Concord Computer Solutions: Supporting Computer Users Everywhere

While there are several reasons your internet connection can stop working, you can do some basic troubleshooting yourself that can save a lot of time, and maybe even avoid calling your Internet Service Provider (ISP) altogether.

1. Ensure that all of your cables are plugged in to the appropriate devices. As obvious as this may seem, devices can easily lose power due to brown outs, or cables can become unplugged from moved or disturbed furniture.
2. Check other machines in your home. Do all the computers have the same problem? Are wireless devices not connected, but cabled devices work normally? If one particular device does not work, this could mean that a part on your machine has gone bad.
3. Power cycle your network. This means shutting down all of your network equipment, then turning it all back on in sequential order.
   1. Start with your machine - your laptop / desktop. Power it completely off.
   2. If you use a wireless router or any other networking device such as a switch, power that off too. In many cases you will have to unplug it from the power outlet.
   3. Then, power down your ISP's modem. With everything shut off, wait at least a full minute. After the minute has passed, it's time to bring your network back up.
   4. Power up your ISP's modem. Wait half a minute.
   5. Power up your network equipment (wireless router, switch, etc.). Wait half a minute.
   6. Power up your laptop / desktop. Try to browse to the internet now.