CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET : FREQUENTLY OCCURRED PROBLEMS (F.O.P.)

Connecting to internet is so easy and everything is convenient. But when you suddenly can't connect to the Internet, any of several things could be wrong. You will feels like your face is against the wall and it is so frustrating. Please don’t panic and try to stay calm. Keep yourself together . Use this checklist to find and solve common Internet connection problems :) :-

• Still in panic mode? Are You Overlooking the Obvious?

Unplugged or loose network cables are easy to miss yet one of the most common reasons you might suddenly find yourself unable to connect to the Internet. That's not a problem on wireless networks, but on most laptops the Wi-Fi radio can be inadvertently shut off instead. On home networks, it's also possible someone unplugged the router. So, the thing you should do is, ensure your wired or wireless network hardware is switched on and plugged in.

• Feeling momentarily “blank”? Rule Out False Alarms

What may seem to be a network problem connecting to the Internet is sometimes simply a Web site (or whatever server is on the other end of the connection) being temporarily offline. Before assuming your Internet connection is faulty, try visiting several popular Web sites rather than just one.

• Are You Outside of Wireless Signal Range?

The performance of Wi-Fi network connections depends on distance between the device and the wireless access point. The further away a Wi-Fi device, the slower the local connection generally runs, until it breaks altogether. Wireless signal interference in the area can also limit the effective range of a Wi-Fi connection. Whenever you're unable to reach the access point, you also can't connect to the Internet, obviously. So you can try to use one of these options to measure the strength of your wireless signal and try these ideas to expand the range of your Wi-Fi.

  

• Avoid I.P. Address Conflicts

In here, it’s getting a little bit “technical”. If your computer and another on the network both have the same IP address, the conflict between them will prevent either from working properly online. To resolve an IP conflict, follow these instructions to release and renew your IP address. If your network uses static IP addresses, manually change your IP to a different number.

• Software could also cause this problems. Check for Computer Firewall Malfunctions

Firewall software running on most computers is intended to prevent unwanted network traffic from disrupting its operation. Unfortunately, these software firewalls can malfunction and start blocking valid Internet traffic. When two software firewalls, such as Windows Firewall plus a third-party product, are installed on the same computer, contention between the two can also incorrectly block traffic. In order to solve this, If you've recently installed or upgraded software firewalls on your computer, temporarily disable them to determine whether it may be the cause of Internet connection problems.

• For hardcore user, try to deal with Computer Glitches

Computers, too, suffer from technical glitches. Although relatively uncommon nowadays, a computer's network adapter hardware might suddenly fail due to overheating or age. Failures in the operating system software that control the adapter, on the other hand, can occur frequently especially with computers that are heavily used. Viruses and worms also may disable or block a computer's network interfaces from functioning properly. Finally, if using a laptop or other mobile device, transporting it from one location to another can corrupt the state of its network. It is good to check the computer for malware and remove any found. On Windows computers, try resetting the network connection. Reboot the computer if necessary.

• Are you sure about your Wi-Fi username and password? Has Your Wireless Network Configuration Changed?

Wi-Fi networks with encryption options like WPA or WEP turned on require computers to use matching security keys when connecting. If someone changes the encryption keys or passphrase on the access point, devices that worked before will suddenly be unable to establish sessions and Internet connections. Likewise (though less likely), if the access point settings are changed to require using a specific Wi-Fi channel number, some computers may be unable to discover it. Before you jump to conclusion, confirm the Wi-Fi channel number and encryption keys on your router have not recently changed (check with the network administrator if necessary). When using a hotspot, follow the provider's instructors for signing on carefully.

• Check for Broadband Router or Access Point Malfunctions

Home networks that use broadband routers are easier to manage than those without one, but technical glitches with the router can also prevent computers from connecting to the Internet. Router failures are caused by overheating, excessive traffic, or simply an older unit going bad. Typical symptoms of a flaky router include computers on the network not being able to obtain IP addresses, or the router console not responding to requests. Basically, you just need to check the router's lights and console if possible to ensure it is running and responding properly. Troubleshoot and reset the router if necessary.

