Internet and Network Troubleshooting

Biz Tech Tips, episode 30, video archive

(If the video on LinkedIn doesn't load properly, catch the YouTube video version of this article at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pr6-0kDKNH4)

Are websites loading slowly for you? Don't jump so quickly down your Internet Service Provider's throat just yet- it could be a number of things.

First, check a couple popular sites where you wouldn't have cookies saved.

Do they load just as slowly? If so, what about another similar device on your network, does it run just as slowly?

It's important to try with a similar device (if things are slow on your work desktop, see someone else's desktop speed, and not a laptop or smartphone).

If the slowness is across the board, it still might be a network issue, and not an ISP issue.

What does that mean exactly? Think of it like the Internet juice might still be pumped to your building, but there are holes somewhere else along the hose before it gets to you.

It gets a little more techy at this point, but next:

Check your switch, router, and wiring

If you're not particularly techy, aside from resetting the devices, it is probably best left to an IT professional.

If you don't have an IT professional, or all else seems lost, then:

Call your ISP

Your Internet Service Provider will inform you whether the issue is on their end or yours.

If the problem is still on your end:

Is your Internet plan good enough to cover your users?

Also consider:

How does your hardware stack up?

Older computers/routers/switches are obviously more prone to issues. Maybe your router needs a firmware update.

And, of course, you tried turning everything off, waiting 15 seconds, and then turning it back on again, right?