How to Fix a Slow Internet Connection

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

2. Power cycle

If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with. To do so, simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again.

3. Power Cycle Home Network

1. Remove the power cable from both your modem and router.
   

1. Verify all lights are off on the modem and router.
2. After 30 seconds, plug in your modem and then your router.
3. It may take a few minutes for the internet to reconnect.

4. Reduce Network Usage

A busy network can affect connectivity. If other people or unattended devices on your network are streaming video or audio, downloading content, heavily using the internet while you are trying to use it at the same time, your device may have trouble establishing a connection, maintaining a stable connection or may just have slow network performance.

To reduce network usage you may want to turn off or disconnect from the network any devices that may be heavily using up the network.

5. Check Other Devices

Check if other devices on the same network are having the same connectivity issue. This applies to situations when:

• You are unable to connect to a Wi-Fi network:
• Try connecting to the same Wi-Fi network with other devices.
• You have no internet access or you have slow or intermittent connectivity:
• Try loading webpages, watching online videos, listening to online music or playing an online game with other devices connected to the same network, preferably through an Ethernet connection.

6. What's next?

7. Connection Type

Devices can be connected to a network in two ways:

Wired

Wired, using an Ethernet cable.

Wireless

Wirelessly, using Wi-Fi.

8. Check Ethernet

9. What's next?

10. Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.

• In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
• From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
• Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.

The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.

11. Reduce Wireless Interference

Wireless signal interference can cause performance issues such as slow or intermittent connections and even complete disconnects. This interference involves the presence of:

• Electromagnetic fields created by other electronic devices such as: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capable devices, cordless phones, baby monitors, remote controlled toys, microwave ovens, seasonal lighting, garage door openers.
• Structural materials in walls, floors, furnishings or other large objects.

To reduce wireless signal interference, look for any of the above devices, turn them off temporarily and check if the issue persists. If it does, then:

• Consider moving the affected device or any of the other devices further from the affected device.
• Alternately, if possible, you can select different wireless channels in the devices' configuration. Consult the devices' manufacturers documentation for details on how to make those changes.

The potential of structural materials to absorb wireless signal and cause signal loss or undesired behavior is as follows:

Interference PotentialType of MaterialLowSynthetic material, wood, glassMediumBrick, marble, waterHighConcrete, plasterVery HighMetal

12. Connect Device to Network - Wired

1. Acquire an Ethernet cable.
2. Take one end of the cable and plug it into your router/modem's Ethernet port.
3. Plug the other end of the cable into your device's Ethernet port.

Ethernet Cable

Ethernet Port

13. What's next?

14. Relocate Router Check

Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.

Good Placement

Bad Placement

15. Relocate Device

Your device may need to be relocated in closer proximity of the router to get a stronger wireless signal.

16. Range Extender

If wireless signal is not reaching your device, and relocating your router or the device itself to be in closer proximity is not possible or doesn't resolve the issue, a great way to boost wireless signal without replacing existing equipment is to acquire and install a range extender. Range extenders work with your existing wireless router as a type of wireless repeater used to expand the reach of wireless signal in your home.

17. Connect Device to Network - Wired

1. Acquire an Ethernet cable.
2. Take one end of the cable and plug it into your router/modem's Ethernet port.
3. Plug the other end of the cable into your device's Ethernet port.

Ethernet Cable

Ethernet Port

18. What's next?