Diagnosing Network Connection Issues: A Step-by-Step Guide

A non-functional network connection can be frustrating, but fear not! In this blog post, we’ll walk through the diagnostic steps to identify and resolve common network issues. Whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, follow along to troubleshoot like a pro.

Step 1: Check IP Address

When your internet connection misbehaves,  The first thing to determine is whether your computer is successfully communicating with your router and obtaining an IP address.  Let’s dive in:

 •  Open PowerShell or Command Prompt:

• Press Win + X and select Windows PowerShell, Windows Terminal, or Command Prompt (depending on availability).

 •  Get IP Address:

• Type the following command and press Enter:ipconfig 

• Look for an IP address under the IPv4 Address section. If it starts with 169.xxx.xxx.xxx, your computer isn’t getting a valid IP address.

 •  Media Disconnected:

• If the IP address is missing or shows “Media disconnected,” your computer isn’t communicating with the router.

• Troubleshoot by:

  • Restarting the router.

  • Checking wired cables and connections.

  • Restarting any switches between the router and your computer.

Step 2: Ping Test

 •  Assuming your computer is receiving a valid IP address, it will typically start with 192.xxx.xxx.xxx or 10.xxx.xxx.xxx:

• Still in PowerShell or Command Prompt, type:ping 8.8.8.8 

• If you receive responses, your computer is connected to the internet and you should continue to Step 3.

 •  Contact Your ISP:

• If there are no responses, call your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check for service outages or account issues.

Step 3: DNS Troubleshooting

 •  DNS Server Issues:

• If you got responses in the ping test, but websites still don’t load, it’s likely a DNS issue.

• Restart the router (sometimes it clears DNS cache).

• If that doesn’t work:

  • Manually change DNS servers.

 •  Change DNS Servers:

• Open Settings:

  • Windows 10: Press Win + I, then click Network & Internet > Ethernet (or Wi-Fi) > Change adapter options.

  • Windows 11: Press Win + I, then click Network & Internet > Advanced network settings.

• Right-click your active network adapter and select Properties.

• Scroll down to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.

• Choose Use the following DNS server addresses:

  • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8

  • Alternate DNS server: 4.2.2.2

• Click OK and restart your computer.

Conclusion

Diagnosing network issues involves a mix of technical know-how and patience. Remember to check IP addresses, ping external servers, and troubleshoot DNS problems.

If you’re still encountering difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (818) 347-1100 for assistance. We’re here to support you!