Network Troubleshooting
WiFi & network problems, and how to fix them
Practical, step-by-step guides for the WiFi and network problems small offices run into most. Try the quick fixes yourself — and if it's still not working, we're a call away.
Can't get online
WiFi Connected but No InternetBeing connected to WiFi only means your device can talk to the router.DNS Server Not RespondingDNS translates website names into addresses.No Valid IP ConfigurationYour computer asked the router for an IP address and didn't get a usable one.Unidentified Network / No Internet"Unidentified network" usually means the computer has a physical connection but didn't receive proper settings from the router.Default Gateway Not AvailableThe default gateway is your router.DHCP Is Not EnabledThis means the computer is set to use a manual IP address instead of getting one automatically.Can't Connect to WiFiThe most common causes are a changed WiFi password, an old saved network profile, or a security setting the device doesn't support.
Slow or unstable
Slow Office InternetSlow office internet is usually caused by one of four things: the internet plan is too small for the number of people, WiFi is weak or crowded, the router can't keep up, or something is using the bandwidth (backups, cloud sync, updates).Internet Slower Than Your PlanMost speed tests run over WiFi, which rarely reaches gigabit speeds.WiFi Slow on One ComputerWhen only one device is slow, the problem is that device: an outdated WiFi driver, power-saving settings, connection to the slower 2.4 GHz band, or something running in the background.WiFi Slows Down With Many UsersWiFi is shared: every device on an access point takes turns.Internet Keeps DroppingWhen everyone drops at the same time, the problem is the internet line, the modem, or the router — not individual computers.High Ping & Packet LossPacket loss means data is getting lost along the way; high ping means it's arriving late.Teams & Zoom Calls FreezingVideo calls need a steady connection more than a fast one.VoIP Phones Dropping CallsMost VoIP problems on office networks come from the router: a feature called SIP ALG rewriting call traffic, connection timeouts that close calls after a set time, or no priority for voice traffic.
WiFi coverage
WiFi Dead Zones in the OfficeOne router rarely covers a whole office.WiFi Network Not Showing UpIf no device sees the network, the router or access point has stopped broadcasting — restart it.5 GHz WiFi Not ShowingEither the device doesn't support 5 GHz, it's too far away (5 GHz has shorter range), or the router is using a 5 GHz channel the device can't use.
Network hardware
Ethernet Not WorkingWork from the cable outward: swap the patch cable, try another port on the switch or wall, and check the lights.Wall Ethernet Jack Not WorkingMany wall jacks aren't actually connected to anything at the other end.Modem Has No Internet LightThe modem can't connect to your internet provider.Router Keeps RebootingA router that needs regular reboots is overheating, under-powered, overloaded, running buggy firmware, or failing.PoE Device Not Powering OnCheck that the port actually provides PoE, that the switch has enough power left (its PoE budget), and that the device's PoE standard matches the switch.Whole Office Network DownWhen everything fails at once, look at what everything shares: power, the modem, the router, and the main switch.
Office network & remote access
IP Address ConflictTwo devices are using the same address.Shared Drive Not AccessibleCheck that the computer or NAS hosting the share is on and reachable, then check credentials.Computers Not Showing on NetworkWindows hides devices when the network profile is Public, when network discovery is off, or when the discovery services aren't running.VPN Not ConnectingFirst check your own internet and your credentials.Remote Desktop Not ConnectingCheck that the office computer is on and awake, that Remote Desktop is enabled on it, and that you're connected to the office VPN.Port Forwarding Not WorkingPort forwarding fails most often because there are two routers (double NAT), your provider uses shared addresses (CGNAT), the device's IP changed, or a firewall on the device blocks it.Double NATDouble NAT means two routers are each doing address translation — usually your provider's modem-router and your own router.
Rather have someone just fix it?
We troubleshoot and fix office WiFi and networks on-site across Orange County — from a single dead jack to a full network redesign.