Australia has one of the most robust internet networks in the world. Still, the average daily internet outages per service can last longer than 30 seconds. Even if it’s for a few seconds, an internet connection failure can throw a wrench in the daily life of an Australian household.
Like millions, your home might also depend on high-speed broadband for entertainment and work, making it necessary to stay connected 24/7. While your NBN provider will send in the support team to quickly fix the issue, you don’t have to go through this trouble every time your internet is down. Typically, you can troubleshoot common internet issues if you know what to do.
That’s what we will cover in this post.
But first, let’s learn about the most common internet connection issues.
Most Common Reasons You May Face Internet Connection Issues
It’s downright frustrating when your blazing internet connection stops working, especially if you work from home or study remotely. The most likely culprit behind this failure could be:
- Network outage from your NBN service provider.
- Hardware like your routers and modems are disconnected.
- Bad weather like heavy rains or thunderstorms.
- Outdated or damaged router.
- You are too far from your router.
- Too many devices connect to your router at the same time.
- Someone is uploading/downloading large files.
- It’s the peak hour and there is network congestion.
- You are a victim of a cyberattack.
10 Ways You Can Troubleshoot Internet Connection Issues
Depending on the internet connection issue, you might be able to fix it without calling the support team. Here are ten ways you can troubleshoot your home internet problems.
1. Double-Check Your Wi-Fi Settings
Sometimes, internet connection issues are as simple as like loose cables or disabled wireless settings. Making sure all cables are securely connected and Wi-Fi is turned on can help you quickly get back to your online meeting or gaming session.
If you use Apple devices like a MacBook, iPad or iPhone, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Check if the Wi-Fi is on and your device is connected to it. On Windows laptops and computers, you can check the taskbar for Wi-Fi status. If it’s off, turn it on to connect your device to your internet connection.
For Android phones, check if Wi-Fi is enabled and Aeroplane Mode is off. If your TV or computer used an Ethernet cable to connect to the home network, check if it’s properly plugged in. Removing the cable and plugging it back in should usually solve the issue.
2. Restart Your Router/Modem
Another common internet issue can be your router or modem. These devices work round the clock and may break down or face a glitch. If checking the Wi-Fi settings and cables doesn’t fix your issue, try restarting your router/modem.
- Turn off the switch, unplug these devices, and wait for 30 seconds.
- Plug in your modem first and turn it on.
- Plug in the router after 60 seconds and power it on.
- Wait two minutes before testing the connection.
This should help troubleshoot your internet connection. However, if you have to do this frequently or if this fails, you should upgrade your Wi-Fi router and/or modem. If the problem continues, call your NBN service provider.
3. Review Your Firewall & Antivirus
With a 23% rise in cybercrime in Australia in 2023, you’ve got to keep your home Wi-Fi safe from prying eyes. But sometimes, firewall settings may lead to internet connection issues.
For example, using two firewalls, like the built-in Windows firewall and a third-party firewall such as Norton, can cause conflicts, preventing your device from connecting to the internet. Be sure to use only one antivirus or firewall on all your devices.
If you recently installed or upgraded an antivirus or firewall, turn it off temporarily and check if that fixes the issue. Sometimes, the software may ask to add your home Wi-Fi as a trusted network. Follow the on-screen instructions, and you should be able to connect to the internet.
4. Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal
The strength of your Wi-Fi signal weakens as you move further away from the router. This might lead to dead zones in your household where the connectivity can be poor. Using Wi-Fi extenders can troubleshoot this internet connection issue. Extenders boost your Wi-Fi signal, allowing you to get rid of these dead zones.
If you have a large home, mesh Wi-Fi might be more your speed. This system uses several nodes to spread your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home. As it has multiple points talking to each other, you are less likely to face internet connection issues.
5. Check If Your Service Is Blocked
If you have reached the data cap on your NBN plan or forgot to renew it, your provider might block your service. Typically, NBN providers notify you if your account is suspended. If you suspect your service has been blocked, contact your internet provider immediately to clear things up and get back online.
6. Verify Your Wi-Fi Adapter Settings
Devices like laptops and desktops rely on built-in adapters to connect to your home Wi-Fi. If your laptop’s adapter settings are off, it could be why your connection is acting up. This can be a common internet issue on Windows laptops and computers.
To fix this issue, go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Centre > Change adapter settings. The wireless mode settings should match your network’s settings.
7. Reset Your Network Settings
Resetting network settings is often the last resort to troubleshoot internet connection issues, especially after upgrading your OS.
On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Click Reset Now and confirm.
For Apple devices, go to System Preferences > Network, remove your Wi-Fi, and re-add it.
These simple steps should fix your issue. If not, you might have to call
8. Forget and Reconnect to Wi-Fi
Have you recently reset your Wi-Fi? Chances are the new settings might prevent your devices from connecting to the saved Wi-Fi. Forgetting the old network and reconnecting to it can help fix this common internet issue.
Try this: Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage known networks. Select your old Wi-Fi and click Forget. Select your Wi-Fi from the list of available networks, add the new password, and connect to the internet. Sometimes, you might have to refresh the connection.
9. Reboot Your Computer
If your internet connection works seamlessly on one device but not the other, you might face this issue due to a software glitch. Restarting your device, whether a laptop or smartphone, should fix this issue. A reboot clears the cache, allowing new settings to take effect automatically.
10. Call Your NBN Provider
When the problem is weather-related, there isn’t much you or your provider can do. Your internet connection will most likely get restored once the weather settles down. However, if you can’t figure out why your connection isn’t working, call your NBN provider immediately. They will try to fix the issue remotely or send a support team to check your router and modem.
Conclusion
Dealing with internet connection issues can be frustrating, but knowing how to troubleshoot can save you time. Try one of these tips to fix your internet connection if you ever find yourself in these tricky waters. These simple steps can help you stay connected. But if the connectivity issues are too frequent, you should consider switching to a better NBN provider. RBE Internet provides reliable NBN broadband service with Australian support. We are here to help you stay connected with the world. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
