How to Check a LAN Network

Internet browsers show Web pages with relative ease, but an abundant number of hardware, software and other services work together to present those pages. Many of those components, such as the Internet Service Provider (ISP), are out of Internet users' control. Further, a router creates a local area network (LAN) so that multiple PCs share one ISP via a modem. Networks are very convoluted, but Microsoft includes a troubleshooting tool in Windows 7 that check LAN networks and Internet connectivity and offer solutions for detectable problems.

Instructions

1. Click on the Windows orb logo at the bottom of the desktop to show the Start menu. Click on the "Control Panel" from the menu to open a window.

2. Type "troubleshooter" in the search box in the upper-right corner of the window. Click on the "Troubleshooting" link from the results in the center of the window.

3. Click on "Connect to the Internet" under the "Network and Internet" section to begin checking the LAN and Internet connection. Follow instructions for fixes when prompted by the Windows operating system.

Tips & Warnings

• Alternatively, use Microsoft's "Internet Connectivity Evaluation Tool" to check the Internet router for proper settings (see Resources).

References

• Microsoft: Using the Network Troubleshooter in Windows 7
• Microsoft: Why Can't I Connect to a Network?
• Microsoft: Open Networking Troubleshooters
• Microsoft: Networking in Windows 7 Starter

Resources

• Microsoft: Internet Connectivity Evaluation Tool
• Windows Reference: Microsoft Online Internet Connection Evaluation Tool
• Microsoft: Why Can't I Connect to the Internet?