With so many things connected to your internet now, like television, computers, laptops, phones and even light bulbs and door bells, not having internet can bring your daily home and work life to a sudden halt.

Sometimes turning the router and devices off and then back on will fix the problem, other times it fixes itself.  Either way, waiting for your internet to come back on can be infuriating, and customers just want it to work.

Often, customers call us as soon as there is a problem. And to be honest, a lot of these things come back on just by themselves. Of course Townsville Nerds is a business and paid service, but we like to look after our customers and put them first.

That’s why I have made this post, which looks for things to check when you have no internet, so you don’t waste your hard earned money on a problem which can easily be fixed, or repair itself.

And that is how Townsville Nerds has been able to stay in Business for over 20 years!

Is It The Whole Computer or Just One Program

It might not be your internet is down; it could just be a particular program is playing up.

For example, if you use Google Chrome to surf the internet, and you are no longer able to access a web page; but you are able to receive new emails using your Microsoft Outlook eMail program.

In this case, you still have the internet. However, as you are unable to access a website, there might be a problem with your Google Chrome Web Browser.

Also there are viruses out there which target web browsing traffic and your computer might be infected.

Is It Working on Other Devices

Before you call Townsville Nerds or spend money on new devices, make sure its not your device that is the problem, rather than your internet.

Most people have more than one internet enabled device these days.

If you have more than one device connected to your (wireless) router and they can all connected to the internet, except for one, there is nothing wrong with your internet, and it is the device that is playing up.

Like above that device might have a virus which is restricting the internet access, or it could be something else.

The network hardware in the failing device could be playing up or no longer working. There are also other factors such as conflicting network devices, neighbors wireless hardware, or even devices on your network as well disturbing your internet connection.

Does It Happen Intimately?

Wireless Internet is amazing. You no longer have to sit right next to your modem router, or run cords all over the house.

However, if does have its draw backs and your wireless connection can be interrupted by other signals, devices, thickness of walls ad even weather.

Most wireless devices operate on the 2.4ghz frequency. There is also an option for 5ghz and even though it is much faster, it is also weaker through walls and distance.

The problem with 2.4ghz though, is it is exactly the same frequency your kitchen microwave uses. Which means if you are using the 2.4ghz frequency and someone uses the microwave you might get disconnected from the internet or your internet may slow right down.

This in itself is not really a problem, because you know when you are heating something up. However, you don’t know when your neighbors are using their microwave and with the wireless signs ability to usually speed out over into your neighbors house this can often result in people loosing their internet connection unexpectedly and without reason.

Do your Neighbors Have Internet?

The answer to this question is probably yes. Just about every house now has internet and most of it is wireless.

And because it is wireless it probably reaches into your house as well. Over lapping wireless connections is not a problem, but sometimes if there are too many people using the same channels you and your neighbors could be effecting the quality of wireless signal you are both using.

Fortunately there are many different channels to choose from in the settings of your wireless router.

It can get a little complicated so it is always good to have your manual or device guide with you. If you do not have it, you can usually download it from your manufactures website.

Changing your wireless routers internet connection can greatly improve the quality and speed of your wireless internet usage and minimise the downtime and disruptions.

Have You Checked For Outages

Most Internet Service Providers and the NBN will provide a feed back page on their website which can list or the known outages not just for your internet providers but all over Australia.

If there is an outage in your area it could be effecting your internet connection. Some outages can only last a few minutes and some a few days. You might need another device using a different connection like mobile phone to access the sites, but they can be vary valuable in identifying if you have an outage before you spend money getting a technician in to look at your internet.

Also, don’t forget to check your emails. Sometimes, internet service providers are scheduled outages to work on their network. They usually do this late at night or early n the morning when there are less users on the system and the usually go unnoticed. But it is worth checking.

Have You Called Your Internet Service Provider

Last but not least, if you are having problems with your internet service you should first call the people who you are paying to provide you with that service, before you pay a technical to come out and have a look.

There are many parts to an internet connection.

Townsville Nerds can come out and look at your network equipment and computers and laptops.

But after it leaves your router and modem, it could be an electrical problem in the ground or in the ceiling which you would need a licensed electrician, or it could be a problem on the NBN or ADSL network which is held responsible by local councils, telecommunications companies and the NBN itself.

There are many chefs involved so you should always call your internet service provider to see if it is a problem on their side, or yours.