Having a slow internet connection can be one of the most frustrating things in the world, especially when you’re just trying to have a chilled night watching Netflix on the sofa. Buffering, excessive loading times, and being unable to view videos in high resolution are all signs of a slow internet connection. Several factors can contribute to slow internet usage.
In this article, we look at four common reasons why your internet is slow and how you can fix them.
Bandwidth Overload
The more devices are connected to your internet, the more bandwidth is being shared. When multiple devices are downloading large files, streaming videos, or playing online games at the same time, it can slow down internet speeds. Consider it like a road leading to your house.
One vehicle (internet data) can fit on the road just fine, but 3 vehicles trying to fit will cause a queue. The more cars there are, the longer the line to get into your home. Every internet package comes with a specific amount of bandwidth. You can check your current bandwidth allowance with your internet provider. You can also try limiting the number of active devices or prioritizing essential tasks first.
Network Congestion
During certain times, your internet service provider may experience network congestion. This is caused by a high number of houses using the internet at the same time. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about this other than make a complaint to your provider or change providers. Just make sure you are getting the internet speeds you’re paying for.
Outdated Router
An outdated router (the device that provides wireless internet to your home) may not be able to handle the increasing demands of modern internet usage, especially if you rely on the internet heavily at home. Consider upgrading your router to a newer, more powerful one with the latest technology, as this can improve speed and stability.
You can also upgrade your router and provider at the same time, doing thorough research to find the best internet in your area. If you are in the Wentzville area, start by searching for high speed internet providers in Wentzville.
Interference
Wi-Fi signals can sometimes be affected by walls, electronic devices, or other obstructions. For this reason, your router should always be placed in a central location in your home, away from interference sources. Your router should never be in a cupboard or in the farthest room in the home.
If you have a large home, you can use a Wi-Fi extender to expand your coverage and ensure great speeds in every room of the house. Depending on what you’re using the internet for, it may also be worth using an ethernet cable for faster speeds.
Bandwidth overload, network congestion, an outdated router, and Wi-Fi interference are common reasons for slow internet. Start by finding the cause of your slow internet and consider changing provider if your current provider cannot give you the internet speeds they promised.