Northern Illinois University

Information Technology Services

Network Performance

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Isolate the issue
    • When did this problem occur?
      • Did it ever work before?
    • Changes made?
  • Determine Scope
    • One machine vs. multiple
      • Applications utilizing the Network
      • Check Network Connectivity
      • Resources application utilizes
      • Commonality (If multiple machines)
  • Speed Test
    • http://speedtest.niu.edu
      • 10mbit connection - average of 5mbit, below 3 is cause for concern
      • 100mbit connection - average of 50mbit, below 30 is cause for concern

Information Required for Escalation

  • Resource or Service
  • Date and Time of occurrences
  • Connectivity Method
    • Speed & Duplex
      • Direct, Hub, Switch
      • Full ipconfig /all results - (PC, Mac)
        • IP Address
        • MAC Address
        • DNS Servers
        • DHCP Server
        • Gateway
  • DNS name lookup (nslookup) - (PC, Mac)
    • Ipconfig/flushdns (if unable to resolve)
    • Speed Test results
      • Download and upload results
  • Location
    • Building
    • Room #
    • Jack #