Optus Network Outage and How it Affects Business Operations
By Viewpoint Digital Media Data Security • Networking • Telecommunication • • 0 Comments

Optus Network Outage and How it Affects Business Operations

Recently, the second-largest network carrier in Australia—Optus—had a major outage that affected over 10 million users, including businesses across Australia. But why is it alarming? In this blog, we will discuss the major effects that it caused and how businesses can prepare in times of incidents like this. 

Communication breakdown

Businesses heavily rely on a stable and reliable network to carry out their day-to-day operations. With communication problems, it will be hard for an organisation to operate and support their teams. On the customer side, this could be a frustrating moment and could lead to damaging the company’s reputation. 

Financial consequences

The outage interrupted almost all access for transport, healthcare, and even online transactions. This leaves e-commerce websites on freeze as they can’t process orders, leading to a loss in sales. 

Arising security risks

While some people are getting helpless with this problem, the attackers find it the perfect time to get on the line. With so many phishing reports claiming to be from Optus, the company has sent a warning to all its users that they are not sending any messages that contain links to resolve the problem. 

This type of attack can easily make people fall for the attacker’s trick if they aren’t vigilant enough. 

Long-term impact

Following the network outage, Optus has proposed solutions to make it up to all its user types. However, a lot of businesses have to deal with long-term consequences and work harder to fully recover and prepare for this type of problem. 

Secure your business with IT experts.

This incident only proves how a network outage can drastically affect businesses and disrupt their operations. To mitigate the threats posed by network outages, it is vital to have robust backup, disaster recovery plans, and security measures in place. 

At Geelong Technology Group, we provide comprehensive IT solutions for your business, such as a strong backup system and managed IT services to mitigate loss and damages caused by tech problems such as network outages. Give us a call at (03) 5244 3030. 

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By admin IT Support • Networking 0 Comments

Five common wi-fi issues – and how to fix them!

Do you remember how we once lived without wi-fi? Nah, we don’t either! We’ve become so used to having instantaneous access to the internet that when we experience wi-fi issues, it can feel like the world is about to end! Avoid catastrophising and read on for common wi-fi issues – and their (generally straightforward) solutions.

The single device won’t connect to the internet

When everyone else is busy working, but you’re languishing in a wi-fi free purgatory, try the following:

 

  1. Turn off the wi-fi on your phone/tablet/computer.
  2. Instruct your device to forget the connection.
  3. Turn off your device and turn it back on.
  4. Try to reconnect now. (You may need your password.)

 

If the old ‘disconnect, turn off, turn on’ routine doesn’t work and you’re running Windows 10 or 11, you can also run through the ‘Identify and repair network issues’ diagnostics. (MacOS users can try ‘Wireless Diagnostics’.)  

No devices can connect to wi-fi

If the problem is with multiple devices, the router is likely the culprit. Start by checking the status of the lights on your router: the internet signal light (usually white or green) should be on and solid. The wi-fi light should also be on and is generally blinking. No lights or red lights mean something is amiss. The first (and often best) fix for router issues is to restart/reboot it:

 

  1. Switch off your router and unplug the power cable.
  2. Wait 60 seconds, then plug it back in and switch it back on.
  3. The router may take several minutes to reboot. (Practice mindful patience!)
  4. When the router is back up and running, reboot your device and try to connect again. 

No internet access (or slow access) in certain rooms

Wi-fi uses radio waves to transmit information between the router and your device. These waves broadcast in all directions from the central device, so the more centralised the router placement in your coverage area, the better your reception will be. Higher is also better: a higher router means a wider broadcast and better overall coverage.

Wi-fi signals can easily pass through wood and drywall, but tiles, metal and concrete can interfere with messages getting through. While they’re running, microwaves, baby monitors, and cordless phones can also run interference.

If your home or office space is too big for one router to handle, or you know there are obstructions, you can extend your signal’s reach with a wireless repeater or mesh system.

Slow internet throughout your home or office

If your wi-fi speed is slow throughout your usage area, try plugging a laptop directly into your modem and test your internet speed using a provider such as speedtest.net.

 

  • If your speed is still slow: you may have a connection problem. Speak to your Internet Service Provider.
  • If your direct-connect speed is good: you may be competing with another router for the channel bandwidth. Try switching wi-fi channels.
  • If your direct-connect speed is good but switching wi-fi channels has no effect: your router may need an update. Try a factory reset and update the settings.
  • And if the factory reset and update had no effect? Your router might be dying, and upgrading may be the best option.

The network connects, but there’s no internet

We’ve said it before (just up above, actually!), and we’ll say it again: try resetting your router (and your modem if it’s a separate device) by unplugging it, waiting 60 seconds, and plugging it back in.

If your device is still in an internet-free zone, connect your laptop to the router directly to check where the problem lies. If there’s still no internet, you may have an outage, and it’s time to contact your ISP.

Still can’t connect? Call the Geelong technology specialists

If the standard fixes above aren’t working and you think there’s something more serious going on, don’t waste your time tearing your hair out – give the experts at Geelong Technology Group a call. (Then take your laptop down to your local café!).

Having a professional IT technician from Geelong Technology Group come into your home or office to assess your wi-fi issues, check for problems and make suggestions for improvements could improve your wi-fi coverage and performance significantly.

Get in contact via phone or email, or drop by our specialised service centre to chat in person:

 

☎️ 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484)

📧 support@geelongtechnology.com.au

166 Francis St, Belmont