11 Ways to Fix Inconsistent Internet Speed

Having reliable and powerful internet speed is required to do virtually any activity on the internet. Whether you’re working from home, online schooling, or just streaming movies, a consistent and fast internet connection is a must. Having inconsistent internet speeds can result in video buffering, programs failing to load and many other inconveniences. In this post, we’ll cover why you’re internet speeds are inconsistent along with possible fixes.

Why is your internet inconsistent?

Inconsistent internet issue arises when the user experiences high fluctuations in the wifi connection on their devices. There can be a variety of reasons why the internet connection is inconsistent and using information security services will help you protect your business. Some of the common reasons why this occurs include:

Poor wireless reception
Cabling issues
Electrical interference
Poor Wifi range
Network issues with your internet provider
A VPN from IdentityForce or another provider slowing slowing down your connection
A large program being downloaded on your device

11 Fixes For Consistent Internet Speed

Below are possible fixes that you can quickly try out to stabilize your internet’s speed.

Check For Fault In Your Network Infrastructure

Network infrastructure comprises the network cable running from the ISP to the router in your house, the router, other cables, repeaters (if any), and the device consuming the internet. Cables outdoors are vulnerable to damage from birds, harsh weather conditions, etc. Visually check for any damage to the cable and call the ISP if the cable is damaged.

Furthermore, check for any broken ethernet or LAN cables and ensure that your computer or mobile device doesn’t have a damaged LAN card. Finally, ensure the router’s efficiency by replacing it with another router to see if the problem persists.

Avoid Several Simultaneous Connections On The Same Network

Overloading your network with several devices at once will be troublesome. Even if your router has several ethernet ports, consider not using too many devices at once, or else the router will start malfunctioning. The number of devices on your network must be proportionate to your internet plan. For instance, if your internet plan supports 100MB/s upload and download speeds, consider limiting your devices, which won’t consume more than leased bandwidth.

Consider Switching To A Different ISP

Some ISPs are found serving inconsistent internet services. While inconsistency from the ISP’s end is temporary and short-lived, some ISPs simply fail to offer consistent internet speed due to a lack of modern infrastructure or something else. If you believe you are part of a poor ISP and experiencing inconsistent internet speed, switch to a more reliable one.

Go For A Higher Internet Plan

If you can’t limit too many devices on your network, always subscribe to a better internet plan offered by your ISP with improved bandwidth to support all the devices simultaneously. If limiting the number of devices on your network resolved the issue, go for a better plan to secure consistent internet speed on the increased number of devices.

Let The Router Congestion Settle Down

Constant use and/or heavy use of the internet will cause congestion in the router, forcing it to limit the number of packets sent and received between the devices and the ISP. Since all the packets exchanged between the ISP and the devices at your home are passed through the router, consistently heavy internet use for a long time will create congestion. Arrest router congestion by disconnecting the power supply for a few hours. For instance, let your router rest overnight as your devices stay disconnected from the router.

Congestion usually occurs when the users keep downloading heavy files such as movies, videos, games, etc., from the internet. Torrent networks are also the reason behind router congestion since torrent networks can keep your device connected to several devices across the web, causing a heavy exchange of packets. An aging router becomes less reliable, being the victim of congestion more frequently than a fresh piece.

Hard Reset Your Router

As opposed to keeping the router switched off for a few hours, you can always hard reset it to erase garbage values and cached data in your router. Hard reset your router by keeping the reset button pressed for a few seconds until the light goes off and/or starts blinking. It barely takes 5 minutes for the router to hard reset. However, you’ll have to reassign SSIDs and their passwords through the router’s local IP address.

Hard reset is a highly successful resolution for a majority of router-related issues. The only disadvantage is that a less tech-savvy user might face issues resetting SSIDs and their passwords. Moreover, never hard reset your router if you don’t have access to its IP address to gain administrative access to its settings.

Place Your Router At A Correct Spot

An incorrect spot for your router will cause the Wi-Fi signals to weaken. Worst router placement spots include corners where the router would be surrounded by the walls, at any place with a lot of stuff, such as in the cabinet, wardrobe, near the microwave oven or items that release microwaves, near the FM radio, in the closed or congested surroundings, etc. You can always hang the router on a wall, so it has a clear surrounding to disperse Wi-Fi signals. Place it at the center of the house if possible to let the Wi-Fi signals spread all over the house.

Ensure there are no intruders

Intruders are unexpected and uninvited users who hack into your network to gain unauthorized access to your internet connection to enjoy free internet. Some common intruders include neighbors who got through cracking your SSID password. To ensure no intruders, go to the router’s settings and check for the MAC addresses. Use the MAC filter to allow only the MAC addresses of your devices, keeping the intruders filtered.

Reduce Apps Creating Network Traffic

Check for apps with the highest internet usage. Some common programs eating up most of the bandwidth include VPNs running in the background, internet security apps, etc. Force shut down unnecessary apps and update your operating system manually to discourage heavy internet usage at critical times.

Install A Repeater

If your building has too many obstacles, a large carpet area, or too many floors with only one router, always install a repeater to amplify your Wi-Fi signals. Never install too many repeaters at close ranges, or their signals will clash and get destroyed. Each repeater has a prescribed range of, say, 50 feet. Consider installing a repeater in your home office, living room, bedroom, or as you see fit.

Give Your Devices A Break

Try shutting down your internet-consuming devices for some time to give them a rest. Excess usage for a long time causes cache build-up, untreated garbage values, and too many processes can slow down your internet usage efficiency and cause inconsistency in your internet speed.