Why this matters
When a network fault stops a bank branch or a school office, people need it fixed fast, and they need you to stay calm. Adverts for IT support and NOC roles in Ghana ask for network troubleshooting, connectivity support and monitoring. A clear routine with a few free tools lets you find where a connection breaks in minutes.
Work from near to far
Test in order from the device outwards. Each step that works rules out everything before it.
- Physical. Is the device on? Is the cable plugged in at both ends, with lights on the port? Is Wi-Fi switched on and connected to the right network? Is the router powered, and is the data bundle or fibre service active?
- Address. Run
ipconfig(Windows) orip a(Linux), or look in phone Wi-Fi details. A normal private address and a gateway mean DHCP worked. A169.254.address means it did not. - Local network. Ping the gateway (the router), for example
ping 192.168.1.1. Replies mean the device can reach the router. - Internet by address. . Replies mean the router reaches the internet.