With rules on restrictions of movement still in place, most people are now opting to use the Internet to conduct their daily business. This has come with new and unforeseen challenges, some of which were previously considered non-issues but are now proving tough nuts to crack. Top on the list of these challenges is low Internet speeds. Low Internet speed may be a result of heavy demands placed on broadband providers, however, in some instances, there is no good explanation to the problem. So, what do you do when your Internet speed is annoyingly slow?
Slow Internet is characterized by delayed audio and pixelated video calls as well as downloads that take ages to complete. In some instances, the Internet connection just goes off completely, terminating your call or download. Irritating, right? However, before you jump to conclusions, you need to know exactly why your Internet is so slow.
Test your Internet speed
If your Internet is slow, start by running a speed test to assist you to find out what speeds you are working with. To do this, you can download an Internet speed test app of your choice on your phone such as Ookla, V-SPEED, or SpeedSmart.
To perform the test, position yourself near the router and run the app, then move to a different location or room away from the router and run the test again.
After running the tests, compare the current speed results with the Internet speed your Internet service provider promises you should enjoy. If you notice consistent discrepancies between the speed in your home versus what is indicated by your ISP or what they promised you, it is probably time to have a conversation with your ISP or to seek a new ISP altogether.
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However, if the results show high Internet speeds when you are near the router and got slower as you moved away from it, chances are that your equipment is the problem and not the ISP.
Reposition your router
Ideally, the router should be in a central place in your home to enable equal distribution of signals all around. It should also be in an open place and not tucked inside a cabinet or hidden behind books on a shelf. In addition, avoid positioning the router near devices or items that are likely to interfere with its ability to beam out signals.
If you noticed the signal is weak in some areas of your home, it is likely the router is unable to beam strong signals to a large area. To manage this problem, consider buying a mesh network system. This is a device with multiple Wi-Fi access points that gives you the ability to blanket your home with wireless coverage.
Using the tips and tricks outlined above, you can eliminate the headache of slow Internet speed and make your life more bearable as you continue to stay safe by hunkering down at home.
The Internet Patrol is completely free, and reader-supported. Your tips via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal are appreciated! Receipts will come from ISIPP.