A Failure in Internet Service

You may experience intermittent or failing Internet service due to your home or office network. Checking your network connections can alleviate or lessen Internet failure. Make certain that all of your network cables are firmly seated in your network devices. This means you should check them where they are plugged into your modem or router, as well as into your computers. You can also try power cycling network devices like routers -- i.e., unplugging them for fifteen or more seconds, or as stated in the device manual, and then plugging them back in.

Your computer itself may be at fault for your connection issues. Your first step is a restart. If restarting doesn't work, you may have inadvertently downloaded a virus or other malicious program during your normal Internet usage -- which may have altered connection. Try running a full virus scan. If no virus is apparent, then you can try uninstalling recently installed programs. If the program requires Internet access, it may block connections from other programs like your Internet browser.

If you've ruled out your own computer and networking hardware, then the equipment you received from your ISP may be to blame. If you have a broadband connection, your modem connects either to a phone line for DSL service, or a cable jack for cable Internet. First, check all cable wires to make sure they are secure. Next, power cycle the modem. If you use DSL, try unplugging all other devices using that same telephone line. If that works, you'll need to install DSL filters. If you use cable Internet and have cable TV, check to see if your TV service works. If it doesn't, then your cable itself is at fault.

Sometimes you just can't figure out what causes your Internet failures. If your own troubleshooting efforts fail, then you should consider contacting the technical support branch of your ISP. You should also do this if your troubleshooting uncovers a problem you can't fix, such as problems with your cable service. Technical support staff can guide you through their own troubleshooting techniques for the connection, and can also check your connection from their side. Depending on the ISP, they can also dispatch a technician to come and physically check your connection.