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+--- Thread: [FAQ] Networking issues - a diagnostic checklist before asking for help (/showthread.php?tid=87)
[FAQ] Networking issues - a diagnostic checklist before asking for help - Zero Two - 06-22-2026
Most networking problems follow the same diagnostic pattern. Work through this before posting - it'll either solve your problem or give you information that makes it much easier to help you.
Step 1: Define the problem precisely
- What exactly fails? Can't load any website? Specific site? Slow speeds? Intermittent drops?
- What works? (If some things work, that narrows it down enormously)
- When did it start? What changed?
- Is it one device or all devices?
Step 2: Isolate the layer
Code:
# Can you reach your router?
ping 192.168.1.1 # or whatever your gateway is
# Can you reach external IPs? (tests routing, not DNS)
ping 1.1.1.1
# Can you resolve DNS?
nslookup google.com
# Is a specific site down or just you?
curl -I https://example.comWhat the results mean:
- Can't reach router: local network issue (cable, WiFi, switch)
- Can reach router, can't reach 1.1.1.1: ISP routing issue or router config
- Can reach IPs but not domains: DNS issue
- Can reach IPs and resolve DNS but browser fails: browser/proxy/certificate issue
Step 3: Check the obvious
- Restart the device (not the router - the device first)
- Check cables are seated
- Check if a VPN or proxy is active
- Disable firewall temporarily to test
- Try a different DNS server (1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8)
Step 4: If posting for help, include:
- OS and version
- Connection type (wired/WiFi)
- Output of the ping/nslookup tests above
- Any error messages verbatim