In today’s technology-driven world, internet services are a necessary utility in most homes and businesses — on par with running water and heating. As such, an unstable connection is not only frustrating, but it can also affect your productivity and result in lost revenue. Here are a few common reasons for a subpar connection as well as some troubleshooting solutions.

Possible Internet Service Issues

1. Slow Connection

Among the usual problems with internet services is a slow connection, especially when using Wi-Fi. That’s because Wi-Fi works by transmitting radio waves from a router, which can be easily interrupted. To fix this problem, try relocating the router to the middle of its coverage area while adjusting external antennas to expand your reach. Plug in a laptop directly to the router and check cabled connection speeds on testing sites. If results turn out okay, other causes like too many users and bandwidth-hungry applications might be what’s bogging down your connection.

2. Lack of Bandwidth

Another reason for sluggish Wi-Fi is insufficient bandwidth. For homes that have multiple users and devices, expect internet services to be shared and spread thinly among them. This problem is even greater if users are streaming video or playing games. Troubleshoot the issue by disconnecting unused devices to free up bandwidth and checking who is connected to the network — someone might be leeching off your Wi-Fi. Consider upgrading your internet if existing speeds seem inadequate to handle your needs.   

3. Interference

If you notice that connection drops or slows down at a particular time, you might be experiencing an interference issue. Most people don’t change frequency settings and merely stick to default channels, which get crowded over time. Switch your router’s frequency channel to a less congested one to prevent overlapping with other nearby Wi-Fi networks, something common in urban or highly populated areas.

4. Hardware Issue

Sometimes, the problem lies with your router. A tried and tested solution for glitching hardware is a reset. Switch the devices off and unplug them for a couple of minutes or so, then restore power. If there’s still no internet access, there’s either an outage or your router might be done for good. Call your service provider to confirm, but if the lines are up, you may have to replace your hardware.

If you’re experiencing slow download and upload speeds, consider upgrading your internet services for a faster, more reliable connection. New Hope Telephone Co-Op in Madison County, AL, provides top-notch broadband, cable, and telephone services for homeowners and businesses throughout the area. Certified by NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association as a “Gig-Capable Provider,” they’re proud to offer fiber-based broadband internet service with speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second — nearly 100 times faster than average national speeds. Visit their website to learn about bundling your services, or call (256) 723-4211 to discuss your connectivity needs with a member of the team today.