Sloooow Internet Connection? Try these tips…

Sometimes when your computer slows to a crawl it has nothing to do how busy the CPU is, or how much memory is being used.
Instead, there may a problem with your Internet connection. Slow internet speeds are particularly noticeable when trying to stream video on Netflix or YouTube, or when trying to upload photos to share with family and friends.

It’s not always easy to determine if your slow Internet connection is because of actual problems with your Internet service, or because of issues with your home Internet network.
Here are some tips and tricks for troubleshooting a slow Internet connection.

Getting Started With Troubleshooting Your Internet Connection

If you think have absolutely no Internet connectivity, it’s a good idea to see for sure.
You can open the Windows Internet Connections troubleshooter by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel.
In the list of programs, find and click Troubleshooting.
Under Network and Internet, click Internet Connections. Windows will then offer to troubleshoot Internet connections.
After that Windows will then offer to reset your Network adapter and the problem will be resolved.
Other times troubleshooting with Windows will not solve the problem.

How to Conduct an Internet Speed Test

The problem may in fact be caused by a slow Internet connection. You can actually conduct an Internet speed test (Speedtest.net is a good resource for this) that will tell you exactly what your Internet speed is.

You can compare the results of your Internet speed test with what you are actually paying for. If the results of the speed test don’t match your Internet plan, the next step is to check out your Internet router.

Your Router May be Causing Your Slow Internet

Before contacting your Internet provider, be sure to restart your Internet modem (the piece of hardware supplied by your Internet company) and your wireless router.
First, unplug your modem. Then, unplug your router. Wait about ten seconds before powering on your modem. After your modem is fully powered, restart your wireless router.
This is usually enough to fix a slow Internet connection.

Another issue that can cause slow Internet speeds is that your wireless router is too hot. This can happen if it is covered with papers or perhaps a jacket, or is left exposed to sunlight.

Other Reasons for a Slow Internet Connection

If restarting your router still does not result in faster Internet speeds, there is one last thing to consider: if you are relying on a wireless network in your home, how many other wireless networks are nearby?

Wireless routers typically switch between different channels, depending on which channel is less busy and can provide a stronger signal.

If there are multiple wireless networks nearby, each network will automatically seek out the best channel.

However, the more wireless networks there are nearby, the more crowded the channels become, and the routers will have a difficult time finding a free channel.
This results in slow Internet connections for everyone, not just you. This is a typical problem for people who live in apartment buildings.
The solution? You can purchase what’s called a “dual-band router”, which basically provides a greater variety of wireless channels for less competition among your neighbors.
In a worst-case scenario, You can also stop using WiFi connect to the Internet using a LAN connection.
Using a LAN connection is usually inconvenient, but is the most reliable way to connect to the Internet.