The speeds provided by your internet provider can make or break your online experience. With slower speeds, it can be difficult to carry out basic everyday tasks. It can be due to various reasons, such as an overloaded network, interference from other devices, distance from your router to the device, or issues associated with your router. So, if you are concerned about the unexpected internet slowdowns, then continue to read this article to understand why this may occur.
Common Reasons for Slow Internet Speeds
Here are some of the main reasons why your internet may run slower than usual:
The Distance Between Your Router and Your Device
See if your device is placed near your router or not. If there is a long distance between your wireless router and the device, then it can affect the speeds you get. For instance, if you are sitting in a room that is the farthest from your router, then there is a good chance that you will encounter speed issues due to various physical obstructions in the way.
For faster speeds and stronger signals, consider relocating your router to an area that evenly distributes signals across the house. This way, the signals will reach every corner and edge of the house, making it easier for you to connect to the internet.
Your Internet Connection Type
Some internet service providers (ISPs) offer fiber internet connections to carry internet signals through fiber-optic cables. Whereas, the internet de Cox makes use of coaxial cable wires to transmit signals from the router to the device. Since these wires may undergo wear and tear over time, they are likely to become damaged, which can affect the speeds delivered to your device. Therefore, if you have a cable internet connection, you must ensure that your wiring is in good condition; otherwise, it will fail to deliver the speeds you need.
Your Equipment Is Outdated
Over the years, your router or modem may fail to keep up with your speed needs. This is because, with time, your equipment may not support your internet connection to provide a strong signal strength. Besides, even devices may upgrade to higher versions, which may ask for a router upgrade.
On average, a router may last about five years or more, depending on the capabilities of the devices that are connected to it. So, if you are skeptical about the performance of your router, use an Ethernet cable to connect your desktop computer or laptop to your modem. If you notice a drastic increase in your internet speeds, then it may indicate that your internet is working well; however, your router is not performing up to the mark. Get in touch with servicio al cliente de Cox to replace your existing router for better speeds.
You Are Connected to a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) ensures to safeguard your privacy and security against ISPs, the government, and third-party companies. This is because VPNs make use of an indirect route to establish your internet connection with another server that is based in a different location. Hence, your data remains encrypted, which may consume a lot of time and processing power, taking a toll on the speeds that are received by your device.
If you want to use a VPN without compromising your internet speeds, then we recommend you connect to a premium VPN, as it does not have a big impact on your actual speeds, compared to free VPNs.
Speed Throttling by Your ISP
Most ISPs throttle network speeds to prevent network congestion and regulate traffic, especially when users end up exceeding their monthly data caps. This is because every internet plan comes with its set of conditions, which should not be violated; or else, your ISP has the right to reduce your internet speeds.
To avoid such situations, your best bet is to connect to an internet plan that offers unlimited data, without imposing any data caps per month.
Devices Connected to the Same Network
If you have multiple devices connected to the same network, then there is a chance that your devices may interfere with your internet speeds. For instance, if you have smart TVs, baby monitors, radios, or any other Wi-Fi-enabled device running on the same network, then it can potentially disrupt the speeds you get. This occurs when both, your wireless internet network and your device emit electromagnetic signals that may collide, influencing your upload and download speeds.
If you want seamless internet connectivity, then try to minimize the number of devices in your home, which may create a signal jam in your airwaves.
The Bottom Line
Whether you are using a cellular device or a desktop computer, your internet speeds can have a huge impact on your online activities. At times, your ISP may throttle your network speeds, which can be difficult to resolve. However, other times, you may encounter a wide range of situations, as listed above. Instead of feeling frustrated because of your slow internet speeds, use the abovementioned ways to restore your internet speeds and enjoy a smooth online experience.
