Why is my internet speed so slow?

Having a slow internet connection is a major setback. Common problems like slow-loading webpages, slow download and upload speeds, dropped video calls and buffering when streaming high-quality content can be frustrating and significantly affect productivity.

Identifying the leading causes of slow internet speeds is the first step to finding practical solutions.

Some causes include:

• • Network congestion
  • Outdated hardware
  • Too many background applications running simultaneously.

This article will outline some causes of slow internet speeds and recommend solutions and tips for diagnosing and fixing issues affecting your internet speeds.

Have you ever wondered why your internet is slow? Understanding the factors that lead to slow internet connections can help resolve speed issues. Here are some of the common reasons why your internet might be slow.

Network congestion occurs when many users try to access the internet simultaneously, straining the shared bandwidth. Network congestion is more likely during peak hours, such as in the evenings or high-traffic events.

During these periods, some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may employ network traffic control measures such as throttling, which can decrease the speed of your connection.

Additionally, emerging technologies like 5G home internet experience slow speeds due to network congestion. The slow speeds are apparent in densely populated areas where cellular and home internet users compete for 5G signals, reducing internet performance.

Outdated modems, routers or network adapters can cause drastically reduced internet speeds. Old devices often cannot support recent internet upgrades like WiFi 6, which has significantly improved internet speeds and bandwidth capacity.

Learn more: The latest WiFi standard

That’s why it’s important to regularly update the firmware on your devices and consider replacing them if they are too old to support the latest WiFi standards.

Many electrical devices can also disrupt wireless signals. Common household appliances like microwaves, Bluetooth devices and speakers operating on the same 2.4 GHz frequency band as the routers can interfere with wireless signals, weakening the connection and leading to slower internet speeds.

The further you move away from the router, the weaker the WiFi signal becomes. Thick walls and multiple floors obstruct the WiFi signals, leading to signal degradation. Signal degradation results in slower speeds and frequent dropped connections.

Once you’ve diagnosed the reason for your slow internet speed, you can follow the below solutions to improve it.

Replace older devices with newer ones, such as routers and modems compatible with WiFi 6 or higher. Modern routers and modems support faster internet speeds, lower latency, higher bandwidth and device capacity and broader network coverage.

Upgrade your primary devices to enhance your internet experience. Newer device models provide better hardware capabilities and support the latest WiFi technologies and faster internet speeds.

Modern routers provide several features you can tweak to increase WiFi speeds. Some measures include changing the WiFi channels to avoid interference from surrounding networks or modifying QoS settings to allocate bandwidth for essential applications like video calls or gaming.

If you are a competitive gamer and experience slow internet speeds with your current router, consider using a gaming router to optimize your internet connection and enhance your gaming experience.

Move the router to the center of the house, away from electronic devices that might interfere with the WiFi signals. Place the router in a raised position, such as on top of furniture or shelves, to provide unobstructed coverage.

In addition, use a wired Ethernet connection for devices that require high speed and consistent performance. Wired connections are less prone to electromagnetic interference and offer more stable, reliable and faster internet speeds than wireless connections.

By minimizing the number of connected devices within a network and ensuring that idle devices are disconnected, you reduce the strain on your connection. You can use parental controls to manage devices or set up guest networks to separate traffic from your primary network.

Astound’s Whole Home WiFi with eero subscription comes with eero Secure, which has parental controls, the ability to set up guest networks and more, at no additional cost.

If the above troubleshooting attempts fail, contact your ISP for assistance with possible network problems or to help find the best internet speed for your needs. Remember to document your troubleshooting measures and speed test results before contacting your ISP, as this information will help them resolve your issues quickly.
 
Learn More: What is the difference between WiFi and the Internet?