Troubleshooting
Because a SOHO router is a network device, the rules and procedures that apply to other troubleshooting scenarios are valid. If you are experiencing Internet connectivity issues on a network with a SOHO router, the first step is to ensure that the SOHO router is powered on and that all the network connections are complete and secure. Also, familiarize yourself with the diagnostic LEDs on your SOHO router so that you can interpret the information they provide accordingly.
One of the easiest ways to test whether the SOHO router is the cause of a problem is to remove it from the communications chain and plug a PC directly in to the broadband interface (be that cable or DSL). If the PC is configured to obtain an IP address automatically, it should be able to get an IP address from the ISP just as easily as it would from the SOHO router. If the system subsequently works fine and can access the Internet, you know that the problem lies with the SOHO router and not the configuration of the system.
Identifying and Troubleshooting Client Connectivity Problems
Client connectivity errors are one of the most common sources of network-related problems. Issues range from plain old user error to more complex protocol and cabling issues. Sometimes, even administrators make mistakes that can impact users! With so many possibilities, it is no wonder that client connectivity persists as one of the biggest network troubleshooting hotspots.
Protocol Errors
The client system must have a protocol assigned or bound to its NIC in order to access resources. You can use various tools to verify that a protocol is being used by the systemfor example, on Windows 2000/XP/2003 systems, you use the ipconfig command; on older Windows client systems, you use the winipcfg command; and on Linux, UNIX, and Macintosh systems, you can use the ifconfig command.