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Troubleshooting Internet Connection

A customer calls technical support because their internet is not working. The support agent guides them through various steps to diagnose and resolve the issue, such as checking cables, restarting the router, or resetting network settings.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Customer (Female)
Hi, I'm calling because my internet connection isn't working at all. I can't get online.
2
Support Agent (Male)
Hello. I'm sorry to hear that. My name is Andrew. Let's try to get you back online. First, can you tell me if any of the lights on your modem or router are off, or if they are blinking unusually?
3
Customer (Female)
Hmm, let me check. Okay, the 'DSL' light on my modem is off, and the 'Internet' light is red. All the other lights look normal.
4
Support Agent (Male)
Alright, that indicates a problem with the connection to our network. Let's try the classic troubleshooting step. Please unplug the power cable from your modem and your router for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in. Make sure you plug the modem in first, wait for its lights to stabilize, and then plug in the router.
5
Customer (Female)
Okay, doing that now. Unplugging both... and now plugging the modem back in. Waiting for the lights... Okay, the DSL light is green now, and the Internet light is blinking green. Now plugging in the router.
6
Support Agent (Male)
Excellent. Once the router's lights are stable, please try to connect to the internet again on your computer or device and let me know if it's working.
7
Customer (Female)
Okay, the router lights look good. Let me try. Yes! It's working! I can access websites again. Thank you so much!
8
Support Agent (Male)
You're very welcome! Glad we could get that resolved for you. Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
9
Customer (Female)
No, that's all for now. Thanks again!
10
Support Agent (Male)
You bet. Have a great day!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

modem

A device that connects your home or office to the internet service provider, converting signals for use.

router

A device that shares the internet connection from the modem to multiple devices like computers and phones in your home.

troubleshooting

The process of finding and fixing problems with technology or devices, often step by step.

unplug

To remove a plug or cable from a power source or device, often done to reset equipment.

blinking

When a light on a device flashes on and off quickly, usually indicating activity or an issue.

stabilize

To become steady or normal after a change, like lights on a device stopping from blinking irregularly.

DSL

Short for Digital Subscriber Line, a type of internet connection that uses phone lines to provide high-speed access.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

My internet connection isn't working at all.

This sentence uses the present continuous tense 'isn't working' to describe a current problem. It's useful for explaining tech issues clearly when seeking help.

I'm sorry to hear that.

A polite empathy expression in customer service. Use it to show understanding and concern when someone reports a problem; the contraction 'I'm' makes it natural and conversational.

Can you tell me if any of the lights on your modem or router are off?

This is a polite question using 'can you' for requests and 'if' for conditions. It's practical for diagnosing issues by asking for specific details step by step.

Please unplug the power cable from your modem and your router for about 30 seconds.

An imperative sentence with 'please' for politeness, giving clear instructions. Useful in troubleshooting; note the use of 'for about' to indicate approximate time.

Once the router's lights are stable, please try to connect to the internet again.

Uses 'once' for sequence of events and conditional structure. This teaches how to give timed instructions; it's common in tech support to guide users safely.

You're very welcome!

A friendly response to 'thank you,' more emphatic than just 'you're welcome.' Use it in service situations to end positively and build rapport.

Is there anything else I can assist you with today?

A yes/no question offering further help, using 'can assist' for formal politeness. It's a standard closing phrase in customer service to check for more needs.