Network
Names and abbreviations on this page
MDN — MDN Web Docs (formerly Mozilla Developer Network). Reference material for web programming.
Technology terms & practical skills
What it means
A network connects devices so they can exchange information. A home Wi-Fi network connects nearby devices through networking equipment; an internet service connects that network to wider networks. Being connected to Wi-Fi does not by itself prove that the internet is working.
Related skills
Trace the connectionSeparate the device, local network and internet service.
Compare symptomsCheck whether one device or several are affected.
Protect accessUse the router's supported security settings and change default administrator credentials.
An everyday example
A laptop reaches a home printer but cannot open a website. The local network may be working while the internet connection or website has a problem. Try another known website before changing the router.
What to check
Ask before restarting shared equipment; other people may be using it. Never share a router administrator password publicly.