WAN Fails but Only Some Sites: Troubleshooting Guide

When your Wide Area Network (WAN) fails, it can be frustrating, especially if only some websites are affected. In this troubleshooting guide, we will help you identify and resolve the issue so you can get back online quickly. This guide is designed for entry-level users, so no technical expertise is required.

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

The first step is to ensure that your internet connection is working properly. Here's what you can do:

• Check if other devices connected to the same network are able to access the internet. If they can, then the issue might be specific to your device.
• Restart your router and modem. Simply unplug them from the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug them back in.
• If you are using Wi-Fi, try connecting your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable to see if that resolves the issue.

Step 2: Clear Your Browser Cache

Sometimes, a corrupted or outdated cache can cause issues with accessing certain websites. Follow these steps to clear your browser cache:

• Open your browser's settings or preferences.
• Find the option to clear your browsing data or cache.
• Select the appropriate options (e.g., cache, cookies, browsing history) and click on "Clear" or "Delete".
• Restart your browser and try accessing the websites again.

Step 3: Disable Proxy Settings

Proxy settings can sometimes interfere with your ability to access certain websites. Here's how you can disable proxy settings:

• Open your browser's settings or preferences.
• Look for the "Network Settings" or "Proxy Settings" option.
• Disable any proxy settings that are enabled.
• Restart your browser and try accessing the websites again.

Step 4: Check DNS Settings

DNS (Domain Name System) translates website URLs into IP addresses. If your DNS settings are incorrect, it can cause issues with accessing specific websites. Follow these steps to check your DNS settings:

• Open your network settings on your device.
• Look for the DNS settings option.
• Ensure that the DNS settings are set to "Automatic" or enter the correct DNS server addresses provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• Save the settings and restart your device.

Step 5: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software

Firewalls and antivirus software can sometimes block access to certain websites. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software and check if you can access the websites. If you can, you may need to adjust the settings to allow access to those sites.

Step 6: Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you have followed all the steps above and are still unable to access certain websites, it's time to contact your ISP. They will be able to troubleshoot the issue from their end and provide further assistance.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of being unable to access certain websites when your WAN fails. Remember to always restart your devices and clear your cache before seeking further assistance.

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