The Internet has brought us closer through digital means. However, the excessive use of the internet has made us more dependent on it too. From ordering fast food online to hosting video meetings on Zoom, we need a stable internet connection to carry out all sorts of online tasks throughout the day. And, when it slows down, it turns our lives upside down!
It is crucial to understand why your internet slows down and how you can resolve speed problems at home. We have compiled some of the most common reasons why your internet may slow down and ways to fix these issues:
Weak Signals
A wireless internet connection may seem very convenient at first; however, it is susceptible to various connectivity issues. Weak Wi-Fi signals are one of the most common internet problems, which can occur due to the following reasons:
Distance between the User and the Router
If you are sitting in a room that is far from your Wi-Fi router, your device will get weak signals. This may worsen as your distance from the router increases. Therefore, it is better to place your router in a centralized location in your home to allow even distribution of Wi-Fi signals across every part of your home.
Physical Obstructions
If you are getting weak Wi-Fi signals even if your router is placed in the center of your home, then there is a chance that your router is experiencing interruptions. This may include physical objects, such as furniture, walls, and even the floor. Sometimes, this can occur when electrical home appliances, such as microwave ovens or baby monitors transmit electromagnetic signals, which can disrupt your internet signals. If you want to improve your Wi-Fi signals, consider removing every object that can interfere with Wi-Fi signals from your router. In addition, you can use Wi-Fi boosters and extenders to boost signals in every room of your house.
Multiple Devices Are Connected to Your Network
Sometimes, Wi-Fi routers remain connected to multiple devices, which may take up too much bandwidth. As a result, it takes too long to stream movies, play online games, or carry out simpler online tasks. To fix this issue, remove all the unwanted devices that are connected to your Wi-Fi network. However, if you are facing problems managing multiple devices, switch to Mediacom internet to connect your stationary devices and evenly distribute signals to all devices. This way, you don’t need to minimize your overall internet usage or remove your family members or roommates from your Wi-Fi network.
Data Caps or Throttling
Many internet providers throttle speeds, which results in internet slowdowns. It may occur when your provider imposes data caps and you unknowingly exceed your monthly data usage. If you notice that your internet is being throttled, it is time for you to check out Mediacom offers. It lets you consume data up to 6,000 GB per month, without worrying about paying overage fees every month. Moreover, it provides download speeds of up to 200 Mbps for a smooth online experience.
Network Congestion during Peak Hours
If too many users or devices are connected to the same network simultaneously, it increases the network traffic and makes it difficult to upload or download files for some users. So, if you are planning to upload or download large files, or play video games at home, wait until the peak hours are over. This way, you can avoid the risk of buffering or other interruptions while browsing the web.
Router Cache
Your Wi-Fi router stores data and other information related to your network, leading to internet slowdowns. Therefore, it is crucial to clear your router’s cache to improve its speed and overall performance.
Start by pressing the reset button on your router. When you notice that the lights on your router have switched on, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. When the lights start to glow, it indicates that your router cache has been cleared. Once your devices reconnect to the router, you will get much better internet speeds.
Wrapping Up
Whenever your internet slows down, it may occur due to the reasons listed above. You can easily resolve these issues and troubleshoot your internet speed issues in simple ways. However, if it doesn’t improve even if you have tried different ways, then you need to contact your internet service provider (ISP).
