Many Factors Can Affect Your Internet Speed
If you’ve tested your internet speed at www.speedtest.net or a similar site and it’s not what you expected, your first thought might be to contact Huxley Communications. Keep in mind, however, that a number of things could be decreasing your internet speed. They include:
Multiple Devices Connected Simultaneously
Does your household have multiple laptops, tablets, game consoles, and smartphones? This can reduce the overall internet speed each device receives, since when multiple devices are connected simultaneously to the same network, they must share the available bandwidth.
Bandwidth-Demanding Applications
Applications such as streaming movies and TV shows, playing online games, and video conferencing will consume more bandwidth than things like checking email, so they can reduce your overall internet speed.
Poor Computer Performance
The culprit for disappointing speeds could be your computer — such as an old and unstable operating system or insufficient memory. In addition, if your computer is infected with adware or spyware, you may experience diminished computer performance and a stream of pop-up ads. This will likely cause everything on your computer to work more slowly.
Insufficient Wireless Router
Wireless router specification is an important factor in your home’s internet performance. If an older router that does not support high speed is used, internet speed will be correspondingly reduced. For example, if you are signed up for 20 Mbps service and your outdated wireless router only supports up to 10 Mbps, your internet speed will only reach up to about 10 Mbps. Buying a new 801.11ac router is one of the best ways to make sure your network is as fast and reliable as possible.
Interference in Your Home Network
Other wireless devices — such as older cordless phones, baby monitors, some security cameras, and microwaves — can cause interference in your home, weakening your wireless router’s signal and affecting your internet speed. Huxley Communications can answer questions about home networks and help you get the internet speed you need. Call us at 515-597-2281 to learn more.
This is an article excerpt from our Spring 2016 newsletter. The full newsletter contains other relevant articles, Huxley happenings, contact information and more! Click here to download a PDF of the newsletter.
Recent Comments