The telecom industry’s growth depends on factors such as the speed of the internet they provide to their customers. The consumers of the high-speed broadband internet are increasing every year which is increasing the yearly revenue of telecom companies. The decrease in bandwidth causes a significant drop in the number of subscribers. Countless industries are offering broadband services. The top internet providers are Verizon, Charter Spectrum, China Mobile Ltd., AT&T, Vodafone Group Plc, Telefonica S.A., Softbank Group Corp and more. Customers choose the cable, DSL, Fiber Optic or Satellite provider companies based on the type of broadband available in their area. Most people, however, prefer a faster broadband service.
Despite paying to get a high-speed connection, many consumers face issues such as a slow internet connection. Before contacting the internet service provider, you can do a little research to find out what causes slow internet and try to troubleshoot the problem yourself. Here’s how you can do that.
DNS and the Internet Bandwidth
The DNS is similar to the internet’s phonebook, which maps out the names of different websites to a computer. When you try to open a site, your PC searches for the web address, and your DNS has a significant impact on how fast your desired webpage loads. The settings of your network, the access point, and router identify the DNS servers you use. Your ISP decides the servers you use; therefore you need to choose a faster ISP.
Faster Downloads
Some ISPs advertise much faster downloads, but consumers never get the speed advertised. Always confirm the actual bandwidth you can get in your area. Lots of reliable companies such as Xfinity, Cox, and Deutsche Telekom AG, Charter Spectrum advertise an accurate bandwidth.
Test the Modem
A faulty modem is the main reason why you get a slow internet connection most of the times. Check your modem before blaming your ISP for the connectivity drop-outs. Pick out the right modem, and by a right modem, we mean one which is suitable for the connection you use. Spectrum internet provides its customers with its authorized modems ideal for specific bandwidths from 100 Mbps to 400 Mbps.
Test the Current Speed
Another step when facing slower speeds is to test your current internet connection. Use online tools to measure the rate of speed your internet service provider (ISP) offers. If you are getting reduced speeds, those that are very opposed to the advertised high-bandwidth, contact your provider immediately. Make sure you get your desired bandwidth at an affordable price. Check the different bandwidth ISPs are providing. For instance, AT&T offers 100 Mbps at $60, and My Cable Internet, the authorized retailer of Charter resells 100 Mbps at $39.99 through its website.
On-system Interference
The system scanner or spyware you use often interfere and affect your broadband speed. Therefore always choose a security suite that doesn’t hamper the performance of your computer.
Shorten and Replace the Cables
The cable’s length and structure, both can have significant effects on your speed. Replace old sockets and cable lines with the new ones. Ruptured wires can cause slow-down and even discontinuity in your connection.
Scan for viruses
Sometimes the problem is not with your ISP, but your computer. Presence of viruses on your PC can be the primary cause of the drop in speed. When you download programs or files from malicious websites, they bring viruses along with them. The infected data can cause harm to your digital device. Your computer can get slow or even get hacked immediately due to these viruses. Also, worms and file-infectors cause an apparent slowdown in the network by eating up your data. Your PC fails to process the data. If your PC faces a severe attack from Viruses and Trojans, it can cause massive damage. You need to take precautionary steps to save your laptop from such damage. Use the scanner to clean-out the laptop from boot sector virus and all other types. Verizon, AT&T, and Charter offer a Security Suite feature to protect the computers from infected programs, browser hijackers, and malware.
Power-Cycling of the Modem
Turning off your modem and then turning it on after a while can cause an increase in the speed. It refreshes the equipment. Sometimes the router heats up which creates a slow-down in surfing and streaming. It can get increased if you give a few minutes rest to the modem until it cools down. Resetting your modem also increases the speed. Reset and then configure the device with new passwords – this process is called power cycling. Changing the passwords refreshes the settings at the end of ISP, causing an increase in the bandwidth you receive.
Cable Line-Testing
If you face throttling in your connectivity, you can call the provider and ask them to conduct a line-testing. The customer service representative will schedule a meeting. A proper investigation by the tech-agent will help check if there are any cables chewed away and need replacing. That might cost some extra fees. However, some ISPs, such as Charter Communications don’t charge you for that.
Timely Update of Software & Firmware
You need to update your modem’s software after a certain period. Not only this, but you also need a regular update of the computer’s operating system. A periodic update is necessary as wireless settings become less compatible with time.