• Nothings wrong with your part? Are You Being Blocked By Your Service Provider?

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can choose to block access from your account if you fail to make payment or otherwise violate the provider's Terms of Service. Especially when using paid hotspots that charge by the hour or day, sometimes people forget to keep their subscription updated. Other common reasons an ISP might block your account include exceeding bandwidth caps, sending spam email, and downloading illegal or inappropriate content. Try to contact your ISP if you suspect your account has been blocked.

• Last but not least, contact Your Internet Service Provider

Sometimes, for those using satellite Internet service may notice they can't connect to the Internet during periods of very bad weather. Providers in dense urban areas (including cellular Internet carriers) sometimes are unable to support peaks in network traffic that causes sporadic outages for some customers. Finally, those who subscribe to newer or more complex forms of Internet services (such as fixed wireless broadband) may experience more downtime than others as providers encounter more issues with relatively less mature equipment.

That's all for now, if things getting worse, please go get some help from technician or anybody who is qualified to solve the problems. Never let the pressure hold on to the situation or else, the problems will never end.

References :-

Pinola, M. (n.d.). Troubleshooting Wireless Problems - No Internet Connection : What to check when you have a strong wireless signal but still no Internet. Retrieved March 21, 2013, from http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/wifimobileconnectivity/tp/troubleshoot-wireless-problems-no-internet.htm

Jennings, K. (2012). Having Wii U Internet connection problems? Maybe this will help. Retrieved March 21, 2013, from http://www.examiner.com/article/having-wii-u-internet-connection-problems-maybe-this-will-help

Villazon, L. (2011). 15 Common Network Problems and Fixes. Retrieved  March 21, 2013, from http://www.maclife.com/article/features/15_common_network_problems_and_fixes

Lynn, S. (2012). 12 Tips for Troubleshooting Your Internet Connection. Retrieved  March 21, 2013, from http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/story/262550/12-tips-for-troubleshooting-your-internet-connection

Fagan, M. (2010). 4 Quick Solutions To Windows Network Connection Problems. Retrieved  March 21, 2013, from http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-quick-solutions-windows-network-connection-problems/

By Mohd Nurhadi Bin Mohd Kifli (2010913601)

CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET

While technology changes at a rapid pace, so do Internet connections. The connection speeds listed below is a general snapshot, representing general average to maximum speeds at the time of publication.

As technology grows, so does our need for bigger, better and faster Internet connections. Over the years the way content is presented via the Web has also changed drastically. Ten years ago being able to center, bold, and produce text in different colors on a webpage was something to admire.  Today, Flash, animations, online gaming, streaming HD video, database-driven websites, ecommerce and mobile applications—to name but a few—are standards.

The need for speed has changed the options available to consumers and businesses alike in terms of how and how fast we can connect to the Internet.  The connection speeds listed below represent a snapshot of general average to maximum speeds at the time of publication. This is no doubt will change over time and Internet connection speeds also vary between Internet Service Providers (ISP).

Analog: Dial-up Internet Access

Also called dial-up access, an analog Internet connection is both economical and slow. Using a modem connected to your PC, users connect to the Internet when the computer dials a phone number (which is provided by your ISP) and connects to the network. Dial-up is an analog connection because data is sent over an analog,  public-switched telephone network. The modem converts received analog data to digital and vice versa. Because dial-up access uses normal telephone lines the quality of the connection is not always good and data rates are limited. Typical Dial-up connection speeds range from 2400 bps to 56 Kbps. Today, analog has been widely replaced by broadband (Cable and DSL).

ISDN - Integrated Services Digital Network

Integrated services digital network (ISDN) is an international communications standard for sending voice, video, and data over digital telephone lines or normal telephone wires. Typical ISDN speeds range from 64 Kbps to 128 Kbps.

