Business Internet Troubleshooting Checklist

When the internet goes down at work, it can be hard to know where to start. This business internet troubleshooting checklist helps you move quickly from symptoms to solutions. It is designed for small teams that need clear steps without digging through technical manuals.

Use this checklist any time your office Wi-Fi slows down, devices cannot connect, or cloud apps stop loading. You can work through it in 10 to 15 minutes and gather the right evidence before calling your ISP.

Quick triage checklist

• Confirm the issue on at least two devices.
• Test both Wi-Fi and a wired connection.
• Check if phones and smart devices are affected too.
• Look at modem and router status lights.
• Power cycle modem and router for 30 seconds.

Isolate whether the issue is internal or ISP related

Connect one device directly to the modem. If it works, your router or Wi-Fi is the likely cause. If it fails, the issue is probably upstream. This step saves time by narrowing the root cause before you troubleshoot deeper.

Run simple tests and capture results

Use a speed test to check download, upload, and latency. Run a basic ping to a known site. Take screenshots if possible. This evidence helps you prove the outage and can speed up support responses from your ISP.

Check for local network issues

If only Wi-Fi is slow, look for obvious interference. Move closer to the access point, disconnect unused devices, and check for recent changes like new hardware. Restarting the Wi-Fi access point can also restore performance.

Contact your ISP with clear details

Once you have confirmed the issue is not local, contact your ISP. Provide the timestamps, test results, and a description of symptoms. Ask if there is a known outage and request an estimated resolution time.

Fallback options during an outage

If your business depends on constant internet access, use a backup connection. A mobile hotspot or LTE router can keep essential apps running while you wait for the primary connection to return.

After the outage: prevent future disruptions

Recurring outages usually signal a deeper issue. Consider replacing aging routers, improving cable quality, or adding a secondary ISP. Monitoring your connection can also provide alerts the moment your service drops.

Hook: Build a repeatable response so your team knows exactly what to do next time the internet slows down or drops.