Windows 8 Bible

Letting Windows Troubleshoot the Network

Whenever you have a problem with a network, whether wired or wireless, you should always check your network hardware first. Even experts have been known to spend much time trying to troubleshoot a network problem from mouse and keyboard, when the problem turned out to be a loose cable.

If on a wired network, make sure the computer is firmly connected to the hub using an appropriate cable. For example, if you’re using gigabit Ethernet, use Cat 6 straight through cables (not crossover cables) to connect all computers to the hub. Make sure each cable is firmly plugged in. If the hub and cards have indicator lights, they should be green when the computer is properly connected. The amber light flashes only when there’s data crossing the cable.

Tip

How can you tell a straight cable from a crossover cable? Hold the two ends of the cable side-by-side, with the retaining clip facing away from you. The colors will be in the same order left-to-right on both connectors on a straight cable. A crossover cable will have the green and orange wires (network cable has a series of eight colored wires) switched on one end of the wire.

For a wireless network, make sure the wireless access point is turned on and its connection to the wired segment (such as the switch, or DSL or cable modem) is active. Always refer to the installation and troubleshooting documentation that came with your networking hardware. Remember that not all products are exactly alike. ...