# Troubleshooting and fixing network issues

> Work through common steps to find and fix network problems that stop you reaching your website, email or services.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/developers/networking/troubleshooting-and-fixing-network-issues/

From time to time, you may encounter network problems that prevent you from accessing your website, email, or other online services. This guide introduces the most common troubleshooting steps to help you identify and resolve connectivity issues.

## Common Causes of Network Issues

- Problems with your **local device** (Wi-Fi, firewall, or browser).
- Issues with your **ISP (Internet Service Provider)**.
- DNS misconfigurations or propagation delays.
- Routing problems between your ISP and the hosting server.
- Temporary outages on the hosting server itself.

## Step 1: Check Your Local Setup

- Restart your **modem/router**.
- Test another device (phone, tablet, or laptop).
- Switch to a different network (e.g., mobile hotspot) to rule out local ISP issues.

## Step 2: Test Connectivity

- Use **ping** to check if the server is reachable:

  ```bash
  ping yourdomain.com
  ```
- Use **traceroute** (or tracert on Windows) to see the path packets take:

  ```bash
  traceroute yourdomain.com
  ```

  Look for timeouts or high latency at specific hops.

## Step 3: Troubleshoot DNS

- Use dig or nslookup to confirm your domain resolves to the correct IP:

  ```bash
  nslookup yourdomain.com
  ```
- If DNS records were recently updated, allow **24–48 hours** for propagation.
- Try switching to a public DNS service (Google DNS 8.8.8.8, Cloudflare DNS 1.1.1.1).

## Step 4: Clear Cache and DNS

- Clear your **browser cache and cookies**.
- Flush your **local DNS cache**:
- Windows: ipconfig /flushdns
- macOS: sudo dscacheutil - flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
- Linux: sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches

## Step 5 : Rule Out Security Software

- Temporarily disable firewalls, VPNs, or antivirus software that may block connections.
- If the issue resolves, adjust the software’s settings to allow access.