Do you suffer from the issue of slow cable Internet? Did you know that it is in your hands to fix this issue at home? In case you didn’t, continue reading to learn more. Because who wouldn’t want to resolve this issue at home? As it gets annoying when one has to wait for the support team to do so every time. Also, it makes one happy to learn that he/she is self-sufficient. So, here are some of the ways that allow you to fix your slow cable Internet.
Relocating the Router
A common misconception among many is that cable Internet is connected through Ethernet and the router does not play much of a role. However, that is not true. If you get to know just how essential a router is and how much people ignore it, you will get surprised. Most of the time individuals do not pay attention to where they are placing the router in their houses. For example, ideally, you should place it in a room or place that is roughly the middle of your house.
Other than that, you should also make sure that there are no walls or other obstacles that can keep the router’s signals from reaching you. Some of the things that can act as barriers other than walls include magnets, steel objects, or other electronics (e.g. phone). In case you think that there are too many walls in your house you should consider investing in wireless range extenders. Or consider relocating the router. In many cases, doing so will resolve the issue. Another option is to purchase long-range Wi-Fi routers.
Background Applications
You may not realize but having background applications open can affect the Internet speed as well. Just like you would close the background applications in your smartphones. But there is a difference here between the two. As you are aware of the applications running in the background on your phones. But you might not know about them in your operating system. Because every operating system keeps introducing regular updates as well. They are also background applications.
For you to be able to see all of these updates or applications running in the background go to settings and privacy on your computer or laptop and close the ones, you don’t need. As these consume a good chunk of your bandwidth.
Updating the Router
Relocating the router is one thing and updating it is another. This means that if you have a router that is 5-10 years old, you should purchase a new one. Because the routers become obsolete as well. So, your best Internet connection will be of no use if the router is not up-to-date. Here is the reason behind it. Companies that manufacture routers keep upgrading the software yearly as well. And these updates address performance and security issues.
However, if you believe that your router is performing well, you should invest in mesh networks. For people who do not know, a mesh network is a series of mini routers that you place in every room. These routers catch the signals from the main routers and allow you to have access to high speed.
Look for Worms and Viruses
If you subscribe to Internet Essential 30 by Cox or a good connection from a well-reputed, they provide anti-virus software as part of their service. However, you need extra protection from viruses and worms. And it asks of you to keep a check as well. Otherwise, you could get into trouble. So, you will have to put in some effort as well. For this, you should also subscribe to anti-virus software and a malware remover. And run these tests now and then to ensure that your system is safe from them.
Optimizing the Web
In case you need immediate access to the web but you fail to do so because of slow Internet speed, then you can also opt for those servers that consume fewer data. As you will require less Internet speed for this and will be able to perform the same function as well.
Overloaded Channel
Issues like overloading can also pose problems and slower your Internet speed. And this happens mostly in houses where more people live. Because everyone’s devices get connected to the Internet, one channel finds it hard to bear all the burden. Therefore, you should also keep a check on devices connected to the Internet. However, a connection may not always be the issue. But if every device is streaming in HD or getting used for gaming.
The last resort, if none of the above work, would be to contact your service provider – I keep Cox phone number on speed dial just in case.
