How ToTroubleshoot a Wireless Network

Find out How to troubleshoot Wireless network connection problems with your Computer

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All There are times where you might turn on your computer and notice that your wireless network is not working at all.  You will probably see that you don't have an internet connection although it had just worked the day before making it a little frustrating.  This is why you need to learn the process of troubleshooting a wireless network following some simple steps to get everything working again.

One of the best places to start is testing another computer that is generally hooked up to the wireless network.  This will let you know if it's a computer problem or a router and modem issue that needs to be dealt with.  If another computer in your home connects fine, you should examine your computer that is not.

Check to see if the wireless network adapter is on.  On many laptops there will be an indicator light that you see that might have been turned off by a switch on the top or the side of the laptop.  Otherwise if using Windows, you will see the connection settings by clicking an icon at the bottom right of the screen.  Make sure that you select your wireless network and try to connect again.

If you are unable to, did you update the drivers recently causing it to not work?  Did your computer uninstall the drivers?  You might have to download the drivers onto another computer so you can transfer them to install them all over again.  You might also have the original CD that came with the computer that will have the proper driver.

At times, viruses and other forms of malware can shut off your ability to connect to your network.  You may have to run a virus scan and remove any problems before you can connect with your wireless network again.

If the wireless network is not working on any computer, it's most likely a router and modem problem.  You need to start off by checking the connections.  This would include the Ethernet cords, the cable or DSL line, as well as the electrical outlets and power strip.  At times things come unplugged or your power strip is switched off by accident from a foot under the table or even one of your kids or pets.  If both devices are on, you can move to the next step.

Most modems have some indicator lights showing that they are on and if they are receiving a feed of either cable or DSL.  If your modem isn't lighting up like it normally is, it's likely that your feed isn't working and will need to get support from your service provider to make sure it's not down.

If you aren't sure if it's right or not, doing a reboot of the modem by turning them off and back on again many times will help a temporary problem go away.

If you follow these strategies, it's not hard to troubleshoot your wireless network.  Take these steps one by one until you fix the problem