Networking Basics

This page will give you the basic information you'll need as a Learning Coach to understand and possibly troubleshoot your network. Having a solid internet connection is important to ensuring your student can participate in schooling. Let's look at some basic terms first.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) - This is the company that provides access to the internet for your home. Comcast, Time-Warner, and Verizon are some common examples.

Bandwidth - The measure of how much data can be transmitted over a network at a given time. The higher the bandwidth, the better your connection.

Cloud - A digital space that exists outside of your computer which can be used for data storage or remote computing. Data stored in the cloud exists online and can be accessed from anywhere.

Modem - Device, usually provided by your ISP, that acts as a gateway to the internet for your home.

Router - A device that distributes internet signal to devices within your home. A router typically provides wifi signal as well as physical ports for connections.

Download - To receive data from a network location. This can be in the form of a file or program.

Upload - To place data onto the network. This can be in the form of a file or program.

Cookies - Small bits of data that a website puts on your computer to save browsing information so the site can remember your computer and preferences. This could include items in a shopping cart to saved passwords.

Cache - Memory where your browser stores data such as images, fonts and other information in order to save bandwidth. This is site-specific information such as logos and headers.

The graphic below will give you an oversimplified explanation of how internet signal works.

All data is stored somewhere. When you want to access that data (by browsing the web or downloading) your Internet Service Provider (ISP) acts as a switchboard, allowing your devices to connect with the server that stores the data.

This data will flow from the ISP, through your modem, then your router, and then to your device. If any point in that connection is broken, you will not be able to access the internet. In the next section, we'll show you how you can troubleshoot any issues you may have.

When you send information, the flow of data is simply reversed. From your device, to your router, though the modem, then out through your ISP.

Since there are so many devices and connections involved with accessing the internet, it shouldn't come as a surprise that issues pop up from time to time. Here are some simple tips you can do to reestablish connection. (These steps are meant for situations where you have no internet connection. If your browser is running slow or you can't load certain pages, check out the resource for clearing cache in the section below.)

The first step is always discovering the source of the trouble to the best of your ability.

If your student cannot access the internet, but other devices on your network (tablets, phones, etc.) can, the issue is likely the student computer. If this is the case, begin by restarting the computer and attempting to connect again. If this doesn't solve the problem, you will need to contact K12/Stride tech support. There contact information can be found at the bottom of the page linked HERE.

If NO devices in your home are able to connect to the internet, the problem may be either your Modem or Router. The easiest fix is usually to power-cycle both devices. Begin by turning them off and unplugging them for 30 seconds. Then plug them both in and power them on again. It usually takes a minute or so for them to fully boot up. Once they do, attempt to access the internet again.

If this still doesn't solve the problem, the issue may be with your Internet Service Provider. Call their customer service number and explain your situation. They may have an outage in your area, or may need to send a technician out to assess the problem. It is a good idea to have their phone number written down and saved someplace since you likely won't have internet access when you need use it.

Regardless of all of the previous steps, it is important to have a contingency plan in place for times when the internet may be out for extended periods of time. This includes having a backup location the student may go to for access such as a relative's home or library. You should also have your Family Coaches' phone number saved so you can let them know of your situation in times of interruption.

Networking concepts explained by TechTarget.

Some basics explained by Cisco.

Deep explanation of Networking from IBM.

Article on clearing your cache in various browsers from PC Mag.