What Will Impact Internet Speed?

If you notice that your web pages are opening slower than usual or downloading is taking forever, there can be several factors that are impacting your internet speed. Some problems of internet speed can be a problem with your router or modem, or Wi-Fi signals, below are more issues that could possibly impact your internet speed. 

Number of Users

Internet speed slowdowns can occur if several people are trying to connect at the same time. Typically, slowdowns happen during peak activity hours, for example, after work, when everyone is home and tries to connect to the internet.

Hardware

The speed of your internet is going to depend heavily on your network equipment, such as your cable or router. For example, an ethernet connection is quicker and more stable than Wi-Fi. If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, then your internet speed might slow down as more devices connect to the same network. IF you have a weak computer processor, then it can slow down the online work you are doing, as well.

Cable Vs. Wireless

A hard-wired connection will always be faster than Wi-Fi when you are using Wi-Fi. Numerous factors will affect your speed, including traffic, the quality of the Wi-Fi network, and the location of the router when it is possible to consider using a cable to connect your smart TVs and gaming consoles to have a better internet connection.

Router Location

The location of your router is vital to your network’s performance and range. When you install the internet, it should be installed close to the center of the home to guarantee the best performance. Doors and walls can reduce your internet reach and speed, so it is best to have the router in an open area. 

Malware

If you have a computer infected with malware, it could be impacting your internet speed. The malware could be connecting to the internet without you knowing and using up your bandwidth. Malware is designed like Spyware, and it installs itself on your computer and runs in the background. 

Router

As with any device, the older it gets, the slower it becomes. An older device will slow down your network. If you have a router older than three years, it is time to consider a new one. Newer routers have higher Wi-Fi standards, which create faster networks that can keep up with the speeds and needs that users need. An older router will have weaker antennas that affect the range of your Wi-Fi signal. 

Host Server

When you browse internet sites, you are logging into a host server that the site is located in. If the host service is not configured correctly or is underpowered, it will be slower than it should be. When this happens, the slow speed is an issue with the site you are visiting.

Operating System

If you are finding your internet is on the slower side, you should consider the speed of your computer operating system and processor. It is essential to have the latest version of the operating system. Updates help with increasing efficiency and security. 

Network Traffic

Your internet speed can be impacted by network traffic in your home and from the side of your internet service provider. When there is a lot of activity at the same time, it slows down the internet speed.

Broadband Connection

Broadband, provided by your internet service provider, is the main factor that can impact your internet speed. That’s why it’s important to choose a reliable provider like Xfinity Internet, which offers fast and consistent speeds to ensure a seamless online experience. The type of connection available to you will also play a role in determining your internet speed, with cable internet generally offering faster speeds than other types of connections.

Check Your Internet Speed

Before going through troubleshooting, you should run a speed test. There are tools to provide speed test results so you can see what might be impacting the speed of your internet. Before running a test, you need to stop any uploads, downloads, or streaming services to ensure that nothing is interfering with the results.

When you receive the speed, results compare them against the expected rate of your internet connection that you are paying for from your internet service provider. If you are paying for a certain connection speed and are continually receiving a lower speed, then you need to do some troubleshooting to see what the issue might be.