This is the kind of situation every IT professional dreads. You are already beginning to check out for the day, ready to get home to see that new show you’ve been binge-watching on Netflix.
And then, it happens.
You get a call from a colleague, “Ummm…. My internet isn’t working.” What do you do first?
Here are the 4 steps we recommend to solving a network issue.
1. Google it.
Just kidding.
Determine the magnitude.
It’s time to figure out what DOES work within the system. By figuring out what is working, you will be able to more accurately diagnosis the source of the problem.
Begin testing using a tool like Ping to see where the issue lies.
2. Isolate the problem.
As you begin to dig into the network, a general rule is to start with the smallest and cheapest resolutions. Free is even better. Inspect cords, power sources, etc. before working up to more expensive and time-consuming tasks.
We really like tools like Ipconfig/Ifconfig and Route.
3. Solve the problem.
If the issue is a software or connection issue, one of the best ways to find a solution is to have a strong community of peers. You can find such communities on Spiceworks, Reddit.com or even in Facebook/LinkedIn groups.
If the issue is hardware related, it’s so important to have a network hardware contact in your back pocket. I know of a company who can get hardware to you extremely quickly in a pinch (hint: Summit Information Resources).
4. Relax.
Once you’ve finished, pat yourself on the back, because you’ve just extinguished (or prevented) a technological forest fire!
This is how the stripes of IT professionals are earned. So relax and crack open a cold one. You’ve earned it.
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