Basic Network Troubleshooting Steps

When a user reports no internet or network connectivity, follow a structured approach. Start at the physical layer: check that all cables are securely seated and indicator lights on the router/switch are normal (solid or blinking green). Power-cycle the modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds, modem first, then router. From the user's computer, run 'ipconfig' to check the assigned IP address. An address in the 169.254.x.x range means DHCP failed — the device got an APIPA address. Run 'ipconfig /release' then 'ipconfig /renew' to request a new DHCP lease. Test connectivity progressively: ping 127.0.0.1 (local loopback), then the default gateway, then 8.8.8.8 (external IP), then google.com (DNS). If ping to 8.8.8.8 works but google.com fails, the issue is DNS. Try changing the DNS server to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 in the adapter settings. Document which step in the chain fails to narrow down where the problem lies.