How many times have you been in the middle of an online task when you’ve been slowed down thanks to internet speeds? Perhaps it isn’t a task, rather you were busy online gaming, streaming content, or just browsing the web. If you happen to work from home and rely on the internet to get your job done, then slow internet speeds become even more of an issue. So, rather than just chalk it up as a given, why not investigate the situation and look for a reason for the slowdown?
Below we will take a look at some of the most common reasons why you may have slow internet speeds, along with some solutions that can make a huge improvement. With today’s technology, there really is no reason why you should settle for slow speeds.
Start with a Speed Test
A good place to get started is with conducting an internet speed test. This will let you know exactly how fast or how slow your internet connection is. This information alone will help you to set realistic expectations of how much improvement you can achieve. It may be that your internet is slower or faster than you expected.
In terms of how to conduct a speed test, there are a number of tools online that you can use that will provide you with immediate and simple results.
You May Need a New Internet Provider
Just because your current internet provider seemed good at the time of signup and installation, doesn’t mean it fulfills your current needs. In fact, it may be time to look for a new internet provider – one that boasts fast speeds, making it better for personal and work use. As you look into the details, pay particular attention to the download and upload speeds and what the connection type is. You can click for source information on popular internet providers such as Viasat offering fast speeds. Make sure you read the reviews and recommendations.
Do You Have a Bandwidth Cap?
Speaking of your internet provider, this is also a good time to look into whether you have a bandwidth cap. This is more common with low-cost providers or budget plans. By upgrading your package and increasing your bandwidth, that may be enough of a solution right there.
But what is an acceptable bandwidth to aim for? Most experts would agree that the minimum is 30Mbps. Any amount less than that and you’re going to notice an impact where speed is concerned. This is something a speed test can provide answers to.
Where Is Your Router Located?
Then there is the fact that you could have the right provider and the right package but it is your hardware that is causing you the issue. If you are using a router, you need to think about where it is in your house. If it’s far from your computer, or the device you are using to connect to the internet, it may affect the speed. Ideally, you want to place it as close as possible to your computer.
If this isn’t possible, there are Wi-Fi boosters that you can use throughout your house to boost the signal. This can be especially helpful for large homes, multi-level homes, and those houses with walls separating all the different rooms/areas. Even if you use a booster on each level of the house, it can have a huge impact.
So, what happens if your router is close to the computer and it’s still slow? You can try the simple fix – unplug it for 15 seconds and plug it back in. Yes, that can work.
Is Your Network Secure?
Did you know that if you don’t secure your internet network, other people could essentially be using it? Anyone close to your network could tap in and start using the signal, which clogs up the network and can slow things down. Luckily there is a really simple solution and that is to secure your network with a password. This means no one can use it without the password. When choosing a password, pick one that uses a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You will also want to change your password a few times a year, just to ensure that it remains strong.
What’s Running in the Background?
Software and apps running in the background can be another reason for slow internet speeds. Often these are hidden from view, so you don’t even realize they are running and using that signal at all times. You can turn these off through your settings, making sure that they don’t run at all times.
The good news is that there are plenty of solutions to slow internet speeds, which means there is absolutely no reason why you have to settle for it.
