Lost data connection

[Stevex]

I have a SGS+(Gingerbread) and up until yesterday all was fine. Today however I selected the widget I use to select my data connection, it lights up but I get no data connection which is normally indicated by an icon on the notification bar.
I've been into Settings to check the widget is working and the data network is activated. Prior to this I've noticed that when selecting data the icon in the notification bar would come on then go out for a few seconds before coming back on for good, but I don't know if this is related to my problem.
Can anyone advise on any options that are available for me to try.
Thanks.

Edit - On a whim I turned the phone off, left it 5 minutes and turned it back on. Data connection works now, be interested if anyone can explain this.

[RichH]

Its just the network signal that was corrupted. Restarting the phone renews the network connection.....

[Stevex]

Even with a corrupted network signal, should the data icon in the notification bar not be visible (even if there is no data flow)?

[Tufftoad]

It's happened to me before too, just restart the phone and it will re-appear.

[RichH]

No, it will be the apn that is either not recognised or not been read which as far as the phone is concerned means no data and therefore doesn't display the notification.

[Stevex]

OK, thanks for your help.