Everyone has probably asked themselves at some point, “why is my internet so slow?”. While there are many reasons why your internet could be slow, the main reason for slow speeds at night (and during lockdowns) is network congestion.
Slow internet can be a pain to deal with at the best of times. At Glenco, we have over 30 years of electrical experience. We know how vital a stable internet connection is to businesses and homes. In this article, we take a look at what causes slow internet speeds.
Network congestion
Whether you’re at home all day looking or coming home after a long day, you’re likely to make use of the internet for work, leisure or entertainment purposes. Unfortunately, everyone has the same idea, and this causes heavy traffic on the network. This congestion results in low download and internet speeds.
Cables run from your house to a nearby network node, which provides you with internet and Wi-Fi. The best way to think about the network system is to picture the cables as highways and the node as a city. There could be over a hundred homes connected to one network node, that’s a hundred highways leading into one city.
During peak hours for using the internet, there may be several devices in your home that are connected. When you include the other houses using the same network node, it creates a lot of traffic. A congested node slows down the connection running through the fibre cables into your home.
Other reasons for poor internet speed
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “why is my internet so slow?” network congestion is likely the reason. However, other factors can also affect your connection. Below we explain a few causes for low download and upload speeds:
Low bandwidth
Depending on what internet service provider (ISP) you are using, you may be limited to a specific amount of megabits per second (Mbps). You may have a poor online experience if your internet package does not have the bandwidth to handle your busy household or business.
Location of Wi-Fi modem
Most of us use Wi-Fi in our homes and businesses. Depending on how far you are from your modem, you may experience poor reception. Obstacles like walls can also interfere with your connection, resulting in slower download speeds.
Old cables and network nodes
Many Australian homes and businesses connect to the internet via cables that run into a node. Over time these nodes and cables can become damaged, resulting in slower internet. When dealing with the installation and service of fibre optic cables, always leave it to a licenced expert who can safely carry out the work.
Ways to increase your internet speed
Whether you’re streaming your favourite video or trying to send a hundred work emails, we all need reliable and quick internet. Here are some helpful tips to boost your internet during peak hours:
- Move closer to the Wi-Fi router: The signal from your Wi-Fi can be affected by distance and obstacles. The closer you are to the router, the quicker your connection speed will be.
- Use an ethernet cable: By using an ethernet cable, you don’t have to compete with other devices in your home. The cable connects you directly to the router.
- Check with your ISP: If you don’t know what’s causing your poor internet, you can contact your ISP. They can offer assistance and direction in resolving the issue. Most ISPs will have live outage reports, so you can see if other houses are being affected as well.
- Turn off unused devices: Your devices that connect to the Wi-Fi will be competing for bandwidth. If only one device is connected to your router, then it will have full access to your network’s bandwidth.
- Restart router: If you contact your ISP, one of the steps they guide you through is restarting your router. Each router is different, but restarting often solves the issue. It is not wise to regularly reboot your modem, only do it when necessary.
- Upgrade your router: New routers use the latest technology in data and communication. If you are using an old Wi-Fi router, then you are likely missing out on fast download speeds.
Network congestion is not something that can be avoided, but with these tips, we hope you are able to boost your download speed. If your router or cables needs replacing, be sure to contact a qualified data and internet electrician.
Summary
In today’s age, all homes and businesses depend on the internet and Wi-Fi. Without it, the world’s economy would crash. During this rush hour of internet usage, you may experience low speeds. Fortunately, there are ways to improve your internet service.
In many cases, your internet cable or router may need replacing or servicing. Working with live wires can be extremely dangerous, so it is best to leave it to an expert. If you require a qualified electrician look no further than Glenco. Our electrical team is qualified as level 2 authorised service providers, with over 30 years of experience. We operate in greater Sydney and specialise in a range of electrical services.
Contact us to find out how Glenco can help!
