Troubleshoot Your Network Like a Boss

Given the proliferation of internet-connected devices in the home, the most common system problems can often be boiled down to network issues. Whether it is slow Wi-Fi, choppy streaming quality, or a total inability to connect, if something is amiss with your home’s network, there will be a cascade of glitches.

- JOHN SCIACCA

My previous column (October/November) detailed some high-level diagnostic steps to determine the scope of a network problem. Is the issue with one device, all devices, wireless connections only, or a specific streaming service outage? Once you’ve identified the problem, you can troubleshoot accordingly, starting with a reboot of the modem and router, followed by testing of signals directly at both of those devices.

Unfortunately, identifying— and correcting—a network issue usually isn’t a simple matter. There can be myriad sources of problems, especially as the scale of the system increases. To quote Queen Gorgo from the movie 300: “This will not be over quickly. You will not enjoy this.”

Think of your home’s network like a pyramid. At the very top is the ISP (Internet Service Provider). Beneath that is the modem, followed by the router and any switches, followed by Wi-Fi. Your connected devices are near the very bottom of the pyramid, just above internet content like streaming services, websites, and email. The specific level on the pyramid where the problem lies will determine how large-scale your outage will be, so having a working knowledge of the parts that comprise your network— and where they are located— can be incredibly helpful in problem-solving.