How to Fix My Slow Internet:
Whether if it’s at your business or home, you have probably at some point needed help troubleshooting slow internet: we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll walk you through 8 ways to address slow internet speeds. So, let’s dive right in and get your connection back on track!
1. Run a Speed Test
Use an online speed test tool to check the actual speed of the internet connection. If you run the test from a device connected to the network then it is difficult to determine if any slow speed results are due to the connection provided by your ISP (internet service provider), issues in your wireless network, or an issue with your device. But getting a speed test right at the start helps to set a benchmark that you can compare to as you complete other troubleshooting steps.
2. Connectivity Test
Before we start making changes to your local network set-up or contacting you ISP, lets test to see if this issue is related to a specific device. Check if other devices on the same network are also experiencing slow speeds. This can help identify if the issue is specific to one device or affects the entire network. If you find that it is just a single device experiencing slow speeds now you know you just need to troubleshoot that one device. Consider restarting the device or consulting a user manual for the device.
If you speed test result was disappointing and all of your devices are showing slow speeds, lets assume for now that the issue might be with your wireless network (and not with your ISP). The next 5 steps focus on trying to improve the speeds you are getting on your devices when connected wirelessly to your network.
3. Check for Interference
Identify and reduce potential sources of wireless interference, such as other electronic devices, neighboring Wi-Fi networks, or appliances. Cordless phones, microwave ovens, and Bluetooth devices can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Ensure that the router is placed in a central location, away from walls and obstructions. Positioning the router in an open space can help improve signal strength, coverage, and fix slow internet speeds.
4. Limit Connected Devices
Limit the number of connected devices, especially if many devices are simultaneously using the network. Some routers may struggle to handle a large number of connected devices. If you can reduce the number of connected devices and/or limit their usage you can test the network again to see if less congestion on the network improves your speed.
5. Secure the Wi-Fi Network
Ensure that the Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password to prevent unauthorized users from consuming bandwidth. You don’t want neighbors eating up all of your bandwidth!. it can also be a good idea to change the Wi-Fi password periodically if you are concerned about unknown devices on your already secured network.
6. Restart Router and/or Modem
Power cycle the router and modem by unplugging them, waiting for about 30 seconds, and then plugging them back in. This can resolve temporary glitches and refresh the network connection. Try another speed test to see if there was a change in speeds after getting everything restarted.
7. Change Wi-Fi Channel
This is a more advanced troubleshooting technique, but can be very useful, especially if you can see lots of other wireless networks available from your location. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer tool to check for overcrowded channels in the area. If there is interference from other networks, consider changing the Wi-Fi channel on the router to a less congested one.
8. Contact Your ISP
If none of this improved your speeds and the issue persists it is a good time to contact the internet service provider for further assistance or to report any service outages. Hopefully, you have and ISP like DakotaPro with dedicated tech support staff who can further assist you in resolving your slow internet woes.