B-ISDN - Broadband ISDN

Broadband ISDN is similar in function to ISDN but it transfers data over fiber optic telephone lines, not normal telephone wires. SONET is the physical transport backbone of B-ISDN. Broadband ISDN has not been widely implemented.

DSL – Digital Subscriber Line DSL is frequently referred to as an "always on" connection because it uses existing 2-wire copper telephone line connected to the premise so service is delivered simultaneously with wired telephone service --  it will not tie up your phone line as an analog dial-up connection does.  The two main categories of DSL for home subscribers are called ADSL and SDSL.  All types of DSL technologies are collectively referred to as xDSL.  xDSL connection speeds range from 128 Kbps to 9 Mbps.

ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line

ADSL is the most commonly deployed types of DSL in North America. Short for asymmetric digital subscriber line ADSL supports data rates of from 1.5 to 9 Mbps when receiving data (known as the downstream rate) and from 16 to 640 Kbps when sending data (known as the upstream rate). ADSL requires a special ADSL modem.

ADSL+2 - ADSL  Extension

An extension to ADSL broadband technology that provides subscribers with significantly faster download speeds when compared to traditional ADSL connections. ADSL+2 works in the same fashion as ADSL a special filter is installed on a subscriber's telephone line to split existing copper telephone lines (POTS) between regular telephone (voice) and ADSL+2. ADSL2+ service is most commonly offered in highly-populated metropolitan areas and subscribers must be in close geographical locations to the provider's central office to receive ADSL2+ service.

SDSL - Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line

Short for symmetric digital subscriber line, SDSL is a technology that allows more data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines (POTS). SDSL supports data rates up to 3 Mbps. SDSL works by sending digital pulses in the high-frequency area of telephone wires and cannot operate simultaneously with voice connections over the same wires. SDSL requires a special SDSL modem. SDSL is called symmetric because it supports the same data rates for upstream and downstream traffic.

VDSL - Very High DSL

Very High DSL (VDSL) is a DSL technology that offers fast data rates over relatively short distances — the shorter the distance, the faster the connection rate.

  

Cable - Broadband Internet Connection

Through the use of a cable modem you can have a broadband Internet connection that is designed to operate over cable TV lines. Cable Internet works by using TV channel space for data transmission, with certain channels used for downstream transmission, and other channels for upstream transmission. Because the coaxial cable used by cable TV provides much greater bandwidth than telephone lines, a cable modem can be used to achieve extremely fast access.  Cable providers typically implement a cap to limit capacity and accommodate more customers. Cable speeds range from 512 Kbps to 20 Mbps.

Wireless Internet Connections

Wireless Internet, or wireless broadband is one of the newest Internet connection types. Instead of using telephone or cable networks for your Internet connection, you use radio frequency bands. Wireless Internet provides an always-on connection which can be accessed from anywhere — as long as you geographically within a network coverage area. Wireless access is still considered to be relatively new, and it may be difficult to find a wireless service provider in some areas. It is typically more expensive and mainly available in metropolitan areas.

Internet over Satellite

Internet over Satellite(IoS) allows a user to access the Internet via a satellite that orbits the earth. A satellite is placed at a static point above the earth's surface, in a fixed position. Because of the enormous distances signals must travel from the earth up to the satellite and back again, IoS is slightly slower than high-speed terrestrial connections over copper or fiber optic cables. Typical Internet over satellite connection speeds (standard IP services) average around 492 up to 512 Kbps.






References :-

1. http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000720.htm
2. http://compnetworking.about.com/od/internetaccessbestuses/a/how-to-connect-a-computer-to-the-internet.htm
3. http://digitalunite.com/guides/using-internet-0/connecting-internet/how-connect-internet
4. http://customer.comcast.com/help-and-support/internet/connecting-to-the-internet-using-your-router/
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Connect

By Sharifah Nursabrina binti Wan Mahlar (2010381017)