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Slow Internet Speeds
When slow internet speeds are reported to us, usually the problem is one of
the following:
- Router Issues
- Wireless Congestion/Interference
- Viruses/Malware
The page below discusses each of these problems and offers suggestions for
resolving them. If these suggestions don't work please call us at 801-798-2877
so we can assist you further.
What can cause slow Internet speeds?
Although it certainly could be an issue with the service we deliver to your
house our experience tells us slow speeds are most frequently caused by issues
with customers computers or routers.
Computer viruses and malware are the most common causes of a wired computers
poor Internet performance while wireless device issues are most commonly caused
by wireless congestion and older wifi routers that dont support the new
enhanced wireless standards.
If you are experiencing poor Internet performance on a wired computer we
recommend running a virus and malware check with current virus/malware database
files. If no viruses or malware are found try bypassing your home router by
plugging your computer directly into the SFCN provided cable modem and run a
speed test at
speedtest.net.
If your performance increases when plugged directly into the cable modem
then your performance problems are caused by your router. If your router is
over 5 years old you may want to consider replacing it. Whether you use a
wireless or wired router they dont last forever and older routers have a hard
time keeping up with SFCN's Internet speeds. The router that was sufficient for
the Starter tier may not be able to handle the greatly increased speeds of the
PLUS or Premium tiers.
One thing you can try even with an older router is disabling its QOS
feature. Routers often have QOS enable as default but the microprocessor in
many home routers cant handle the bandwidth the SFCN network is capable of
providing. QOS is used to give higher priority to certain types of data
traffic on the network and isnt beneficial in most cases.
Disabling the QOS can help with both wired and wireless networks. The
method to disable QOS varies with each router but instructions can almost
always be found on the Internet.
Another option to try with any router is a firmware update. Even routers
that are purchased brand new can have an outdated version of firmware from
when they were built at the factory. Firmware updates are provided by the
wireless router manufacturer and can often solve wireless performance issues.
As with QOS settings, the method to find and update the firmware version of
your router varies by manufacturer but can found on the internet.
If you have run a virus/malware check and bypassed your router and still
have slow speeds please give SFCN a call at 801-798-2877 so we can check your
connection to our network. The call is always free and we have several tools
that we can apply to get to the bottom of the performance issue.
Make sure you arent overrunning the Internet tier that you selected. The
starter tier of Internet service cant sustain a video stream well and should
only be used for occasional streaming needs. If you are using any of the video
streaming services please consider upgrading to the PLUS level of service. The
PLUS and Premium tiers use advanced congestion mitigation features and are able
to deliver quality video streaming.
Wireless networks add to the above list of possible causes of slow Internet
performance. We have found that wireless bandwidth congestion is the most
common cause of slowdowns. The easiest way to tell if you likely have wireless
congestion is note how many other wireless routers you can see from your house.
Even though you dont connect to the other wireless routers you are sharing the
same airwave bandwidth with them.
You should be aware of how many wireless devices you have in your home and
if they are streaming video (Youtube, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, TVEverywhere, etc). Video
streaming is a bandwidth hog and may require a faster wireless standard to
effectively stream video.
There have been many advances in wireless technology over the last few years
and the following list provides the MINIMUM standard required for your Internet
tier:
Wireless router required standards
Minimum of at least 802.11g for Starter tier
Minimum of at least 802.11n for PLUS tier
Minimum of at least 802.11ac for Premium tier
*NOTE If you have wireless congestion in
your area you may need to step up to the next level of wireless router
standard.
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