Having to deal with a slow connection can be the world’s way of telling you, it’s time to do something else. In other instances, it may be the worst possible time for such to occur. In this post, I will be addressing ways that you can troubleshoot a slow internet connection.
What Is Slowing Down Your Internet?
There are several factors that you must consider, as they could all be contributing to your lackluster internet performance. These are the following:
Computer Age: Some older systems may lack the hardware for you to get the most out of your internet connection.
Distance: The performance you will receive while surfing the internet tends to vary, depending on the location of the site that you’re attempting to access and the restraints present on the various web servers.
Obstructions: Where did you position your WiFi router? Glass surfaces, metal pipes and other obstructions are all capable of adversely affecting your overall internet speed.
Popular Site: The problem may be due to the popularity of the website you’re trying to visit; too many people trying to access the site at the same time.
Virus: If your system has been affected with a malicious file, it can negatively impact your computer in many ways, all of which may be contributing to the speeds you’re actually getting on it.
Software: You’re computers operating system may need an update in order to take advantage of your internet speed.
In addition to these factors, here are 5 things that you can do, when bogged down with a sluggish connection:
1. Check Your Speeds
Sometimes an end users internet experience may be slow because the internet package they have is slow. Consider contacting your web provider in order to find out which plan you have. Then visit a website like Speedtest.net and run a test of your connection. If the speed you get on the test matches the plan that you’re paying for, then there is no problem, you’re simply paying for a slow internet plan. The best solution available to you at that point, would be to upgrade. If the numbers don’t match up, then I suggest you continue reading for additional solutions.
2. Troubleshoot Your Hardware
Before you start blaming your internet provider for your slow connection speeds, consider resetting your router, by turning it off, then back on again. Examine the kinds of speeds other computers in your home are getting, if you notice that it’s only your computer that is experiencing slow connection speeds, then you know the problem is isolated to your system. Your next cause of action should be to test each and every one of your hardware components, and also consider a reinstallation of your operating system.
3. Use a New DNS Server
When you type a URL into the address bar of your browser, your system uses a DNS to first lookup, and then translates it into an IP address. However, there are times when the server that is being used to carry out this function, is having its own issues, or has gone down completely. Thus, as a solution, you may want to consider trying a different DNS server.
Note: If the DNS server is not to blame for your slow connection, it’s unlikely that you will experience much of an improvement. All in all, it’s still worth a try, given the reality of your situation.
4. Call Your ISP
If you’ve carried out all the appropriate steps in troubleshooting your connection, but are still experiencing really slow speeds, then it may be time for you to contact your internet provider to check whether the problem is due to something on their end. When you contact your ISP, you should never assume that you’re at fault for the problem, as the service representative will gladly fob you off if you’re not aggressive or persistent enough. If necessary, you may want to look at specific guides on how to speak to customer support agents in order to your way. You should also look into possibly getting a new deal, especially if you’ve not been getting what you’re paid for all this time.
5.Find a New ISP
If your ISP is unable to help you, whether that means, not being able to provide you with the speeds you desire, or you’re just fed up with their customer service, it may be time that you sought a new ISP. This could mean switching to a new type of provider, such as a satellite, cable or fibre line. I’d advise you to do the necessary research on the subject. There are tons of different guides on this subject; I suggest you read them, to ensure you make an informed decision.
Author:
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is a former IT Manager who now runs his own computer support website www.compuchenna.co.uk