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Why Is My Internet So Slow?

Posted by Jenny Leiker on May 20, 2015 11:17:15 AM

 

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Have you ever thought about how many things in your home are connected to the Internet? Netflix, video game consoles, tablets, smartphones, laptops, thermostats, the list goes on and on. Did you know that the average home has nearly six devices Internet connected devices?  All these gadgets could be duking it out for your bandwidth, and unfortunately, you might be the loser! To come out on top, you must figure out the right Internet speed for your home. If your speed is too slow, your devices and experience will certainly suffer! Fortunately, figuring out the right speed is easier than ever. Just start by answering yes or no to the following questions:


 1. Do you have more than 3 devices at your home that connect to the Internet?

family using internet devicesYou might be surprised when you count up how many things in your home are connected to the Internet. Smartphones, smart TVs, tablets, laptops, PCs, gaming consoles such as XBOX, Wii or PlayStation, DVD players, they are all connected. If you have more than three devices that connect to your wireless router, these devices could be playing tug of war for Internet connection, making it seem too slow. 
 

2. Do you watch streaming video (Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc)? 

  1. The popularity of streaming video is increasing exponentially. Netflix now accounts for over 35% of kids_smallall Internet traffic and that number is expected to grow. YouTube, Hulu, Roku and other streaming video content also hog your bandwidth. Services like Netflix suggest at least a 5 Mbps download speed to enjoy HD video.  If your family enjoys watching streaming video without buffering, a slow Internet speed will likely not deliver the viewing experience you desire. 
  2. Do you occasionally notice lagging?

    woman_smallThere's nothing worse than trying to download that Facebook video or webpage and seeing the dreaded spinning wheel of death. Let's face it, we're impatient and when we click, we want it now. Waiting for your Internet page to load or picture to upload to Facebook can be more annoying than a fly in the room. If you notice lagging, there is a good chance you need a speed upgrade.
  3. Have you had the same Internet speed package for several years?

    If you signed up for your Internet speed a few years ago, you might be surprised at how much faster most packages are now and how affordable a speed upgrade could be. Many Internet providers have increased basic speeds while decreasing prices. If you aren't sure what speed you have now, you can click here to test your speed or try looking at a recent bill or checking with your Internet provider. Once you know what speed you have, it will help you determine what speed you need to power all your devices.

 


If you have multiple devices at home, stream video, notice lagging or haven't upgraded your speed in a while, it is probably time to consider upgrading to a faster Internet speed. Visit Nex-Tech's comparison page to compare the difference between speeds. 

 

Topics: Tips and Tricks

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