Cable Internet Speed Problems

A slowed Internet connection can be a frustrating issue to deal with. There are many common causes for speed issues that you should use to help you troubleshoot. In most cases, speed issues can be resolved quickly without the help of a professional; however, you may need to call your cable company for help if you cannot resolve the issue yourself.

Package Speed
Many Internet service providers (ISPs) offer different cable Internet packages. While cable speeds may far exceed other forms of Internet like dial-up or DSL, they can still be slow depending on the package you purchase. A package that offers 1 Mbps downloads speeds will have trouble performing basic functions like downloading files and streaming videos. If you are experiencing speed problems, consider upgrading your cable Internet package.

Connection Issues
Cable Internet connections that are frequently disconnecting can cause speed issues. The most basic way to troubleshoot a bad connection is to do a power cycle on your modem. Simply unplug your modem for 30 seconds. Plug the modem back in, allow it to reconnect, and you will most likely have a strong connection again. If this doesn’t work, try doing another power cycle, but reboot your computer while the modem is unplugged.

Viruses and Malware
Many computer viruses and malware target victims by installing software that reduces Internet and computer speeds. These viruses commonly come along with fake alerts that tell the computer owner that special software is needed to improve the computer speed. If you think your cable Internet speed problem is caused by a virus, enlist the help of a computer technician to clean the infection off your computer.

Network Issues
In some cases, speed issues may be caused by your ISPs network malfunctioning. If you notice reduced speeds, call your ISP to report the issue and see if there are any widespread network malfunctions that may be the cause of your problem.