5 Ways to check your Internet connection

By Jeandre de Beer / Emile Greyling

It is really frustrating to find that your internet connection is down when you have important tasks to do.

Is the problem with your ADSL line, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or maybe with your modem or cables?

Your first reaction may be to repeatedly click the “reload” button in your browser, then maybe shake your fist at the screen in futility.

Rather try one of these 5 troubleshooting steps to find the problem.

1. Try opening another website

It is possible that the website you want to view is currently down. Try to open a well-known and reliable site like google.com or cnn.com

If they open – you know the problem is related to the specific website you are trying to open. If no websites open – try the following steps.

2. Check your connections

How do you connect to the internet? Do you use a network cable, a wireless connection or maybe a 3G modem?

If you are using a Wi-Fi Connection, try using a network cable instead to test.

If you connect to the internet using 3G – try to use the modem on another computer to see if it works there.

3. Reboot your Internet Connection

Sorry to sound like the stereotypical tech support guy, but sometimes restarting the networking hardware or your computer fixes the problem.

If you are using an ADSL line – also check what lights are on or blinking. The router will have a light that says DSL.

This light must be on constantly – it must not be blinking. If it blinks it means that the problem is most likely with your ADSL line.

The next step is to check if the internet light is green or red. If it is red this means that the problem is most likely with your ADSL account.

It could be the case that your ISP is offline or the router could have lost its username and password settings for your ISP.

Keep in mind that the lights and icons on routers differs – depending on the make and model.

4. See what other people are saying

Do you have a friend or neighbour that also uses the same type of internet connection or ISP that you are using?

Ask them if their internet is working – this would give you an indication if it is a general internet related problem in your area.

5. Your backup plan

If you need some emergency bandwidth, the answer is probably right in your pocket: Most of the cell phone service providers include tethering, or the option to use your phone as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.

On an iPhone, open the Settings app and select Personal Hotspot.

In Android, it depends. In a stock configuration on a Nexus phone, you’ll find it in the Settings app under a “More…” heading.

On a Samsung Galaxy, it’s behind a “More networks” item in the Settings app. On other phones, you may see a separate hotspot app.

IT Experts are specialists in this field. Contact us for any assistance that you need.

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