Weird networking issues

[marklcardinale]

Hi all,
I am having a weird problem with my office's internet connection. I run an office in Toronto, Canada. I have been using the internet from this business internet service provider here in Canada for a few years now. There were no problems until a few days back.
But there have been some issues with the internet in the past few days. When I contacted the customer service of the service provider there were really helpful and send an executive to our office real fast. But he connected his own equipment and showed it was not really their problem. Also, he suggested that it could a problem with the networking equipment. I want to check my equipment for issues. What are the best ways to do it? Please do help.

 

[Ralston18]

Please post some additional details about"the issues".

Try to learn more about the issues. Dose everyone have them or just certain PC's? Do the issues occur only at certain times perhaps? Any patterns that you have noticed? Did anything happen a few days back: power outage, system updates, nearby construction, new user(s) or devices(s)?

Yes. Your ISP will always find a way to suggest that it is your problem and not theirs.

Unfortunately, you will need to work to try to narrow the problem down and hopefully be able to clear your network and its configuration.

First: Sketch out a diagram of your network as you understand it to be. Include all devices and the wiring between them. The diagram does not need to be a formal work of art. Just simple and clear. The big picture look - but with enough detail that someone else could look at the diagram and understand the nature and scope of your network.

Second: Inspect the network using your diagram. Make additional notes as necessary with respect to each component. I.e., Make, model, OS, IP address, subnet mask, connectivity being used (wired, wireless, type of adapter. Pretty good chance that your original diagram will need some editing and/or updating.

Third: While inspecting your network, look of signs of physical damage (wire kinks, bare metal showing, etc.), loose connections, corrosion, rodent chews, loose power cables. Check the power outlets. Look everywhere that you can. Maybe someone moved a desk and a desk leg is sitting on an Ethernet cable.... Or stretched the cable enough to cause a problem.

Do the above and see what you find. And please include more information about the issues. That information alone may help narrow down a possible culprit.