When the problem lies with your end, you can generally resolve a slow internet connection. Your connection can sometimes be speeded up by restarting your modem and router (or all-in-one wireless gateway). However, slow speeds may also be caused by problems on your provider’s end-problems that you cannot fix. If you want to know your internet speed, you can run an Internet speed test to get instant and accurate results.
Wireless gateways and modems may create speed bottlenecks if they are not functioning correctly. You may not be able to use the necessary internet protocols if your equipment is too old. A slowdown can also be caused by damage to equipment, such as bad ports or components.
In order to ensure optimal network performance, you can take a few steps. With our guide, you’ll find out what your network’s weakest link is and how to fix it.
Let’s dive in!
Why is Your Internet Slow?
Slow internet access can be caused by a number of factors. Your internet provider’s server may be down, your home network may need to be updated, or you may be too far from the router. Below we have discussed some common problems along with their solutions:
Your internet plan is not right
The speed of your internet may be slowed down only if there are too many other people online simultaneously. Then you probably exceed the bandwidth limit on your plan. To test the speed of your internet connection, run a speed test leveraging that tool https://myspeedcheck.net/. Consider upgrading if the results are close to your plan speed.
The bandwidth you get with your internet package is specific. There is a traffic jam when more information is trying to move than bandwidth is available.
Upgrade your internet plan to a faster one that can handle your household’s bandwidth needs. Nowadays, we spend more time online than ever before. The internet plan you signed up for a few years ago might not fulfill today’s requirements.
Your provider’s network is congested
During peak times, when everyone in the neighborhood is online at the same time, cable internet subscribers may experience slowdowns. It’s like traffic on a home network but on a much larger scale. It is a situation in which you and all your neighbors have to fight over the same bandwidth.
During times of high congestion, your internet provider may throttle your internet speed to reduce network traffic. There is no way to control how often or when people in a specific area use the internet. The problem can be circumvented, however, with a few tricks.
Plan your downloads during off-peak hours, such as in the middle of the night. There is also the option to switch to another provider that has fewer subscribers in your area.
You have weak Wi-Fi signals
Your Wi-Fi signal can be interfered with by walls, distance, and even microwaves. A weak Wi-Fi signal results in slower speeds and frequent disconnections.
The first step to fixing weak Wi-Fi is to check the location of your router. Make sure your router is positioned centrally and elevated, away from walls, Bluetooth speakers, and other things that can affect Wi-Fi signals. Further, you can extend Wi-Fi signals to previously inaccessible areas by using an extender.
You have high latency
The delay between when data leaves your device and reaches its destination is called latency. Lag is a result of a high latency: an extended delay between what you do physically and what you see on your screen as a result. When playing online games or making video calls can be particularly frustrating.
High latency is challenging to work. The delay is influenced by many factors, mainly the physical distance between you and the internet servers, network congestion between you and the servers, and the infrastructure of your Internet service provider. Latency can also be affected by the type of Internet.
As an example, satellite internet has a high latency because all data travels from space to your device and back. Due to their faster signal processing capabilities, newer types of internet, such as fiber and 5G mmWave, have lower latency.
If you’re looking for a lower latency connection, go and check out the report on the fastest ISPs. It tells which internet services have the lowest average latency and best-tested speeds.
Conclusion
In this era of technology, everyone has smart devices, and they use the internet on them. Almost 63% have the problem of slow internet speed. And in this guide, we have discussed the reasons why your internet is slow and how you can fix it.
Keep in mind that after fixing your internet speed, you can run a speed test to check the internet’s speed. It will help you to compare it with your previous internet speed. If you find this guide useful, let us know in the comment box.
