In a world that depends largely on an internet connection, nothing can hamper your productivity and raise your stress levels like a slow connection. 

Sometimes all it takes to speed up your internet connection is simply restarting your router or modem. Still, poor speeds might also result from issues with your internet service provider—matters beyond your control.

The truth is that there could be several reasons why you’re experiencing issues with your internet connection.

If your router or modem malfunctions, you typically experience a speed bottleneck. Your hardware might not support crucial internet protocols if it is too outdated. Slowdowns can also be brought on by damaged equipment, such as defective ports or parts.

There are a few strategies to ensure that every component of your network operates at peak performance. Beginning with the fundamentals, we’ll help you identify the weak links and provide tips and tricks on how to fix them.

If these tips do not help, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will help you restore your internet connection!

1. Reset Your Router

Give your router and modem a quick reset; switch them off and back on and see if that works before blaming your internet service provider. You should also check whether other devices in your home are experiencing the same problem. If the issue only affects one computer, your network or modem is not the issue.

2. Upgrade to a Better Internet Plan

If you only experience a slow internet connection during peak hours when many users are online simultaneously, you’re likely using more bandwidth than your internet plan permits. Your internet service includes a certain amount of bandwidth. If traffic congestion occurs, more information is being transferred than the available bandwidth.

We recommend conducting an internet speed test to determine if you’re receiving the speed your service provider promised. There are many speed tests online where you can check your upload and download speeds. Try upgrading if you are not satisfied with what is offered in your plan.

3. Use a LAN Connection or Invest in a Dual-band Router

Your ISP might not be able to help you increase internet speeds if you reside in an apartment complex and use a wireless modem.

The various Wi-Fi networks will fight for open channels when many networks are in one area. Your router will attempt to find a free channel if one becomes crowded.

You won’t have an internet connection if there aren’t any available channels due to the excessive number of Wi-Fi networks nearby. In this situation, dual-band routers might be the best option. Another great way to prevent poor connection is using a LAN connection to link your computer to the router directly. 

4. Change the Location of Your Router

Distance, barriers, and sometimes microwaves may affect your Wi-Fi signal. Poor internet performance may be the result of weaker Wi-Fi signals.

If your connection is great, closer to your router, but incredibly slow in another room, the problem is likely caused by interference and poor Wi-Fi signals.

First, you will need to look at the location of your router to resolve weak Wi-Fi. Ensure it is in a central place, elevated, and far from anything that can interfere with your Wi-Fi signals. This includes barriers such as walls and smart devices like Bluetooth speakers.

If this doesn’t help, the only option would be to upgrade your router to a model that offers better coverage. Alternatively, use a Wi-Fi extender to ensure that every area of your home has good connectivity.

5. Upgrade Your Devices

Your internet connection may be fine. In some cases, the problem lies with the device you’re using. Your phone, tablet, PC, or game console may be outdated and unable to handle current Wi-Fi rates.

Try restarting your device if you are experiencing connectivity issues. This cleans up unwanted programs and temporary files. It will also refresh the connection and clear the device’s memory.

Overworked processors frequently experience speed problems, and a fast power cycle (complete shutdown for 30 seconds) will help it work well again.

6. Plan Large Updates or Downloads 

You should plan a time when you won’t need to use the internet for any other reason if you have a large download coming up, such as the most recent macOS update. The best time to schedule a download is in the early morning hours when nobody is awake, and no other downloads take up bandwidth.

This way, you can enjoy great connection and speeds for all activities, and if you download your favorite episode during non-peak hours, you can enjoy lag-free viewing!

7. Restrict or Turn Off Apps That Might Be Hogging Your Bandwidth

Check whether other apps are hogging the network if your hardware appears in good condition. 

We also recommend using security extensions designed especially for blocking some of the clips, animations, and advertising that consume a lot of bandwidth and slow down your connection.

You’ll also need to take note of backup services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox that may be transferring data, using up your bandwidth, and slowing down your connection in the background. Check if you can reduce the upload and download speeds of these and other bandwidth-hungry applications, freeing up space so that you can browse the internet.

8. Switch to Another Server Location If You’re Using a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) is a program that hides your IP address and provides an extra layer of encryption to communications between your device and ISP servers. Bypassing your internet traffic through one of its servers, a VPN can protect your personal information from the prying eyes of ISPs, government entities, or hackers.

However, this additional layer of protection can result in a slower internet connection. To get around this, try connecting to another server to improve your speed. If this doesn’t help, try switching to another VPN service provider with a reputation for excellent performance in your area.

9. Check Your Wiring

The cables connecting your router to a PC, phone jack, or switch could go unnoticed but might impact connectivity or performance. If your ADSL and Ethernet lines are outdated, you can replace them to see if the problem resolves. 

Moreover, pets can wander and unintentionally chew wires. When this happens, you must change the cables and use a deterrent to keep pets from the wiring. 

10. Switch to a Free Channel

Wi-Fi channels are designed to ensure that data transmission and reception are easier. If there are too many connections, bottlenecks may occur and slow down your internet speed. Changing to less crowded channels might be possible, depending on the ones your router employs.

Many Android and iOS apps are available to assess your Wi-Fi channels and determine which gadgets are linked to your network. To switch channels, log in to the router’s setup page and choose the desired channel from the list of choices.

It’s important to remember that some desktop and mobile applications with high streaming or resource requirements could use up the bandwidth you would otherwise need without your knowledge. Turn off any running software that is not necessary.

11. Use a Guest Network 

Sharing your internet connection with friends and family is good, but you don’t want them to use it to download illegal material. The guest network feature on your router can be helpful in this situation.

You can set up a second guest network using your router’s web-based interface or mobile application. With this network, you may restrict the services and sites visitors can access and the bandwidth they can use. 

Additionally, it improves security by blocking visitors’ devices from interacting with yours, so you don’t have to worry about visitors compromising all of your devices with malware.

12. Contact Your Internet Service Provider

The problem may often be with something other than your devices but with the service provider. It’s important to communicate with your ISP when you are experiencing issues for advice and assistance on restoring connectivity or boosting speed.

The Bottom Line 

The truth is that there is nothing more frustrating than having a poor internet connection. It can reduce productivity, interfere with gaming or streaming, and even affect your business. 

Fortunately, you can try these tips to improve your speed. If you still need help restoring your internet connection, please contact us!

Our team of experts at CNG IT is ready to help you identify the root cause of your issue and ensure that a fast internet connection always helps your productivity. 

Contact us today at (951) 317-9562 or fill out our contact form!