More than 4.5 billion people use the internet every day.
The technology-driven society relies on the internet to accomplish their daily talks or even to have fun. However, the majority of these users do not fully enjoy the internet due to network problems.
Ultimately, the slow connections happen due to many reasons, with the main one being the high number of daily users.
Though frustrating, the good thing is that there are many practical solutions for slow internet connections.
This guide will discuss the top seven causes and their possible solutions.
Read on to know all
1. Viruses or Spyware
Computer viruses are the leading causes of poor internet connections.
A virus is a computer file that invades the computer and interferes with the data or programs. It might enter into the device in several ways, mainly when transferring your files.
Besides interfering with your files, a computer virus or spyware might affect the drivers and speed down the internet speed. But how do you know that your device is infected? You can only know when you use a virus checker or scanner.
Solutions
Here are practical ways that you can apply to prevent your device from the virus or spyware attacks.
Install an antivirus: The antivirus programs carry out regular scans on the device to identify and remove any kind of virus.
Avoid anonymous emails: Do not open the suspicious mails. These emails may have virus attachments, and they can infect your computer.
Regularly install the manufacturer updates: These updates contain security patches for the devices. So, click the update option every time you see the alert.
Avoid illegal websites: Do not download any application or program from an unlawful site. Confirm the authenticity of the site before installing an application.
Backup your files: Create a backup plan for your data to cushion you in case anything happens to your device and data is lost.
2. Router Problems
Routers make it possible for you to connect to the internet. They, however, have their problems, which affect the overall internet speed.
Age, for instance, is the first problem which your WiFi router might have.
The efficiency of the router decreases with time, and this means that your router may not deliver high-speed internet as it did when you bought it.
Solutions
Here are practical solutions to the common router uses:
Update your router: Always ensure that your WiFi router supports the standard 802.11n wireless network. Routers that are less than three years old are already updated, and you might not need to update them. However, the old routers which have been used for more than a decade must be updated for better performance.
Check for overheating: It’s normal for routers to overheat occasionally. When it happens, the internet speed might reduce significantly. You may consider placing it in a cool place where air can circulate freely.
Check the cable connections: Confirm that the cables connecting your routers are okay. A loose or broken wire might interfere with the average internet speed.
Troubleshoot: Troubleshoot your router if it shows configuration issues. This can happen once in a month.
3. Obstructions
You may be using the best wireless gateway, but still, your internet connection might be very low. Why? It could be a result of obstructions.
There are many types of distractions that might affect your internet connectivity. For instance, your connections may be slow if you stay in an apartment with many wireless connections. This is because every router in the building is trying to get signals, and thus, the reduced speed.
Metals, brick, and concrete might also block your wireless signal.
Solutions
Here are practical solutions to minimize obstructions problems.
Position your router well: Keep your router in an ideal location free from microwaves, cordless phones, and other devices. This way, your router will have excellent coverage to connect all devices.
Change the channel of your router: Similar wireless routers may easily obstruct each other, mainly if they share the same channel. To solve the issues, change the current WiFi channel for your router into a unique one.
Avoid many connections: How many devices are using the same router? Connecting smartphones, computers, laptops, and other devices at the same time slows down the WiFi waves. Disconnect some devices, and try to connect one time.
4. Unprotected WiFi
Is your WiFi protected? If not, the chances are high that is the reason why your network speed is low.
The increasingly growing digital world means that digital devices are also increasing. Unlike before, there are now many gadgets, smartphones, TVs, and other tools which use the internet.
Due to the limited internet sources, hackers have adopted a new way of connecting their devices, and that is by hacking other networks. This is made clear by a recent study that shows that 90% of organizations became victims of phishing attacks in 2019 alone.
When someone hacks your internet, the speed reduces, and also, you become vulnerable to cyber theft.
Solutions
If you have not encrypted your WiFi, follow these steps to protect it, stay safe, and enhance your WiFi speed.
Change the default names and the password: Change the username and password of your WiFi in case hackers already know the current credentials. Ensure that the new password is strong and complex.
Turn on the encryption mode: WiFi encryption is essential if you suspect hackers are prying on your WiFi. The primary encryption mode is WPA2, although other methods may also be helpful. Encryption scrambles your information to make it useless to a hacker.
Use a VPN: A VPN hides your true identity. It allows you to communicate from a secured and identifiable place where the hackers cannot trace you.
Use a firewall and turn off the WiFi: Learn to turn off the WiFi connection when you are not at home. A firewall will reduce your vulnerability to hackers.
5. Your Device
Your phone, camera, or computer might be the reason for the reduced connectivity. How?
Modern devices become obsolete very quickly. They also become ineffective with time. As such, your old smartphone, or camera might not be as efficient as a new one.
Its network drivers might also be old and obsolete to configure with the new internet connections.
Solution
Try the following ways to ensure that your digital device is compatible with the WiFi you are using.
Run the system update: Do not ignore the regular system updates alerts on your phone or computer. Those updates may significantly enhance your network connections.
Replace your device: The best and most costly option might be to replace the phone. There are many effective modern gadgets with advanced internet connectivity.
Troubleshoot your device: Troubleshoot your gadget to remove the problems causing network delays.
6. Wrong WiFi Plan
The unreliable internet connection in your home may be a result of your reduced WiFi plan.
A few decades ago, internet users had to stick to the old modems, even when they were very slow. However, there are many reliable plans now, and it would, therefore, help if you changed the current plan to a newer one.
Solution
Here are practical ways to solve poor connections caused by the wrong WiFi plan.
Call a professional: Seek the help of a reliable internet expert to find out the efficiency of your old plan. If it is inefficient, your provider will help you choose an ideal plan.
Also, understand the available plans within your locality. Review the exact options to know if it meets your daily internet demands. Ensure that the new plan is affordable, too, to avoid straining your budget.
7. External Factors
External factors are the last possible reasons for slow internet connections. These are things you cannot control, even when you have a suitable device and an excellent router.
For instance, your network provider might be having a technical issue on their end, affecting all its users.
Climatic conditions and other adverse environmental factors might also be another uncontrollable external reason.
Solution
You may not entirely solve external issues. You may, however, do a few things to improve your WiFi speed and avoid becoming a victim of the poor connection. Firstly, ensure that you meet the minimum terms and standards for your internet provider.
Secondly, stay updated on any current changes taking place within your location.
Lastly, confirm with your neighbors every time your internet becomes unreliable. This way, you will know if the problem is widespread or you are the only victim.
Avoid the Effects of Slow Internet Connections Wisely
Evidently, there are many causes for slow internet connections. These problems are common to every online user.
However, the severity of these effects depends much on how well you are prepared. Update your digital device, choose the right internet plan, and reduce the obstructions.
Troubleshoot your devices every time you experience a slow network. Lastly, seek the help of an expert when the problem gets out a hand. The best professional will inspect your system, and recommend the best solution according to your situation and needs.
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