Answer to Question #178514 in Computer Networks for Lloyd

Question

ten Network-related issues and the corresponding troubleshooting steps

Answer 1

1.Duplicate IP Addresses (two devices attempt to share a single IP).

If you install a new device or server to your network, it may have its own DHCP server. Disable the DHCP server on that device to restore the network.

2.IP Address Exhaustion.

Some users on cable internet might not have a local router, in which case IP addresses are assigned on a limited basis directly from your ISP. You have probably run out of allowed IP addresses from your ISP. The solution to this is to purchase either a standalone router or Wi-Fi access point with an integrated router. This creates your own local pool of internal addresses, ensuring you won't run out.

3.DNS Problems

Workstations and other network devices can be configured to use their own DNS servers, ignoring the server assigned by DHCP. Checking the 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP)' settings for your adapter will show if an incorrect DNS server is specified, so just select "Obtain DNS server address automatically" instead.

4.Single Workstation Unable to Connect to the Network.

Eliminate a bad cable, poor Wi-Fi signal, failing network card or incorrect drivers. Ensure that the workstation's network adapter is configured with the correct IP, subnet, and DNS servers.

If that doesn't solve the problem, check any firewall software on the device to ensure that necessary ports are open to the external network.

5.Unable to Connect to Local File or Printer Shares.

Ensure that the required services are running. On Windows systems, the server, TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper, workstation, and computer browser services all need to be running. On Linux machines, Samba is the primary component required to share with Windows systems.

Check your firewall. It's very common for a workstation's firewall to be configured to block file and printer sharing traffic, especially if a new antivirus package is installed that introduces its own firewall. Firewall issues can also exist at the hardware level, so ensure that routers or managed switches are passing share traffic within the subnet.

All Windows network adapters will need File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks, Client for Microsoft Networks, and NetBIOS over TCP/IP enabled.

6.Local Network is Unable to Connect to the internet.

Reboot a router and modem . The "tracert" utility can be used to identify communication breaks. It points to the particular router hop that is causing the problem. Contact your ISP with your findings, providing screenshots as necessary.

7.Slow Internet Performance.

Use speed test websites, conducting tests from geographically remote servers. Report your findings to your ISP so that they can take steps to resolve the issue.

DNS servers are an often overlooked aspect of internet performance. Using incorrect DNS servers can result in routing congestion or load balancing problems. While you should typically use your ISP's DNS settings whenever possible, they may actually be routing traffic through overloaded web caches. You can temporarily adjust your DNS settings to use OpenDNS instead.

8.Cyber Security or hacking your network.

Install antivirus, scan system, update passwords, install firewall, etc.

9.The WiFi signal is strong and weak.

It may be because of your network’s administrator interface. It needs to be set to optimum performance.

10.Misconfigurations.

Setting parameters manually.