Home Network Troubleshooting Tips
- 02 Jun 2023
- 2 Minutes to read
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Home Network Troubleshooting Tips
- Updated on 02 Jun 2023
- 2 Minutes to read
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- DarkLight
- PDF
- New
Article Summary
As internet usage continues to grow, connection issues are becoming more common. However, there are steps you can take to improve your internet speed. Start by checking your internet speed using websites or Google's speed test. If the result shows slow speed, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to address any issues. Make sure to turn off features like SIP ALG and Deep Packet Inspection in your router's firewall settings, as they can cause problems with your connection. Additionally, try rebooting your router by turning it off for at least five seconds before turning it back on. Find the best location for your router and avoid obstructions like cabinets, televisions, and baby monitors. If you experience Wi-Fi deadspots, consider working in a different room closer to the router or using a booster provided by your ISP. Lastly, for optimal speeds, consider using a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi and limit other data-heavy activities while working.
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With internet usage growing exponentially month over month, as much as we hate to say it, connection issues may be unavoidable. However, you can absolutely take measures to ensure you are doing everything possible on your end so that you are set up for success.
We've put together this step-by-step guide to get you started.
Check your Internet Speed
There are many websites offering to test your internet speed for you, such as speedtest.net, but the easiest way to do it is by searching Google. If you search "test internet speed", Google will ask you to click a button that says "run speed test".
If the result is "your internet speed is slow", then you should carry on reading this guide. If you would like a more robust test of your internet connection, please contact Dialpad support.
Contact your Internet Service Provider
If the network test results flag your network speed slow, you can engage your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check for Internet issues and if some of the features below are turned ON, have it turned OFF.
Dialpad requires that the following features are turned off in your router's firewall settings:
- SIP-ALG: SIP ALG modifies SIP packets in unexpected ways, corrupting them and making them unreadable. This can give you unexpected behavior, such as phones not registering and incoming/outbound calls failing.
- Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)
- Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)
Be sure to read this Help Center article for more information on our recommendations for your local network.
Reboot your router
The age-old quick-fix is back; if something isn't working, switch it off then turn it on again. While it may be a running joke among IT people, restarting your internet really does work quite often.Switch it off and make sure to wait at least five seconds before switching your box back on.
Find the best place for your router and WiFi Connection
To get the best out of your internet connection you should make sure your router is not being obstructed by anything. Keep it in an open location in your home. Please keep it out of cabinets, next to the television (not behind it), and away from baby monitors and fish tanks. These objects can block and slow down your Wi-Fi signal. You should also make sure your router is stood up the way the provider has intended. Don't set it on its side to save space.Identify Wi-Fi 'deadspots'
One reason your internet may be running slowly is that you could be working in a Wi-Fi 'deadspot'. This could be an area that is too far away from the router, or separated by thick walls. A simple solution to this is to work in a different room, closer to your internet router. Even opening the door in the room you're working in could help improve your connection. Alternatively, you can buy a "booster'" from your service provider which can improve your WiFi coverage.Move to a wired connection
While it may not be ideal, using an Ethernet cable to connect your device is the best way. This way, your device will get the fastest speeds, while freeing up your Wi-Fi for other devices. For people working from home and sharing large files, connecting their laptop with a wired connection will help them get the best speeds. It’s also worth connecting devices that use more data – like game consoles and Smart TVs – with an Ethernet cable.
If you continue to have issues with internet speed, consider turning off other services that are not required at the time, ie online streaming services and online gaming.
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