This document describes how you can resolve your own internet connectivity issues. Anyone who uses a computer can benefit from this knowledge.
DefinitionsISP - Internet Service Provider Process OverviewObtaining an internet connection from an ISP is an easy thing to do if you follow ConceptsRelay Race Each piece of equipment between your computer and the ISP connection must obtain a signal from the one prior to it in order to work properly. It's like a relay race. The next item in line is your hardware firewall. Finally, your PC connects to the hardware firewall. If you don't have a hardware firewall, then you have inadequate protection for your computer. You should get one. Linksys and Netgear both make good firewalls. Make sure you get a firewall and not just a router. Routers do not add security, only obscurity. Handoffs The first item that receives an internet connection in your house is the ISP-provided modem. All electronics requires some time to boot up and get its signal from devices it talks to. Your cell phone takes some time to boot up too. Various devices require different amounts of time too boot up. But the device cannot pass any signal to other connected devices until it is fully booted. This is the same as you cannot log onto your computer until it has booted up. ProceduresIdentifying the equipment Reboot the connection TroubleshootingIf you have rebooted the network appliances in proper sequence with proper timing, and you still don't have an internet connection, then verify that your cabling is connected properly. If you don't have the knowledge to do this for yourself, then call your IT support. Note that calling your ISP NEVER results in problem resolution. They have no interest in retaining any security for your computer. They do not care if they mess up your computer configuration totally, and they don't care if your computer gets hacked. Don't follow the instructions their support people give you. They will always tell you to disconnect your firewall and disable your software firewall. Then they will tell you to directly connect your PC to the modem. Doing this will leave your computer totally exposed to hackers on the Internet and does not achieve the objective. If their service is actually working and the modem you have is a functional appliance, then the procedure above will work to restore the connection. |