If your internet connection is fast but your internet download speed is slow, you can follow the workarounds below to resolve the issue.
There are several reasons why the internet may seem slow even if you have a high-speed internet connection. Reasons include modem or router issues, weak WiFi signals, other devices using bandwidth, or slow DNS servers.
Fixing slow download speed is not an easy walk. The reasons and fixes depend on how well you understand matters internet speed. This article will dig deep into this topic until you get your fast download speed online.
Have you ever wondered why your downloads are slow even when your internet connection is at a higher speed? What could be the possible cause?
If you would like to go straight to a quick fix, I recommend the Norton Utilities Ultimate tool for speeding up your PC.
Some reasons that can lead to the internet acting in such a manner are as explained below:
A slow WiFi connection can be caused by distance, obstacles like walls, and household appliances like microwaves. Depending router's location, you will be able to determine where the connection is stronger weaker. The further you move from the router, the more it weakens due to the obstacles between your device and the internet connection.
You may encounter slow internet connections when everyone in your household or neighborhood is actively online while fighting for the same bandwidth. In most cases, you can never control when and what time people should use the internet to download your files unless you wait for the quiet time, which might lead to delays depending on what you want to do on the internet. But there are ways to overcome such issues, as discussed below.
In most cases, you tend to assume that your internet connection has an issue, not bearing in mind that the devices you use could be outdated. Your phone, computer, tablets might not be in a position to process your WiFi speed. Aside from them being obsolete, other reasons can slow down your deceive
They include:
Your service provider can hold your internet connection by slowing down its speed. It happens mostly when you exceed your data cap or when so many users are simultaneously causing traffic. Also, they might slow you down if illegal activity is detected.
People can use your internet without your knowledge because when purchasing a router, it usually has its password set on default and, in most cases, displayed on the stickers placed on them. However, you can change it to a weaker passcode or leave it open. It will mean that anyone can access your network, slowing down your speed.
Having more than one browser open could slow down your internet speed. At times you leave applications on your computer running without your knowledge.
As simple as it is, restarts your computer and leave it for a few seconds until it is stable repeat the same to the modem. Having both off power gives them room to cool down, clean up the system memory and any issues.
If you are using the wireless option, unplug it from power, give it a few seconds, and put it back.
Viruses come with a ton of problems. They somehow automatically run in the background using your internet connection, lowering your download speed. To save yourself from viruses taking up your device, install antivirus software.
Reduce the number of users connected to your internet connection and the devices as well. Because as the number increases, the link becomes slower. Wait until the router is quiet for you to download. Another option is using your internet during off-peak hours. Morning hours are the ideal time when everyone is still asleep. Besides waiting for that long, there is a setting on your router called( QoS) Quality of Service. Unfortunately, it is not available on all routers.
This setting provides a priority to a device or users when traffic occurs. Below are the steps:
Have your router installed in a central place of your home for better coverage because some areas could have lower internet connectivity. For big houses, have a Router and WiFi extenders to boost your internet distribution and increase speed.
Also, note that you should install your router away from appliances like microwaves, Bluetooth devices like speakers, and baby monitors. Try as much as possible to avoid placing barriers between your router and your devices because foreign signals will temper your internet connection, especially the wireless speed.
You cannot wholly depend on WiFi connections, mainly when you are a bit far from the router because it weakens. After all, blocks will join your device and the router. In this case, connect the ethernet cable to your device. It will provide a faster connection for your downloads.
It applies mainly to those homes with several devices and people. Conduct research and look for choices that can handle a higher volume of data.
When you are downloading, make sure all programs that are not of any use at the moment are disabled. Those programs lower the speed of the internet, especially if they are left running. To do so, go to your Task Manager:
You should download your files one by one if your device cannot download large files. It will be faster due to the speed and no time to waste.
Constantly check on the wiring that links your router to a device. If the wiring is old, have it replaced and upgraded. It might be the reason for your slow internet connectivity.
You could be downloading a file on a particular website on your device, and suddenly, it becomes slower, but your internet connection indicates otherwise.
Ensure that the issue is not your device or the website you are browsing. How do you do that? Connect your internet to any available devices and website if the results indicate that it's only slow on your device or the website.
Look for another device to use, and if it's the web browser you were using to download, search for a better website to download your file. For the device, it could be outdated. Either reboot it, upgrade it, or log in to many sites, programs, or applications. Close up those that you are not using
Change your DNS settings. Even though sometimes they can be slow or suffer technical issues, the good thing with this option is that you can manually adjust it for fast speed. You should change when:
Below are the steps to follow while changing your DNS settings;
Almost all devices give you a chance to switch your DNS servers manually.
WiFi can sometimes be so unreliable. Ethernet cable can make work easier for you. Connect the cable to your device directly. It will increase the speed of your download since it is hardwired. Therefore you don't need to depend on your wireless connection.
