Everybody has experienced a slow Internet connection at one point or another and sometimes it can be an elusive answer as to why the connection is so slow. However, there are several reasons why an Internet connection can be slow. Among these reasons are the computer, the actual connection, the server the computer is trying to connect to and the number of people attempting to use the server.
For those who are not familiar with a lot of computer terms, the connection refers to whether you use dial-up service (example: AOL), DSL (example: Bellsouth or any local phone carrier), or cable (example: Comcast). There is a new connection that is available called Wi-Fi that is a wireless connection, but while it has gained in popularity, it is not used among the majority of Internet users yet. The server is on the other end of your computer and contains the information that the computer is trying to bring back to you. When you want to view a page, your request is sent through your connection to the server. When the request reaches the server, the server sends the information you requested back to your computer and you therefore, view it on your screen. The word modem is often thrown around quite a bit when you begin a discussion of Internet connections. A modem is usually a device in your computer that uses the phone to transmit information for viewing websites. If your modem is too slow, then this can causes problems with your Internet connection. If you find that your modem is slowing you down, there are external modems that can be purchased or a computer store can swap out the slow modem for a faster one. Since a modem requires the use of a phone line, you will also need to make sure your phone line is in good condition. Old lines can pick up stray signals or cross talk. When this happens your request for information must be resent until it can make it from the server to your computer without any interruptions, thus making the Internet connection severely slow sometimes.
Those that subscribe to Wi-Fi may also experience slow connection speeds. Connection speeds can be affected by competing nearby frequencies. The Wi-Fi network works on the same frequencies as a microwave or cordless phone. If someone is using a 2.5 GHz phone near a 2.5GHz connection, the signal could be interrupted or lost. Furthermore, a Wi-Fi’s connection can be affected by how close the computer is to the Wi-Fi router. Moving a computer closer to the Wi-Fi router will help determine if distance is the issue.
Other issues that are within the Internet surfer’s control are add-ons, viruses, and spyware. Add-ons are features that are downloaded to enhance a browser. Sometimes these add-ons can be draining when it comes to connection speed. To troubleshoot this, launch your browser with the add-on feature disabled. If you find that your connection indeed runs faster you will need to permanently disable the add-on. Viruses attach themselves to your computer in an attempt to multiply in different forms. One of the most popular forms is through emails. Be sure to run anti-virus protection all of the time when you are on the Internet. Spyware will also attach its self to your computer but its purpose is to monitor where you are going on the Internet. Sometimes you pick up spyware when you download programs or files from the Internet. Running anti-spyware software regularly will help to curb this problem.
There are external factors that cause an Internet connection to be slow and these factors are out of the users’ control. For example, Internet connections tend to be slower around peak times when a lot of people are using the computer such as after school or work. If you troubleshoot your connection problems within your reason of expertise and still have issues, call your Internet provider. Many times they can help you fix the problem over the phone and in the case of DSL and Cable subscribers a technician will often be dispatched to your house.
