5 Hidden Reasons Your Internet Is So Slow

Sluggish internet can put a serious damper on your ability to work and enjoy digital entertainment. Sniffing out the root cause of lag or significant delays can help you return to the speeds you require. Read below to discover 5 hidden reasons your internet is so slow.

Your Wireless Connection Is Spotty

Wireless internet is great for mobile devices such as phones and tablets, but it can be unreliable if you’re using it as your primary connection. That’s because wireless internet is highly susceptible to interference, outages, competition with other users, and attacks on the network. You should always use a dedicated Ethernet connection whenever possible, because wired internet uses dedicated bandwidth in a controlled environment.

Your Cables Are Out of Date

Your internet may constantly disconnect and reconnect if you have outdated or broken wires. Check for fraying or other damage on any coaxial, Ethernet, or phone cables connected to the router, modem, or device. Replace the problematic wires and determine whether the problem persists; if not, trash the damaged wires.

Malware and Viruses Are Infecting Your Computer

Malware and viruses are insidious programs that leach onto your data for nefarious purposes. These programs proliferate by infecting computers and prompting them to send out many times more copies of themselves, which can cause your internet to slow down. You should take steps to protect your data from viruses and hackers looking to steal your personal information and infect your computer.

Your ISP Is Throttling Your Bandwidth

Sometimes ISPs set a cap as to how much data you may transmit and receive during your billing period; if you go over that amount, they’ll lower your available bandwidth. Your internet provider might also slow down your connection due to overall network congestions, paid prioritization, or even engagement in illegal activities such as pirating. When throttling occurs, you may need to upgrade to a faster plan or one that enables you to use more data.

Your Router Simply Needs a Refresh

Sometimes, the most straightforward solutions are also the correct ones. Your router’s capacity to receive, process, and transfer data can become jumbled, but a reboot allows it to settle down and restart. Try unplugging your router for 10 seconds and plugging it back in to see if your speeds improve.

Understanding the 5 hidden reasons your internet is so slow lets you make intelligent choices to bring it back to normal. When you’ve exhausted all other options, trying one of these solutions may be just the trick.