There are few things in the life of a Bhubaneswar based netizen as exasperating as Address Not Found message in the web browser while typing out a common URL. Timed-out connection or Internet Explorer cannot display the Web page error screen also add up to the same disgusting issue indicating that something has gone wrong with the Internet connection. However, there are two ways of fixing the problem – asking for outside help and DIY. This post emphasizes on the latter.

To begin with, locating and fixing the problem is rather challenging, mostly because there are so many places where something or the other can go wrong, creating connection problem. Nevertheless, here are a few easy steps that are likely to solve the majority of broadband connection problems, regardless of whatever type of Internet service you have opted for.

Step 1: Begin at the very beginning – Check wherever your internet service has entered your premises. This could be the cable company’s line drop, a satellite dish antenna or a phone line. If it is a cable connection, check whether the cable is connected securely, as also if any part of the cabling has been damaged by rainwater or by birds trying to build a nest on it. Another important issue will be electrical lines, partly exposed crossing over the cable. In case of the latter being found, call the cable or phone company to rectify the fault, which will resolve the issue.

Step 2: Track the cables through the premises, checking connections at every apposite point. If there is a router, check the connections, while making sure that the correct cable has gone to the appropriate place. If the router feeds more than one computer or gaming system, you need to check each unit to make sure that the right cable has gone to the right unit. If the cabling and the connections prove OK, then take the following step – to power cycle the modem.

Step 3: Even though it may sound a bit awesome, it actually means tuning the modem off, waiting a few seconds, and then turning it on again. This will work, irrespective of whether you got your Internet via cable, DSL or satellite. The simplest way to turn it off is to disconnect the power cord where it plugs into the modem. If it has on/off switch, it becomes easier for you. However, after that, you need to wait for around 30 seconds before plugging it in again. This simple exercise, if done properly, i.e. once the modem has cycled through its normal boot-up sequence, you would surely find your connection working perfectly again. However, if it doesn’t remedy the problem, you may have to go through more elaborate power cycling sequence where you would need to turn off every device on your network and then power these on again, following a particular order described below.

Firstly, you need to shut off the computer and then unplug the power cords from the modem, router, access point and hub. However, when turning things on again, you need to follow the signal from the modem towards the computer. To put it directly, you need to power up the modem first and then power up the router or hub and finally the computer. But remember, as you turn on each device, you need to wait sometime for it to go through its boot-up sequence before doing it for the next device waiting in line. You can, however, find out the status by keeping a watch on the lights of each device.

Step 4: Access problem with satellite service can be a different cup of tea, where the first potential issue is line of sight. Satellite internet connections are provided through special two-way dishes where each dish has to be directed to the satellite at a precise angle. Any displacement or disturbance here will give rise connection problem. Problems also arise when something gets between the antenna and the satellite. This becomes more problematical if it is mounted on the roof where it is almost inaccessible.  However, it seems that this may require help from your ISP to reinstall the dish appropriately.

But there is another problem source that neither you nor your ISP can solve. It arises from sunspots. These are immense flares on the surface of the sun that transmits intense blasts of energy to the earth that often disrupts satellite communication.

As you may have observed, connectivity problems arise from multiple sources, some simple, others complex. While most veteran internet users find it easy to solve the problem all by themselves, greenhorns may need assistance from outside sources.