If you don't see any change, look at the cable to determine where the problem is. It could be the length of the thread, or it needs an upgrade because it's outdated. Upgrade it to better quality and have it short.
Your applications, downloads, and automatic updates on your device take up so much data. Try controlling the bandwidth used on your devices because they slow down your download speed. Deactivate all the open updates that keep running in the background of your devices. The good thing is that you can manually update your device settings to control the bandwidth usage.
It is where your internet data is stored to enable your applications to load faster. With time it becomes full, causing your download speed to slow down. In this case, you will have to clear Your cache by selecting the data you need. It could be your search history, downloads, and files. Below is how to go about it:
You may want to try these using these websites because they are well known as fast and efficient compared to the rest. Importantly they can be used and found on all platforms and different devices.
Using Virtually Private Networks, you will not suffer restrictions from your service providers because you use an external server. It won't improve your speed as much. But will avoid a slow down on your network by your network providers.
READ ALSO: How Do Wi-Fi Hotspots Work
For cases where your service providers are interfering with your connection, consider using a VPN for better speed. Although it will not improve your speed, it will prevent your service providers from noticing the traffic.
Another way you can try is by finding out the type of hardware and software the internet providers use to make restrictions and hack it. It is never an option you would want to try because it is not advisable unless you are a trained hacker.
What factors should you consider when selecting an internet service provider?
It would be best to consider many factors before choosing your internet providers. Therefore take time to understand what your home or workplace needs from your internet providers for an efficient internet connection.
Below are some of the things you need to pay attention to before deciding who is your ISP:
Households charges are usually affordable compared to businesses and large organizations because of the number of users. Decide on the package that is pocket-friendly and depends on your preference. For a better speed, the rate will be a bit higher.
Hunt around to know the internet options available around your home. Unfortunately, if you reside in a rural area, it will be challenging to find a better option because finding the service providers can be a problem. If you stay around the city, there are many options to choose from and review.
Consider the speed your service provider is offering you. Speed is a significant determinant even at your workplace and home. Count the number of people in your home using the internet. If they stream things online, you may have to pay more to get the high download speed.
At your workplace, the same will apply. You would not want your employees spending the better part of their day downloading files and uploading at a lower speed. It will disrupt all the activities happening in the office, causing unnecessary delays.
At times you can make a mistake without your knowledge. Look for an ISP who can genuinely attend to you and listen to what you have to say. Ensure you have complete information about the service provider you have chosen. Look for reviews from their previous clients.
If they have been recommended by the majority for a job well done, you will have a clear picture of whom you are dealing with. Customer service is a fundamental necessity in handling your clients.
The ISP providers regulate the amount of data you use most, significantly when you surpass their limits. In most cases, they charge you extra fees. Figure out how much you use the internet to know how much data you will need.
After having all your issues taken care of, sometimes you find yourself at a place where you can not have the exact speed you have paid. That is the point where contacting your internet service providers becomes an option. They will look to determine where the issue is within your area. If a problem is out of your control and needs a fix, they will come in handy.
It could be a problem in your house despite being out of your knowledge. The service providers will charge you a fee for any fixing they will make.
The distance can be a hindrance at times. If you live in a place far from your internet service provider's hardware, expect to get a slow signal if you stay close, the added advantage.
Your hardware could be having issues. For instance, your router is outdated and can not deal with the speed of your connections. You will have problems with speed, making it your problem and not your service providers. Get yourself a router that will go in well with the current rate.
Sometimes you assume that all the download speeds are your service provider's fault, forgetting the server speeds you use to download and the routers. An example is downloading a file from a website from a different country or state. That website could be having issues with speed and not your service provider.
You might also have issues with the speed at certain hours of the day, especially when people are less busy, approximately six pm until midnight. Those are considered peak hours.
What do you need for your home?
Choose the internet speed that suits your home and is pocket-friendly. The chart below summarizes the tips on how to purchase your internet package.
It is a bit too much to use higher bandwidth speed in your homes in most cases. But if there are reasons behind the purchase, it's the best decision.
What is bandwidth?
You often assume that your bandwidth is your internet speed, but it is the amount of information you send or receive in a given time.
What amount of bandwidth do you need?
Depending on the number of devices you have at home and many people using the internet, you will need more bandwidth to experience downloads. The more bandwidth you get, the faster your internet gets.
How do you measure your bandwidth?
Before today's upgrade, you could measure your bandwidth in bits per second (bps). In the present day, bandwidth is expressed using units, such as Mbps (megabits per second), Gbps (gigabits per second), and Tbps (terabits per second).
So many factors can cause a slow internet speed, and finding a solution can be tricky. As simple as they seem to fix just by rebooting your computer, upgrading your devices, and changing your settings, some problems are out of your control. That is where the ISP providers come in handy.
As stated earlier, you should always pay attention to those causes interfering with your download speed more when they keep occurring. Try out all the solutions provided if the issue is something you can control when such problems happen. If they are out of your control, seek help from your internet service providers.
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