Are websites loading ever so slowly? Are you in the middle of a video conference and your client can’t see or hear you? Are online transactions not pushing through? You might be having internet connectivity issues. For businesses that rely on a stable internet connection in their day-to-day operations, intermittent network problems can be an inconvenience and negatively impact productivity.
Don’t worry because we’ll show you how to troubleshoot the problem so you can continue your tasks without a hitch.
What is an Intermittent Internet Connection?
Intermittent network issues, simply known as intermittent internet connection, are problems that frustrate users and IT teams because they occur sporadically and disrupt important tasks. Internet connection is considered intermittent when it continuously disconnects or reconnects, slows down, or drops out—generally becoming unstable at random intervals.
Like other common network issues, an intermittent internet connection is difficult to pinpoint and fix because:
- It’s erratic
- It cannot be made to appear again easily
- It cannot be detected through traditional monitoring techniques
Causes of Network Problems
Let’s explore what causes intermittent network connection issues and signs to watch out for so you can take action immediately.
Physical Connection Issues
This includes loose, damaged, or improperly connected cables. A faulty cable can be the reason why your internet is cutting in and out.
Hardware Issues
Faulty network devices such as routers, switches, or network interface cards (NICs) can be causing the intermittent network.
Software Issues
Outdated drivers, bugs in the router’s firmware, incorrect network configurations, or even software conflicts on your device can disrupt network communication.
Wireless Interference
Radio waves from other devices like cordless phones or microwaves can interfere with the signal from your router. Thick walls or other obstructions can weaken signal strength.
Network Congestion
Your bandwidth can get overloaded if too many devices are using the network at the same time.
Malware or Viruses
Malware or viruses can cause intermittent network issues by damaging hardware or software.
ISP Issues
Sometimes, the problems lie with your internet service provider (ISP) and are beyond your control. Your ISP can be performing maintenance work or experiencing hardware failure. Whatever the case, your internet connectivity may depend on their response time and resolution.
External Factors
Weather conditions such as strong storms or lightning strikes, as well as power outages, can cause temporary network connectivity problems at a wider scale.
Common Internet Connection Issues
If your internet is acting up, it can manifest in several ways. Let’s explore the most common connectivity issues you might encounter.
Slow Internet Speed
Here are signs you have a slow internet connection:
- Web pages load slowly, with significant delays when navigating between pages
- Images and videos load slowly
- Delayed response time when using real-time communication such as video conferencing and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
- Videos buffer frequently and their playback quality is poor
- Transfer speeds of files are sluggish
- Cloud-based applications are slow or unresponsive
- Devices experience frequent timeouts
No Connection
When you open a web browser and try accessing a website but see a “No Internet” message or applications that require an Internet connection do not work, your device is likely not connected to the Internet.
Weak Wi-Fi Signal
A weak Wi-Fi signal that constantly needs reconnection can be frustrating. This could be due to router placement, interference from other devices, or obstacles weakening the signal.
DNS Issues
Domain Name System (DNS) issues can slow down network speeds or prevent access from certain websites or servers.
Network Timeouts
When a device or application is unable to connect to a server or website within a specific period, it leads to a failed connection.
Diagnosing and Fixing Intermittent Network Issues
As we’ve established, sporadic connection drops can interrupt your business. That’s why it’s crucial to identify and address them effectively so you can get back online with minimal downtime. Let’s discuss how to troubleshoot intermittent network connectivity issues below.
1. Find What’s Wrong
Before proceeding to troubleshooting, you must find the problem first. Intermittent network problems are not always consistent, making them harder to diagnose. To determine the root cause, look for patterns. Take note of the time of day or specific applications in use when the network drops.
2. Check Connection Indicators
Verify that there is indeed a network connection problem by checking that the WiFi is turned on and that your device is not in airplane mode. You can also look for network indicators, such as signal strength bars, Ethernet connection lights, or icons.
3. Run a Speed Test
Perform an internet speed test when the connection is working and again when it drops. This can reveal if there are fluctuations in speed, which may indicate network congestion or issues with the ISP.
4. Inspect Physical Connections
Check all cables and connections for damage or looseness. Ensure that the modem and router are properly connected and powered. Sometimes, a simple loose cable can cause intermittent connectivity issues.
5. Perform a Security Check
Intermittent network issues can also disrupt firewalls and intrusion prevention systems. Perform a security check to ensure that these disruptions do not cause vulnerabilities or breaches that might compromise the entire network. Outsourced network security solutions are a worthwhile investment for businesses as these are designed to provide total protection in the event of cyberthreats.
6. Use Monitoring and Troubleshooting Tools
Monitoring and troubleshooting tools can pinpoint where the issue lies—is it with your router, your Wi-Fi adapter, or somewhere in your ISP’s network? These tools can gather and analyze information such as signal strength, connection speeds, and even error messages to diagnose the problem.
7. Update Network Drivers and Firmware
Updating network drivers and router firmware ensures compatibility with the latest network protocols and fixes known bugs. Install these updates to improve network stability and performance.
8. Optimize Network Settings
Sometimes, a tweak to your network settings can make a world of difference. Adjust Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize critical applications, choose less congested Wi-Fi channels, and ensure proper DHCP configuration. Additionally, disable any unnecessary features that might interfere with the network.
9. Restart Your Devices
The age-old advice “have you tried turning it off and on again?” is a simple but surprisingly effective trick. It can often be the magic bullet that resolves a multitude of internet connection issues. Turn off your computer, router, or modem completely. Unplug them from the outlet for good measure, then wait at least 10 seconds. After a short wait, plug everything back in and power on your modem first, followed by the router, and finally your device.
10. Contact Your ISP
If all else fails, contact your internet service provider. They have visibility into their network to diagnose issues that might be beyond your control. Your ISP can either walk you through additional troubleshooting steps or dispatch a technician to investigate the issue further.
Reliable Wireless Connectivity for Your Business
Intermittent network issues can be stressful and detrimental to business operations. However, taking proactive steps such as monitoring network performance and regular diagnostics will help businesses address these problems quickly.
Given that a reliable internet connection is crucial in today’s digital world, businesses seeking a future-proof solution should turn to Kital. Our partnership with Mercku brings cutting-edge wireless connectivity to keep businesses thriving online.
Contact us for more information.
