Internet Connection Not Available: What Causes?

It happens to everyone needing help to connect to the Internet from their PC or smartphone. In this article, we will show you the leading causes for which it is impossible to surf the web and the remedies to restore the connection. Nothing is more annoying than not being able to connect to the Internet from your home PC or mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The absence of a signal is a common problem for many users. 

Sometimes, the technical difficulties last for hours and prevent us from working, following the latest episode of our favorite TV series, or simply using the apps when needed. They serve. There are many reasons for the absence of an Internet connection. Still, there are three main defendants when it is impossible to access Wi-Fi: a router, a device used to access the web and a home Internet operator. Below we will explain the most common reasons why the Internet signal is absent and the steps to restore it. 

When It’s The Router’s Fault

Sometimes the Internet connection does not have any problems and works perfectly, but it is still impossible to access a site. In this case, the first thing to check is the  ADSL router. This device is essential for connecting to the web as it translates the Internet signal sent via copper pairs, optical fibers, or radio waves into digital data that PCs, smartphones, etc., can read. The router also performs the opposite operation when instead we upload information to the Net. The first thing to do is restart the router. 

If this is not enough, disconnect the terminal from the power supply and wait at least 10-15 seconds before reconnecting it to the mains. Another cause of no Internet connection is the failure to assign an  IP address. Most of the time, the latter is indicated on a label affixed to the modem. If it is not present, enter the device configuration panel by typing the address “http://192.168.1.1” on your browser (the URL could be different). Once this is done, you will need to access the item relating to the connection status and verify that there is an IP address. 

Otherwise, you will have to click on the “update” or “get IP address” button. The IP address with a Windows PC can also be found from the “Start” screen and by typing the string “View network status and activity.” Once the right network has been selected, select the item “Details…” and look for the wording “Ipv4”. On Mac, the same operation is performed by clicking on “System Preferences” in the Apple menu, selecting the “Network” icon – “Advanced,” and finally, “Router.”

Another solution to restore the signal is to update the firmware. The download can always be done from the router menu if the manufacturer still needs to provide them automatically. If you still can’t navigate, try changing the DSN (Domain Name System). This standard is used to translate web addresses that we usually write in letters into an address composed of numbers and dots (Ipv4 or Ipv6), which identifies the position of that specific site on a server.

On Windows PCs, the DSN can be changed from the “Start” menu and first selecting the “Properties” item, then from the “IP Settings” choose “Modify” and then “Manual.” From here, you can manually change the parameters of the Internet connection.

Wi-Fi Internet Is Not Available; What To Do?

If you like, the problem of an unavailable connection can be linked exclusively to Wi-Fi: the problem of an unavailable Internet Wi-Fi concerns, that is, the wireless transmission of the signal, which may not work for various reasons. The first and most common is the distance from the modem/router, which has the task of making the connection accessible to wireless devices: in addition to, the fact that especially older routers do not have broad coverage in terms of meters, there it must be taken into account that walls, floors, and ceilings drastically reduce the penetration of the signal. 

In these cases, the best thing is to purchase special  Wi-Fi extenders or devices to create a mesh network. In the first case, you will see a parallel network (usually with the suffix _EXT or similar) to connect to. In the second, the original connection will be automatically extended. Internet not available on Wi-Fi can also depend on using a non-optimal Wi-Fi channel, for example, because it is too congested by the simultaneous presence of too many connected devices in the immediate vicinity, even in different apartments. 

While a 5 GHz network automatically adjusts frequencies most suitably, if you have a 2.4 GHz wireless network, it is better to manually search for less-used channels to improve signal strength. Finally, to remedy the Internet not being available on a PC or mobile device,  it may be necessary to update, in addition to the firmware, the network card drivers, an automatic process for Macs but which can be manual on PCs, especially if you have a device with some years behind. Ultimately, consider restoring the factory settings by performing a hard reset.

When It’s The Fault Of The Device Used To Access The Web

Commonly, the inability to connect to the Internet depends on the device used to access it, be it a PC, notebook, smartphone, tablet, or whatever. As with the router, the first thing to do is to try to turn off the terminal, wait a few seconds and turn it back on. If we talk about phones, you can set airplane mode, which disables any data connection, and turn it off after waiting a few moments. The absence of a signal could be due to some malware or virus. Infecting your device is relatively easy. All it takes is one click on the wrong link or pop-up to end up with malware that can make your  Internet connection unavailable. 

In this case, an antivirus scan should fix the problem permanently. Numerous software, even free, are available online to do this. In principle, the advice is to access the web using the latest generation devices or, in any case, install the newest operating system version. PC and smartphone manufacturers make updates available regularly, also aimed at guaranteeing a stable and fast Internet connection. The second tip, if we are talking about desktop and notebook computers, is to use the  Ethernet cable if it is impossible to access the web via Wi-Fi.

When It’s The Operator’s Fault

When the Internet connection is unavailable, and the fault is not with the router, the cause is likely your landline operator. If it is a generalized problem that concerns the entire provider’s network, the only alternative is to wait for the company’s technicians to resolve it. Operators usually inform their customers of progress in resolving technical problems via their respective social channels with timely updates on the line’s status. If the problem only affects us, you should contact your provider directly instead. All companies that provide Internet connection are equipped with customer support platforms. 

To get a technician, you can do it by phone, often free of charge, or through the support tools integrated into the operator’s website. Some companies are equipped with digital assistants to answer the most common user questions about home Internet offers. Alternatively, social networks can be used. On the official profiles of the companies, particularly on  Facebook and  Twitter, it is possible to report having experienced a technical problem and request assistance with a post published directly on the page, a tweet, or via private message. In the first case, it is better to avoid sharing your data as it could be read and used by third parties unintentionally.

Here’s How To Switch Providers

To check if the problem depends on your operator, we recommend using the special tools provided by  SosTariffe. to make it easier to manage your home Internet offer. On the competitor’s website, you can find a convenient speed test to check the actual browsing speed in both download and upload. Not only that, but you can also find confirmation of your doubts regarding fiber and ADSL coverage. Just enter your Municipality to find the best technology (ADSL, fiber optics, etc.) that can be accessed from your home.

If you are dissatisfied with how your provider works to restore the Internet connection or are fed up with constant disruptions, consider changing it with SosTariffe. You can compare the home Internet offers of the leading providers and find the one that best suits your navigation needs. Just enter a few parameters (coverage, browsing speed, included services requested, maximum monthly cost, etc.) to find the most convenient offer based on your consumption profile. SosTariffe also provides tools, documentation ( migration code, etc.), and support to change operators quickly and painlessly.

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