Few things disrupt a workday more than internet connectivity problems. For businesses, downtime means lost productivity, missed opportunities, and frustrated employees. Fortunately, many common issues can be diagnosed and resolved without waiting for an IT technician. Understanding the basics of troubleshooting helps keep your business running smoothly.
Check your hardware first
Start with the basics: ensure routers, modems, and switches are properly plugged in and powered on. Overheated or outdated equipment can cause frequent drops in connectivity. Restarting hardware often resolves temporary glitches. If problems persist, upgrading to business-grade equipment may be necessary. Retailers like Best Buy and Staples carry reliable options, and businesses can earn cashback with a Best Buy gift card or get rewards with a Staples gift card to save on networking tools.
Run a speed test
Tools like Speedtest.net allow you to compare actual internet performance with the speeds promised by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If the numbers are consistently lower, contact your provider to discuss potential issues or plan upgrades.
Inspect cables and connections
Loose or damaged Ethernet cables are a frequent culprit in connectivity issues. For businesses relying on wired connections, swapping out cables or testing different ports can quickly reveal the problem.
Reconfigure or relocate your router
In offices with many employees or devices, Wi-Fi interference can slow connections. Placing routers in a central location and away from obstructions improves coverage. If interference persists, consider adding mesh Wi-Fi systems or Ethernet connections for critical workstations.
Check for bandwidth hogs
Heavy use by a single application or user can strain the network. Streaming, large downloads, or cloud backups during peak business hours may slow connections for everyone. Routers with Quality of Service (QoS) settings allow you to prioritize important traffic like video conferencing or VoIP calls.
Update software and firmware
Outdated software leaves both devices and networks vulnerable. Ensure routers, firewalls, and antivirus programs are updated regularly. Updates often contain performance improvements as well as security patches.
Contact your ISP
If troubleshooting in-house doesn’t solve the issue, your ISP may be experiencing outages or network congestion. Check their service status page or contact support directly to confirm whether the problem is on their end. Providers like Comcast Business and AT&T Business post real-time updates for customers.
Plan for redundancy
Even the best ISPs can have outages. Setting up a backup solution, such as a 4G/5G failover connection, ensures your business stays online during interruptions. This redundancy is especially valuable for industries where downtime directly impacts revenue.
Final thoughts
Troubleshooting internet issues doesn’t always require advanced technical knowledge. By starting with simple checks, monitoring bandwidth, and keeping hardware updated, businesses can often resolve issues quickly. And by leveraging cashback options through platforms like Fluz, companies can reduce costs when investing in new networking equipment or services.
