Why is my internet connection slow?

1. Close everything, including all video/music streaming services, messaging sites and browser windows. Also turn off or unplug other web-connected devices like printers, DVRs, tablets, gaming systems, and TV streaming boxes. Shutting down anything that accesses the web before you run a speed test will ensure you get the most accurate results.

2. If possible, connect your computer directly to your modem through the Ethernet port. Also remove any hubs, switches or routers between your computer and the modem. If an Ethernet connection isn't an option, you can test over a wireless (WiFi) connection, but the results may be affected.

3. Once you've completed steps 1 and 2, go ahead and run the speed test. We recommend running the test a few times to get a more accurate picture of your internet speed.

It sounds simple, but this is a common mistake, and it's easy to fix. Take a minute to look at the cable that connects your modem to the wall jack. Make sure there's no filter plugged in, or that the modem cable goes into the "DSL" plug of a splitter.

However, if you have phone service on the same line as your high speed internet, make sure all of your phones DO have filters.

Check the green cable and the yellow Ethernet cable for damage. Check both ends of the cables to see that they are firmly plugged in.

A device is anything that is connected to your network. Some examples of common devices include:

• Computers or laptops 
• Smartphones or tablets
• Gaming systems (X-Box, Playstation) 
• Web-enabled cameras or Smarthome systems 
• DVRs, TVs,  and video streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV or Chromecast
• Routers, VoIP phones, wireless printers

Here are some things to think about when it comes to your devices.

1. Devices often run updates in the background. This can slow things down for your whole home network.

• When checking your internet speed, power off or disconnect all devices from your network to minimize the impact.

2. Is your computer bogged down by too many programs?

• Try shutting down open programs that you're not using. This can free up memory and space on your computer. 
• If you have a several browser windows or tabs running at one time, also try closing some of them. This can cause lags or other problems when browsing the internet.

3. Your browser plays a big part on your internet experience. Make sure yours is updated and running smoothly.

• Keep it up to date: Make sure your browser and web plug-ins (like Java, Adobe Flash and Silverlight) are updated. You can use a third-party website to do a browser check.
• Clear cache, cookies, and history, which can slow your browser down. To see how to do this, select your browser from the dropdown below and follow the instructions for 'Clearing cache, cookies and history.'
• Restore browsers settings to defaults. If clearing cache doesn't help, you might try resetting your browser. To see how to do this, select your browser from the dropdown below and follow the instructions for 'Restoring browser settings to default.'
• Consider trying a different browser. Some browsers are just better at certain things than others. Try a different browser and see if your problem is improved.

4.  Make sure your devices are healthy.

• Scan your computer for malware using security software that is current and up to date. Malware can cause problems with your browser and/or Internet connection, making it more difficult to view video.
• Keep your PC healthy with diagnostic and security scans. If issues are found, PC Health Check will offer for resolution options (charges may apply).
• Virus, spyware and malware removal - Remove viruses, spyware, adware, trojans, and worms from your PC (charges apply).
  

1. Sometimes your modem gets bogged down after running for a while. The easiest and quickest fix to many connectivity problems is to reboot your modem. 

2. Next, check to see if you need to update your modem's firmware. This is key to making sure it's running optimally.

3. Still having problems? You can try resetting your modem to the factory default status. If you have custom settings in the modem that you want to keep, you can back up your modem settings first (in newer models).

Content providers like YouTube, Netflix and Hulu send a lot of video content out into the world. And this requires a huge amount of bandwidth. If the video streaming provider is getting more demand than their bandwidth can handle, your video will buffer — meaning it will lag for a moment while it loads. 

Customers with Fiber Gigabit or other services with 940 Mbps have special equipment requirements. With a connection that fast, you need to make sure your equipment can keep up.

Faulty wiring inside your home or business can damage your internet experience. You can figure out if the problem is inside by testing your internet service at the Network Interface Device (NID).