Why your Internet is Slow

Why your Internet is Slow

Slow internet can make you want to hit a brick wall. Whether you are trying to make deadlines, streaming your favorite show, or battling Zombies on livestream. Let us see why your internet might be slow and offer fixes.

Common Causes of Slow Internet

•Outdated Equipment

One of the most common reasons for slow internet usage is outdated equipment. Older routers and modems may not support the latest internet speeds or technologies leading to a holdup in your connection. A solution to this is upgrading your modem and router to the latest models that support higher speeds and modern standards.

•Network Congestion

Network congestion occurs when too many devices connect to the same network, leading to a decrease in available bandwidth for each device. This issue is common in households with multiple users streaming, gaming, or downloading at the same time.

To reduce network congestion, disconnect devices that are not in use. Also, consider upgrading your internet plan to one that offers higher speeds and greater bandwidth.

•Distance from the Router

The farther you are from your router, the worse the Wi-Fi signal gets, leading to buffering delays. Walls and furniture can also steal connection strength. To solve this issue, try placing your router in a central spot within your home. If your home blocks Wi-Fi signals in certain areas, consider using Wi-Fi extenders or mesh network systems.

•Interference from Other Devices

Other electronic devices, such as microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors, can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, causing slow internet speeds. Place your router away from other electronic devices and use the 5 GHz frequency band, which has less interference than the 2.4 GHz band.

•ISP Throttling

Some internet providers might slow things down a bit during peak times to keep everything running. Contact your ISP to discuss your problem. You may need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan that offers guaranteed speeds or switch to a different provider that does not throttle your connection.

•Outdated Software

Outdated software can lead to slow internet speeds due to compatibility issues or security vulnerabilities. Regularly update all software to the latest versions to ensure the best performance and security.

•Background Applications and Malware

Do you have a bunch of programs running in the background? These programs can use up bandwidth, leaving less for the things you really need. Use task manager to watch and close unnecessary background apps. Plus, install quality antivirus software and regularly update it to protect against malware that can compromise your internet speed.

If you need further advice on problematic internet, please contact us today at 877-686-6642.

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