Suffering from slow internet speeds can really kill the mood, be it working on a project or browsing through social media in your free time. Even in the age of wide usage of the internet throughout the world, many people still face slow internet speeds.
There are many reasons for experiencing slower connections, ranging from faulty router settings to issues at the ISP end. We’ll be talking about these problems in detail, and discuss the solutions you can try to counter slow internet speeds.
Why Is My Internet Slow?
So, without further ado, let’s jump straight into the reasons that might be affecting your internet speeds and what you can do about them.
Reboot your Modem/Router
We have all at least once had to reboot our computers or laptops due to sluggish performance.
The same is the case with modems and routers, they get stuck in an overloaded state and if you haven’t done it in a while, rebooting them will do the job for you.
If your router and modem are in a combined unit, you can simply reboot it by turning it off for around 10 seconds and turning it back on again.
However, if you have a separate modem and router, you’ll be required to reboot them individually. Unplug them from their respected power outlets and plug them back in after ten seconds.
Your modem will take a few minutes to restore your internet connection. Check your internet speeds once the process is complete.
Bandwidth Throttling
A couple of years ago, a basic internet subscription would have been enough for the internet needs of your entire household. However, due to technological advancement and the very recent Covid-19 pandemic, everything has shifted online and has become virtual.
From work meetings to online school classes on Zoom, every person has more requirements and heavier usage of the internet now.
So, you’ll need to check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) about your data plan. If the internet issues persist after rebooting your hardware, you should consider upgrading your internet package.
Your internet provider may have put a bandwidth throttle if you are flagged because of using too much internet. You will have to negotiate with them or shift to another internet provider.
It is best to subscribe to a higher-speed plan with a generous data allowance. If you are worried about the cost, AT&T Internet prices are the most feasible for all types of customers.
There are a bunch of budget-friendly packages AT&T offers that also come with unlimited data, great bandwidth, no annual contracts, good customer service, and reliable internet speeds.
Check your cables
One of the many causes of slow internet speeds is faulty wiring. The cables might have loosened from any of the joints, leading to weak signal strength, and eventually reducing your internet speed.
You should thoroughly check the cables from point to point, and try disconnecting them and connecting again.
Moreover, if you have a coaxial cable internet network, you should consider using Ethernet cables. Ethernet cables are more efficient in terms of speed and easier to maintain.
Piggyback?
If the internet is being used by too many users, it will slow down for everyone. If you have not changed the password from the default one the hardware came with, its security might have been compromised.
Someone in your neighborhood might be using your internet without your knowledge and making it a problem for you.
You should change your password to something more secure and try not to share it with too many people. The password can be changed by accessing the specific vendor’s router access, or Google it if you don’t know the exact address.
Final Thought
To sum it up, there are many factors that might be affecting your internet speed. It can be a hardware issue or something can even be wrong with the software, too. You should perform a thorough check of the factors mentioned we’ve discussed above.
It might be something minor, if not, you should contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further assistance. This is one of the main reasons why you need a reliable ISP that will be available for assistance during internet outages and speed issues.