Although the latest wireless communication standard 802.11n promises data transmission speed that rival or exceed typical wired connections, wired or Ethernet-based internet connection still has advantages over it.

In addition to speed that is dependable and consistent, wired network offers increased security over wireless one because it’s easier for hackers to break into a wireless internet connection than a wired one, especially if you have not or do not know how to properly and securely configured it. Furthermore, wireless broadband connections are unreliable and face frequent drop-lines.

First of all, figure out whether the problem lies at your end or ISP’s. If without intervention from you or your ISP (Internet Service Provider), the connection starts to work again, then most certainly the problem lies with the ISP. And what you’re experiencing is commonly known as a service outage.

Service outages for residential  users are common occurrence. that’s nothing you can do about it. You may complain to your ISP but in the short run, it’s better you just try and work around them.
The way to go about it is, after a service outage, switch off your DSL or cable modem, wireless router, if you have one and your computer, and then back on again after approximately 10 seconds in the above order.

Does your internet connection fly like an eagle or crawl like a tortoise? Is it just your imagination, or is it really slow today? Whether you are using a broadband connection or just plain old dial-up connection, a bandwidth speed test will let you know your actual connection speed.

There are a number of free broadband speed tests available online. My favorite is SpeakEasy (http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/). Just click on the server that is nearest to your location and it will begin to test your download and upload speeds automatically.

1. Click Start

2. Control Panel

3. ‘Network and Internet Connections’

4. ‘Set up or chg Internet connection’

5. Press ‘Add…’ box

6. Then follow the New Connection Wizard’s prompts.