Why is My Internet Not Working?

Think of internet data packets like breaking a puzzle into individual pieces. Just as you wouldn’t try to solve the entire puzzle at once, data packets are divided to ensure efficient transmission. This division prevents overwhelming the system if a large amount of data were to be sent at once. We all know how frustrating it is to put a jigsaw back together when you notice pieces are missing, this is the same for all your internet apps and services, When bits go missing we refer to this as packet loss and it impacts your experience.

Imagine you’re in Thailand and want to watch a movie on Netflix. Your device first needs to connect to the Netflix server. This involves translating the Netflix website address (URL) into a numerical address through Domain Name System (DNS) servers, usually provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Once the address is obtained, a reliable connection is established using Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).

Your local network, whether it’s at home or in the office, plays a crucial role in your internet experience. It’s not just the responsibility of end-users; it’s often a significant source of service disruptions. Issues such as poor Wi-Fi coverage, an overload of devices, or incorrect setup can significantly impact your internet experience, even if your provider is delivering excellent service. Ensuring optimal performance and setup of your local network is essential for a seamless online experience. Data packets then move through your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) infrastructure. This includes local exchanges, where data is routed to larger network backbones, like the main highways across the country before getting to your internet providers borders and connecting to the outside world.

The data packets then travel through various network switches, routers, and equipment, akin to navigating a cross country highway system. Similar to real highways, this infrastructure is susceptible to congestion, accidents, and routing errors, potentially causing delays or packet loss. To reach destinations outside your internet providers network, Providers have special networks for sharing traffic between each other ,either they lease capacity from global internet providers known as transit providers , or have a special data centre where other internet providers and app providers can come together and share data , this is known as an Internet Exchange point or IX. These can connect via land-based or under water submarine cables and traverse the globe and international boundaries. These connections are not immune to physical damage or maintenance issues, which can disrupt connectivity and user experience across entire regions.

Upon reaching the destination server, such as Netflix’s vast network, data packets are processed and content is delivered to your device, or not. It’s important to recognize that internet service providers are just one component of this complex ecosystem, and issues may arise beyond their control.

Navigating the intricacies of internet connectivity reveals a collaborative effort involving numerous parties. By understanding these concepts, users can better troubleshoot issues and appreciate the complexity behind a seemingly seamless online experience.

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