Slow internet is frustrating. But before you throw your router out the window, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.
Whether you’re working from home, streaming a movie, or gaming, knowing how to improve your internet speed anywhere in the world is crucial.
One of the most important things is to learn to read your speed test results. Why? Because it will help you diagnose and resolve the problem.
Below, we present some tips that will help you put everything back on the right track.
Understanding Your Speed Test Results: A Brief Guide
Speed test results display various metrics, where each metric tells a different story about your internet connection.
Typically, you’ll get access to information about download and upload speeds, latency, and jitter.
Download and Upload Speeds
Your download speed measures how quickly data is transferred from the internet to your device. If you want to stream a TV show or download files, you’ll need a high download speed.
If your download speed is low, pages may load slowly and videos might buffer.
On the other hand, upload speed determines how quickly data can be sent from your device to the internet.
High upload speeds are necessary for video calls, uploading files, or online gaming.
Low upload speeds can lead to laggy video calls or slow file transfers.
Latency and Jitter
Latency measures the time it takes for data packets to travel from your device to a remote server and back.
High latency means there’s a delay, which is especially noticeable during real-time activities like online gaming or voice calls.
Jitter shows the variation in latency over time. Consistent jitter can lead to choppy audio and video during calls. It’s similar to speed bumps on a road making an otherwise smooth ride unbearable.
Common Causes of Slow Internet and How to Address Them
After familiarizing yourself with what your speed test results indicate, it’s time to learn about the common culprits behind slow internet.
Router and Modem Issues
Believe it or not, your hardware plays a significant role. Routers and modems can age over time, which can affect performance.
To stay on the safe side, frequently check if your devices need updates or replacements.
Here are some additional tips:
- Placing your router in a central location improves signal coverage. Avoid placing it in confined spaces.
- Like any other equipment, routers benefit from occasional reboots.
- Regularly checking for and applying firmware updates can fix bugs and improve connectivity.
Maintaining your hardware can often resolve persistent speed issues.
Interference from Other Devices
Many wireless devices operate on similar frequencies as your Wi-Fi router.
Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors — all these can interfere with your signal, leading to slower speeds.
- Wi-Fi routers have multiple channels they broadcast on. Switching to a less congested channel can reduce interference.
- If you’re in a crowded environment, consider investing in a dual-band router that operates on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
These small adjustments can significantly alleviate interference-related issues.
ISP Throttling
Internet service providers (ISPs) sometimes throttle bandwidth for specific services or during peak hours. Unfortunately, it can drastically affect performance.
Taking these steps will help you determine whether throttling is the cause of your issues.
- Use VPNs. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can sometimes bypass throttling by masking traffic types.
- Contact ISP. Speak with your ISP about any policies or plans that might offer higher bandwidth or less congestion.
Network Congestion and Its Remedies
Sometimes, it’s not just about your setup; external factors contribute to slow internet as well.
Peak Usage Times
Internet usage peaks during evenings when everyone’s streaming videos or surfing online. Network congestion at these times slows down speeds for everybody using the same provider.
To tackle this:
- Adjust usage. Try scheduling heavy downloads or uploads during off-peak hours.
- Use Quality-of-Service settings. Some routers offer Quality-of-Service (QoS) settings that prioritize critical devices or activities within your household.
Managing which devices use bandwidth at particular times will help you resolve congestion problems.
External Interference
Sometimes neighboring networks overlap channels with yours. This interference can affect Wi-Fi performance in densely populated areas like apartment complexes.
Implementing these solutions minimizes external interference:
- Scanning Tools: Apps like Wi-Fi Analyzer scan nearby networks’ channels, suggesting optimal settings for yours.
- Mesh Networks: Investing in a mesh network extends coverage and reduces dead zones within large homes or apartments.
Conducting Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
Sometimes, basic troubleshooting might not yield substantial improvements. In such a case, you’ll need to try advanced methods.
Checking Wired vs Wireless Speeds
Connecting directly via ethernet helps determine if the Wi-Fi setup causes issues rather than the ISP’s line itself:
- An ethernet connection gives more stable results free from wireless interference.
- Repeating tests under wired conditions will ensure consistency across results.
Addressing Potential Malware Infections
Malware infections can sneakily wreak havoc on your system, draining resources and slowing down your internet.
Following these steps can safeguard your system from malware and keep your internet running at optimal speeds.
- Use a trusted anti-malware program to regularly scan for and eliminate any harmful software. These scans help catch malicious programs that might be causing slowdowns.
- Regularly clean up your system to ensure it runs smoothly. Remove unnecessary files, clear caches, and delete old applications you no longer use.
Conclusion
Troubleshooting slow internet can seem like peeling an onion — layers upon layers, and sometimes it makes you want to cry. But understanding your speed test results and taking systematic steps can often resolve the underlying issues.
Whether it’s adjusting your