If you constantly find yourself slowed down by buffering screens, you may need to upgrade your internet plan to include more bandwidth. Regularly testing your internet connection can help you decide what speeds are right for your lifestyle. The best way to know what time of day results in the fastest speeds is to run a speed test at different times. In contrast, your speeds may be faster during early mornings and weekdays when fewer people are online. This time is known as “peak hours” because it’s the most popular time for users to access the internet after school or work. It’s normal for your speeds to be slow during the evening between 7pm and 11pm. Never pay for poor service if you can help it. In some cases, providers will offer discounts, reduced rates, or same-day technician support to resolve your issue. If you find that your speeds are consistently too low, this information can help you when contacting your ISP.

While it’s normal for speeds to perform slightly lower than advertised speeds, you should still be within 100 Mbps of your paid plan. The main reason for running a speed test is keeping your internet provider accountable. To avoid this, try disconnecting devices throughout the house that are not currently being used to conserve your bandwidth and maximize your internet performance.

The more devices that are connected to your network, the greater the run using up all your subscribed bandwidth and overloading your internet equipment. We recommend doing this monthly by setting a reminder on your phone or using an outlet timer to automate the task. Restart your modem and/or router on a regular basis to troubleshoot internet issues and refresh their connections. Router ResetĮlectronics need regular maintenance and rest to function at peak capacity. It’s best to place your router in the center of your home, on the highest level or furniture perch as WiFi signal travels downward better than upward. Routers and modems need space of their own to perform at their peak capacity, so avoid placing them on the floor, near other cords, behind big furniture, or tucked in a corner. The #1 reason for slow internet is equipment location. More often than not, your slow internet connection is likely due to one of these simple issues that are fairly easy to fix on your own.

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