and then putting it back on. You can also ping the router and check if the request is received successfully

Computer glitches may also happen now and then. The network adapter in your device may fail. Operating systems may have run updates that changed settings, or malware (worms and viruses) could be to blame. 

The network adapter can easily be reset by right-clicking the internet access button on your computer. Select “Troubleshooting” to let the computer run tests and find any internet connection issues. 

Most of the time troubleshooting will automatically correct any issues and reset the network adapter. Otherwise, it will suggest other steps to be taken in sorting out the problem. 

Ensure you use good anti-virus software to get rid of any worms of malicious software on your computer. It can easily corrupt software and this can be the cause of many computer issues.

Internet Service Providers

Your internet service provider may be blocking you from accessing the internet. This can happen if you forget to pay your account or if you have reached the cap on your data allowance. Some uncapped packages will also allow the internet service provider to throttle your access if you use too much internet. 

Violating the terms of service given by your internet service provider will also result in the disconnection of your account. Check that you are not participating in any illegal activities which resulted in the loss of internet access. 

Call your internet service provider if you can’t find the root of the problem. They may be able to see issues on their side and can help you to rectify the problem. 

Besides having internet access blocked for non-payment, there are sometimes when the internet will not work. This can happen if the provider’s satellites are malfunctioning or if very bad weather is blocking the connections. This may result in some downtime, but you should be back online soon. 

Your internet service provider can also give you advice on how to check your hardware and troubleshoot the internet problem. In some cases, a technician may be dispatched to you to find the fault. 

Most internet connection problems are not serious and can be sorted out with very little effort. Try out the tips given in this article to get you back online!