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Network Setup
Troubleshoot

Network Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing network issues, start with these quick fixes. If the problem persists, follow the detailed checklist below. It’s always a good idea to review the Network Setup Guide to ensure everything is configured correctly.

Quick Fix Checklist

  1. Restart Devices: Power cycle your router(s) and the server machine.
  2. Check Physical Connections: Ensure all Ethernet cables are plugged in firmly.
  3. Verify Single Server: Confirm that only one computer is configured as the server in tl-sys-configure.

Detailed Troubleshooting Checklist

1. Restart Devices

The simplest solution is often the most effective. Power cycle your router(s) and the server machine.

2. Ensure a Single Server

Verify that only one computer on the network is configured with the server role in tl-sys-configure. Multiple servers will cause network conflicts.

3. Check Physical Connections

  • Ensure all Ethernet cables are plugged in firmly at both ends.
  • Visually inspect cables for any damage.
  • Confirm the server has a solid Ethernet connection to the primary router.

4. Verify Client Configuration

On a client machine that cannot connect, run tl-sys-configure and confirm it is set to the client role and is configured with the correct Wi-Fi SSID.

5. Check DHCP Server Status

On the server, check if the DHCP service (which assigns IP addresses) is running correctly.

rsv status dhcpd4

Note

The expected output should show the service in a run state. If it shows down or another status, try restarting it with sudo rsv restart dhcpd4.

6. Review Router Settings

If you have custom router configurations, double-check them to ensure they are correct. See the Advanced Router Guide for more details.

7. Connect Manually

Use the nmtui command or the Network Manager applet in the system tray to see if you can manually connect to the Wi-Fi network. This can help diagnose whether the issue is with the connection itself or with the automatic configuration.

Common Problems & Solutions

  • Problem: The Wi-Fi network isn’t showing up for any clients.

    • Solution: Check that the server is powered on, connected to the router via Ethernet, and its own Wi-Fi is disabled. Ensure the router is powered on.

  • Problem: A computer can’t get an IP address or shows a “self-assigned IP address” error.

    • Solution: This usually means the DHCP server is not working. Check the status of dhcpd4 on the server machine as shown in step 5. Also, ensure there is only one server on the network.

  • Problem: The network is very slow or disconnects frequently.

    • Solution: This could be due to Wi-Fi congestion. Try connecting more clients via Ethernet. If you have two routers, ensure clients are distributed evenly between them. Also, check for physical obstructions around the routers.
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