Finding where the problem is.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FIRST
Whether it affects everyone or one person.
WHY THAT QUESTION
It separates a connection problem from a device problem.
WHAT TO CHECK NEXT
Whether it affects wireless only, or wired too.
WHY
It separates wireless problems from connection problems.
HOW TO TEST PROPERLY
A wired device, directly connected, with nothing else running.
WHAT TO MEASURE
Speed both directions Latency Packet loss Whether results vary over time
WHAT TO COMPARE AGAINST
What you are paying for, and what you measured when it was working.
WHY A BASELINE MATTERS
Without it, you cannot say whether anything changed.
WHAT TO RECORD ROUTINELY
Periodic speed and latency measurements.
WHAT COMMON CAUSES LOOK LIKE
Slow at particular times: contention
Slow for everyone, always: the connection or provider
- Slow on wireless only: coverage or interference
- Slow for one device: that device
- High latency with normal speed: routing or congestion
- Packet loss: a fault on the line or equipment
WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE CALLING THE PROVIDER
That no device is consuming everything That the router has been restarted That cabling is sound
WHAT TO GIVE THE PROVIDER
Measurements, times and dates.
WHY
It moves the conversation past generic advice.
