Network & Connectivity Troubleshooting

digiMall Connectivity Requirements

digiMall requires stable internet connection with minimum 1 Mbps speed. Our platform uses HTTPS, WebSocket connections for real-time features, and connects to 8 microservices for optimal functionality.

Common Network Error Messages

Understanding digiMall's network error messages helps identify and resolve connectivity issues:

"Network connection failed"

This error occurs when digiMall cannot establish a connection to our servers.

Common Causes & Solutions:

• Internet disconnection: Check your WiFi/cellular connection
• DNS issues: Try switching to Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4)
• Firewall blocking: Add digimall.ng to firewall exceptions
• ISP issues: Contact your internet service provider

"Unable to connect to the server. Please check your internet connection and try again."

digiMall's standard network error message with automatic retry mechanism.

Automatic Recovery:

• System retries up to 3 times with exponential backoff
• Wait 30 seconds before trying manual refresh
• Check system status page for known outages

"The request took too long to complete. Please try again."

Timeout error - requests exceed digiMall's 30-second client timeout or 15-second server timeout.

Solutions:

• Check internet speed (should be at least 1 Mbps)
• Close bandwidth-heavy applications
• Try using a wired connection instead of WiFi

Network Diagnostics

Basic Connectivity Test

Step-by-Step Network Check:

1. Test Internet Connection
Visit a different website (like google.com) to confirm internet works
2. Check digiMall Accessibility
Try accessing digimall.ng directly in your browser
3. Test Speed and Latency
Use an online speed test to measure connection quality
4. Check System Status
Visit our status page to check for service disruptions

Advanced Network Troubleshooting

DNS Resolution Issues

If digiMall loads slowly or intermittently:

Windows DNS Flush:

1. Press Win + R, type "cmd", press Enter
2. Type: ipconfig /flushdns
3. Press Enter and restart browser

Mac DNS Flush:

1. Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities)
2. Type: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
3. Enter password and restart browser

Proxy and VPN Issues

Corporate networks or VPNs may interfere with digiMall:

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Temporarily disable VPN and test digiMall access
• Check if corporate firewall blocks websocket connections
• Ask IT to whitelist *.digimall.ng domains
• Try accessing via mobile data instead of corporate WiFi

digiMall Service Architecture

Understanding digiMall's technical infrastructure helps diagnose connectivity issues:

8 Microservices Health Check

digiMall monitors these services every 5 seconds:

• Auth Service (port 3001)

• User Service (port 3002)

• Product Service (port 3003)

• Order Service (port 3004)

• Payment Service (port 3005)

• Notification Service (port 3006)

• Shipping Service (port 3007)

• Vendor Service (port 3008)

Connection Types

HTTPS API Calls: Standard REST API communication

WebSocket: Real-time features (chat, bargaining, notifications)

File Uploads: Extended 60-second timeout for large files

Health Checks: 5-second timeout for service monitoring

Platform-Specific Solutions

Windows Network Issues

Windows Network Reset

1. Press Win + X, select "Windows PowerShell (Admin)"
2. Run: netsh winsock reset
3. Run: netsh int ip reset
4. Restart computer

Mac Network Issues

Mac Network Troubleshooting

1. Apple Menu → System Preferences → Network
2. Select your connection → Advanced → TCP/IP
3. Click "Renew DHCP Lease"
4. Switch to DNS tab → Add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

Mobile Network Issues

iOS Network Reset

1. Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
2. Reset → Reset Network Settings
3. Enter passcode and confirm
4. Reconnect to WiFi networks

Android Network Reset

1. Settings → System → Reset options
2. Reset WiFi, mobile & Bluetooth
3. Confirm reset
4. Reconfigure network connections

Firewall and Security Software

Security software may block digiMall connections. Here's how to configure common security tools:

Required Domains to Whitelist

Add these domains to your firewall/antivirus exceptions:

• *.digimall.ng
• api.digimall.ng
• ws.digimall.ng (for WebSocket connections)
• cdn.digimall.ng (for images and static files)

Corporate Network Considerations

Enterprise Network Requirements

For IT administrators to enable digiMall access:

• Allow HTTPS traffic to *.digimall.ng on port 443
• Enable WebSocket connections for real-time features
• Whitelist file upload endpoints (60-second timeout required)
• Allow external API calls to payment gateways (Paystack)

Real-Time Feature Troubleshooting

digiMall's bargaining and chat features use WebSocket connections. If these features don't work:

Check WebSocket Support

Ensure your network allows WebSocket connections on port 443

Disable VPN Temporarily

Some VPNs block WebSocket connections for real-time features

Browser Extensions

Ad blockers may interfere with WebSocket connections

Network Requirements Summary

Minimum Speed: 1 Mbps download, 0.5 Mbps upload

Recommended: 5+ Mbps for optimal experience

Latency: Under 100ms ping for real-time features

Protocols: HTTPS (port 443), WebSocket (port 443)

When to Contact Support

Contact our technical support if you experience:

Persistent connectivity issues after trying all troubleshooting steps
Successful access to other websites but not digiMall
Network errors that occur consistently at specific times
Corporate network access issues requiring IT coordination

Emergency Network Issues

+234 800 EMERGENCY (24/7)

Technical Support

support@digimall.ng (2-hour response)

When contacting support about network issues, please include: your internet speed test results, specific error messages, network type (WiFi/cellular), and whether you're using VPN or corporate network.