How to troubleshoot common home internet problems

In today’s fast-paced world, having a reliable home internet connection is becoming increasingly essential. The internet is no longer just a luxury for entertainment purposes, it has become a necessity for work, education, communication and more.  

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In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of having a reliable home internet connection, common signs of home internet problems, different types of internet services as well as identifying factors that may affect internet speed and how internet service speed can be improved.

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Finding a reliable internet connection can be tricky but luckily, Homelinkd has made it easy! Providing you with a wide range of the best internet, TV, and home security deals on our service provider platform.  

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The importance of high-quality internet

• One major benefit of having a reliable home internet connection is productivity. With remote work becoming more common, people need to have access to high-speed internet at their homes. 
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• Another benefit of having a reliable home internet connection is that it unlocks high speed content. If you’relooking to stream Ultra HD and 4K video or livestream, you’ll need high download and upload speeds so that  you can enjoy your favourite content without disruptions or buffering issues. 
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• A third benefit of having a reliable home internet connection is that it supports multiple users and multiple devices. High-speed internet is more than just fast speeds for one person.  

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It’s about fast, reliable speeds when you’re multitasking or when everyone on your network is multitasking. Faster speeds let more people on one network stream videos, browse apps, games and more without buffering or drops in connection.

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Troubleshooting home internet issues

With the increasing importance of a reliable home internet connection, it’s crucial to be able to identify and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Home internet problems can cause frustration and disrupt productivity making it hard to get back online. 

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The first common problem is slow internet speed. Slow loading times can make it difficult to complete tasks efficiently, causing frustration and stress.  

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To identify if slow internet speed is the issue, you can run a speed test on your device using a free online service such as Speedtest.net. If the results show that your internet speed is slower than what you’re paying for or what you expect it to be, then there may be an issue with your service provider, router or network settings.

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Another common problem is irregular connectivity. This means that your internet connection drops out intermittently or disconnects completely. This could be due to a variety of reasons such as outdated equipment, wi-fi not working or interference from other devices in your home.  

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One way to identify this issue is by checking the lights on your modem/router - if they are flashing or blinking abnormally, then there may be an issue with the internet plan.

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A third problem could be Wi-Fi signal strength issues which causes slow speeds when connected wirelessly. To check if this is the case, move closer to your wireless router and see if the signal improves significantly.

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The types of internet you want

There are four main types of internet: cable, DSL, satellite and fiber.

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• Cable internet
  
  Cable internet is the most common type of internet connection. It uses the same infrastructure as your cable TV, which means it's widely available and usually easy to set up. However, it can be more expensive than the other internet connection types and is subject to data caps (meaning you could be charged extra if you use too much data).

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• Digital Subsciber Line (DSL)
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  DSL internet is a type of service that uses your home's existing phone line to provide internet access. It's typically cheaper than cable internet, but DSL services are not as widely available due to the lack of new internet customers signing up for the service.

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• Satellite internet
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  Satellite internet is an excellent option if you live in a rural area where other types of internet aren't available. It uses a satellite dish to connect you to the internet but can be slower than other types of internet.  

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• Fiber internet
  
  Fiber internet is the newest type of internet connection. It uses a fiber-optic wireless internet network to deliver high-speed internet to your home. It's typically the most expensive option but offers the fastest internet speed. The only drawback is that fiber internet service is not yet available in many areas.

Resetting modern/router

Resetting your modem and router is a simple but effective way to troubleshoot home internet connection problems. It can help resolve issues such as slow speeds, intermittent connectivity, and other common problems that may arise.  

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Here are reasons why you might need to reset your modem and router, how to do it safely, and some tips for preventing future issues:

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• Find the power cord of both devices: Locate the power cords for both your modem and router. 
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• Disconnect from power source: Unplug both devices from their respective power sources by pulling out the plugs from wall sockets.
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• Wait for 30 seconds: Wait at least 30 seconds before plugging them back in.
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• Reconnect power source: Plug each device back into its respective power source.
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• Wait for lights to stabilise: Allow the devices to boot up completely until all lights on the front panel of each device become stable indicating they’ve been successfully connected again.
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Over time, modems and routers can develop technical glitches that cause connectivity issues. Resetting them can clear out any temporary software bugs or conflicts that may have developed over time.

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Tips for preventing future modem/router issues

While resetting your modem/router can help solve connectivity problems temporarily, there are some measures one could take towards diagnosing network to prevent network problems. 

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1. Update Firmware Regularly:  

Can't connect to the internet? Check with your service provider on updates available for firmware or check online regularly as newer versions usually come with bug fixes & feature improvements which could help diagnose and fix recurring problems.
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2. Location :  
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Ensure adequate ventilation around where you keep these devices as overheating of modems/routers leads causes poor connectivity.
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3. Passwords :  
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Resetting your network by using strong passwords on both devices to prevent unauthorised access & further security risks.
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Resetting your modem and router is an easy solution when experiencing home internet connection issues such as slow speeds or intermittent connectivity. The process helps clear out temporary glitches allowing smoother performance. However, it's important not to overlook preventative measures like updating firmware , location of equipment among others so as to avoid recurrent instances where resetting becomes necessary.  

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It’s always best practice to consult with service providers if troubleshooting becomes difficult or simply seek professional assistance.

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Ways to improve Wi-fi signal strength

Check your router placement! The location of your router plays a significant role in the strength of your Wi-Fi signal. It'sbest placed in the center of the house so that it provides coverage throughout the entire area. Avoid placing it near walls or other obstructions that could interfere with the signal.

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• Update Your Router Firmware  
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  Updating firmware regularly helps to ensure that you have access to the latest features and performance improvements . Check with service providers for updates available or check online as newer versions usually come with bug fixes & feature improvements which could help improve connectivity.
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• Use Quality Equipment  
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  Investing in high-quality equipment like routers and modems can go a long way in improving your Wi-Fi signal strength. An outdated or low-quality modem/router can cause slow internet speeds and poor connectivity.
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• Use Range Extenders  
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  Range extenders are devices that help boost Wi-Fi signals in areas where they may be weak or non-existent. A range extender acts as an intermediary device between your router and device , helping extend reach of Wi-Fi signals further away from router.
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• Use Wired Connection  
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  Where possible, wired connections such as Ethernet cables provide faster network speeds than wireless connections, to improve performance for stationary devices such as desktops.

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In conclusion, choosing Homelinkd for your home security needs is a wise decision as it provides complete protection, user-friendly interface customizable features , and professional monitoring services at affordable prices.

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With its compatibility with smart devices & ease-of-use it has become one of the leading choices among homeowners who want peace of mind knowing their homes are secure even when they're not around.

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