Why is my internet connection so slow?
That’s one of the most annoying questions to have to ask today when data transfers can happen in just milliseconds.
When your high speed internet connection flows as slow as cold molasses, you might say, “But I have the highest speed they offer! What is taking so long?”
Many “high speed” subscribers go to the lengths of shelling out more resources than they really should to get the best internet connection, especially those who work from home. Some users will even perform unnecessary, expensive upgrades to their computer for that extra kick.
Believe us when we tell you that spending megabucks on a 5 core processor when you only perform the work of a dual is not the best solution. Instead, try these few simple checks to see what could be holding up the line on your high speed internet communications:
1. Did you test your speed?
Know as much as possible about the cause of your creeping connection. Running a speed test will help you figure out if there are hiccups in your network, which will be the responsibility of your ISP, or if some part of your hardware is on the blip and causing poor communication from your computer to the network. If you are using Bluespan Wireless high speed internet, we guarantee all of the bandwidth you choose on your plan.
2. Is your router a tortoise?
This is one instance where hardware could be an issue. Your router is responsible for the rate data is transferred over the Internet. If your router is older, your rate of data transfer will be limited to only 54 Mbps. If your tabs are loading at a slug’s pace, your router may still be operating with one of the older “b” or “g” series protocols.
Upgrade to a current 802.11n or get the wider bandwidth capability of the latest 802.11ac router to see some difference in your ability to maximize your bandwidth. Bluespan Wireless techs can also consult with you on your router needs.
3. What is your connection type?
Take your pick: DSL, cable, satellite or fiber optics. Fiber optics is considered cream of the crop in internet connection methods, but most people have DSL or cable. Unless they benefit from Bluespan Wireless fiber optic network service, a few people in areas such as Tubac, Nogales and Rio Rico may be stuck with satellite where reliability depends on the weather and solar activity.
Even though cable is a slightly better choice than DSL and more popular, you will be competing with other subscribers for your stake on the bandwidth claim. How inconvenient to have to use the internet at a time when everyone else is counting sheep to avoid sharing bandwidth with them! A fiber optic connection is not influenced by physical distance from your ISP or how many other subscribers are browsing at the same time as you, which usually makes this connection type more expensive and inaccessible to most subscribers.
4. Is your DNS server reliable?
This strategy is popular with more tech-savvy individuals, and it may especially benefit Tubac, Nogales and Rio Rico business owners to be aware of. Think of a Domain Name Server (DNS) like a telephone switchboard operator. We used pick up the phone and ask an operator to connect us to a number, but today we send our requests digitally when we type in a URL such as www.bluespan.com, and press the send key. To complete this transaction, your computer communicates with the DNS server it is set to consult with, which looks through its directory to find the page you requested. Then it sends the information back to you in a form that your computer can read.
Sometimes the DNS server your computer uses can have issues, or go down entirely. If you are frequently finding that your pages aren’t found or that it takes longer than necessary to find your page, it’s probably time to find another DNS server. Google Public DNS provides a list of the most current, secure DNS servers, which you can view at: http://public-dns.tk/nameserver/us.html
If your tech skills are adequate enough to put you up to the task, Google Developers provide directions on how to configure your network settings and change your DNS server. You can view the instructions at: https://developers.google.com/speed/public-dns/docs/using
Resolve to stop settling for less bandwidth than you pay for in 2016! If you want to know more about how Bluespan Wireless high speed service can make your browsing life easier, contact us at: 520.207.0549 or sales@bluespan.com