Internet connectivity is a huge necessity these days, and life without it can be difficult. There can be several reasons why your internet speed might not be up to the mark. It could be due to your outdated modem, a speed plan that is lower than your required speed, network congestion, weak network privacy, and much more.
Slow internet connections can be frustrating and can affect your ability to work, browse the web, or enjoy online content. If you are experiencing a lagging internet connection, here are a few steps you can take to try to fix the issue.
Upgrade Your Internet Plan
First things first, if you are experiencing a slow internet connection, it may be time to upgrade your internet plan. Most of the time we keep using a basic internet plan without realizing that it might not be enough for us.
If you are on a basic plan, consider switching to a higher-speed plan to see if that improves your speed. Keep in mind that higher-speed plans may come with higher costs, so be sure to weigh the cost against the benefits before making a decision. Besides, if you are a heavy streamer, own a smart home, and also work from home, you will need a high-speed plan.
Restart Your Router
If you believe that you have a pretty decent speed plan and according to your usage the speed given by the provider is enough, try restarting your router. Oftentimes the routers we use are not so advanced and up-to-date, which is why they start lagging.
Sometimes, a simple restart of your router can help improve your internet connection. To do this, locate your router and unplug it from the power source. Wait a few minutes, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart.
Check for Network Congestion
One thing that is difficult to deal with is network congestion. It is not in the internet service provider’s control when lots of devices are being used and connected at the same time. For instance, if it is the weekend and most people are having movie nights, the overall internet speed will decrease.
In such a case when the internet speed has slowed down, try using a speed test website to see if your internet speed is lower than usual. If it is, try using the internet at a different time when there may be less congestion. This is not a sustainable option but running a speed test can at least help you identify the issue.
Update Your Router’s Firmware
It is best to stay up to date on new developments; because it often happens that we don’t give much thought to the router. We start blaming other things without realizing that the router needs work too. Oftentimes, the new routers need updates.
Router manufacturers often release updates to improve the performance of their devices. Check the manufacturer’s website to see if there are any available updates for your router and follow the instructions to install them.
Change Your Wireless Channel
If you are using a wireless connection, your router may be using a crowded wireless channel that is causing interference and slowing down your connection. You can try changing your router’s wireless channel to see if it improves your internet speed.
Changing the wireless channel is pretty simple. All you need to do is type your IP address in the address bar, enter the username of your router, open wireless settings, click Channels, change your WiFi channel to 1, 6, or 11 and save. These are mostly the least crowded channels. However, if you have a router given by your provider, it might have different settings, but they will be simple to apply.
Use an Ethernet Cable
Oftentimes, when you have a big family, there is a lot of traffic on your WiFi network. If it is not that, the router may be old and placed in a location from where your device might not be getting signals. It gets frustrating if this is the case.
So, if you are using a wireless connection, try switching to a wired connection using an Ethernet cable. This can provide a more stable and faster internet connection. Your internet service provider or your router must have provided you with Ethernet cables.
Check for Malware
Another thing that makes your internet connection unstable and makes it lag is malware on your device. There are several reasons for your devices to have malware. It could be due to connecting to open networks, or not having network security or antivirus.
Malware can slow down your internet connection by using up your bandwidth. Run a malware scan on your device to see if any malware is present and remove it if it is. Getting rid of malware and different viruses can help save you from cyberattacks and slow internet.
Change your DNS settings
Your DNS, or Domain Name System, is the system that translates web addresses (like www.google.com) into the IP addresses that your device uses to access the internet. If your DNS settings are out of date or not functioning properly, it can cause your internet to slow down.
You can try changing your DNS settings to a faster, more reliable server to see if that improves your speed. You can access these on your computer’s network settings and change them.
Check for Network Outages
In some cases, a slow internet connection may be due to a network outage in your area. Check with your internet service provider to see if there are any known outages in your area and how long they are expected to last.
These are rare but if nothing else works, you can always call the provider and ask if there is an outage. However, if that is the case you just have to sit through it because it is the provider’s job to fix these issues.
Contact Your Internet Service Provider
If you have tried all the steps listed above and your internet connection is still lagging, it may be an issue with your internet service provider. In this case, you can contact them and explain the problem you are experiencing. They may be able to offer suggestions or help resolve the issue.
Most internet service providers come with 24/7 tech support and DIY solutions for you to fix your internet issues by yourself. If you want to check out solutions for internet and TV-related issues, check out the blog section on buytvinternetphone.
In Conclusion
Well, if you are still not satisfied with the internet there may be an issue from the provider’s side. In this case, you can always switch to a better internet plan. If you want to check out good internet options, check internet near me and find out some of the best high-speed internet plans near you.
If you’re experiencing a slow internet connection, there are several steps you can take to try to fix the issue. From restarting your router to checking for malware, these steps can help to improve your internet speed and get you back online.
