No matter how speedy your internet connectionis, there are moments when things slack off to a halt. Several factors contribute to your internet performance. Not only your computer features or internet service provider type, but multiple other reasons can affect your internet connection.
In this blog, we will discuss different steps to help you figure out the reasons behind low internet speeds. Our guideline also aims to help you learn about unique ways to resolve these issues so you can get maximum benefits from your internet connection.
So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Why is my internet slow & how to resolve it?
- Inadequate Horsepower
- Troublesome Modem & Router
- Unreliable Wi-Fi Signals
- Bottom Line
Why is My Internet Slow & How to Resolve It?
Before trying multiple troubleshooting methods, run a speed test to determine the performance of your internet connection. Make sure you stop any streaming, uploads, downloads, or other heavy data consuming activity before starting the speed test. This way, you can avoid any discrepancies in the result.
Try to take the test at different times of the day and then compare average speed results with your internet service provider’s promised speeds that you are currently paying for. In case, you don’t know about the MBs in your internet plan, you can always find them on your monthly bill or your provider’s website.
Inadequate Horsepower
Once you know about your Mbps, you must find out how much speed you actually require. This depends on the total number of people using your network and what they are using it for – listening to music, streaming movies, browsing the web, sending emails, etc.
If you live alone and only use the internet for browsing and streaming mainly, then 5 Mbps is enough for you. But,if you live in a large household of 4 – 5 people who stream a lot, then we would recommend you to opt for at least 20 Mbps. Otherwise, you will end up complaining about low internet speeds.
When your speed test results confirm the sluggish behavior of your internet, try to connect multiple devices or websites to your internet connection. If the internet only acts slowly with one device or website, then most probably the problem lies in that and not in your internet.
Troublesome Modem & Router
Just like computers, your router and modem sometimes also get stuck in an overloaded, bad, and slow condition. You can quickly fix this issue by rebooting. If it has been long since you last reboot your modem and router, you must do it now.
For people who have a single router and modem unit, just run reboot for one device. But there is a high chance you have to reboot two hardware pieces, modem and router. A router is connected to a modem that is linked to a cable hanging out from a wall. There is no rocket science in executing the reboot process. Just unplug both from their power outlet and wait for at least ten seconds before you plug them back in. After that, wait for a couple more minutes until your modem reconnects with the server of your internet service provider and brings back your Internet connection.
Once the reboot procedure is complete, check if your internet speed gets any better.
Unreliable Wi-Fi Signals
Sometimes, your internet is working absolutely fine, and the problem lies in your Wi-Fi. This can affect all the devices connected to your home network, and you might accuse your internet of causing these troubles.
There are multiple reasons for a low-quality Wi-Fi signal. The most common one is congestion due to airwaves. This happens when there are a lot of devices nearby, especially if you have a 2.4 GHz and not 5 GHz frequency that supports many devices. This issue mainly arises in crowded urban areas – for instance, if you reside in a building with neighbors having a bunch of devices like wireless routers and others.
Your home can also have poor coverage or a dead spot that interferes with your Wi-Fi signals. In such a scenario, try to place your Wi-Fi device in any central part of your home. This helps in distributing signals evenly in all directions. If you have a big house, invest in a Wi-Fi extender or mesh Wi-Fi system that allows you to set up multiple signal stations in your home.
Bottom Line
We hope these tips resolve your connectivity issues and enhance your internet speed. In case none of the ways discussed in this blog works for you, we would recommend you switch to an internet service provider that offers both smooth connection and blazing fast speeds like Mediacom internet. Good luck!