Why am I not getting my full internet speed?

internet speed

It would be an understatement to say that the internet is an essential part of our lives. So, understandably, it is frustrating when our internet speeds seem slower than usual. Internet providers can’t always guarantee you are receiving the maximum speed of your plan.  Bandwidth speeds vary based on a large variety of circumstances. Your location, network equipment, and even your neighbor’s bandwidth usage can affect your internet speed. Let’s take a more in-depth look at what may be directly influencing your internet speed.

Hardware Issues

As your internet demands increase, you need the right equipment that can keep up with the higher internet speeds. Old and outdated routers may not be able to handle the bandwidth pushing through it. This bottleneck could lead to you experiencing slow internet speeds.

Number of Connected Devices

In this era of smart homes, competition for bandwidth is fierce.  Your television, tablet, smartphone, security system, doorbell, thermostat, and refrigerator could all be using background data which is tying up your bandwidth. The health and age of those connected devices also plays a factor. Older devices use considerably more bandwidth compared to the current generation of technology.

Congestion

You can buy a Ferrari capable of going 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, but if you’re driving it around town, you’re still susceptible to the slow-down of traffic. The same is true of your internet connection.  During peak hours like after school or when the workday ends, everybody jumps online to watch Netflix, play online games, and surf the web. This sudden surge of data causes congestion in the service providers network leading to a temporary slow-down as all the data is processed.

WiFi Internet Speed

WiFi Signals

If your wireless devices feel slow, your WiFi signal is the usual culprit. The best way to avoid any slow-down is to plug directly into your router, but we know that is not always an option. There are ways to boost your WiFi signal. If you have a large home, you may consider adding, WiFi repeaters in those far-reaching rooms which will help carry the signal throughout the house. If you can, try moving your router to different areas of the home. You want to avoid putting it next to any metal objects. You also want to avoid anything that gives off competing for wireless signals like baby monitors.

How does CTC ensure you are getting all your bandwidth?

CTC believes in serving our customers better than the giant telecom companies, so want to make sure you receive the speeds you’re paying for. To ensure the maximum flow of bandwidth to your home, CTC does a couple of things. First, we don’t do any bandwidth capping, and we don’t charge for data used. We also respect Net Neutrality. Honoring this means we do not traffic shape or fast lane websites, ensuring that none of your web traffic is purposely slowed down. 

If your WiFi connected devices are sluggish or are hogging all your bandwidth, give us a call and ask about our upcoming Managed WiFi service. With Managed WiFi, CTC will check for possible signal interference, provide recommendations, and place additional equipment to provide you with an optimal WiFi network and continuous support. We will ensure all your WiFi connected devices are getting the speeds they need for the best online experience.