Having a slow Internet connection can be extremely frustrating. It can also be very difficult to figure out why your Internet speed is slow or inconsistent. There are several different factors that can cause or contribute to Internet connection issues. Some of these factors include problems with your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Similarly, a slow computer, faulty router or problems caused by other devices connecting to the Internet. Conducting an internet speed test at a site such as SpeedTest.org is one great way to help figure out where the problems are coming from. Results of SpeedTest.org When you conduct an Internet speed test, you will be given results of both your download and upload speed. To conduct a speed test, just visit SpeedTest.org. Select the start button to test how fast the transfer of data with your connection. The download speed normally is ten times faster than the upload speed. SpeedTest.org results are shown in Mb/s. You can then compare the figures you receive with the connection speeds that your ISP has promised you. Conduct Separate Internet Speed Tests (Routers, Computers, Devices) If the download and upload speed does not fall within the range of speed that your ISP has promised you. Then you possibly need to upgrade the connection speed with the ISP. Similarly, a slow Internet connection you are experiencing possibly caused by your computer not running fast enough. To clarify, if the connection speed is much slower than what your ISP has promised you. You need to do some additional testing in order to determine where problems are coming from. Doing this before contacting your ISP to upgrade your service. Conducting Internet Speed Test Helps Isolate Source of Problem One potential problem could be your router. Most likely you are using a router to allow additional computers or devices to connect to the Internet. Moreover, to determine whether or not your router is causing a problem with your Internet speed. Simply, connect a computer to your DSL or cable modem directly. Then conduct another Internet speed test. Therefore, if the test results still show that your Internet speed is slow. Possibly, the problem most likely lies with your Internet service. Contact your ISP to see about either upgrading your service or having the problem diagnosed and repaired. However, if the Internet connection speed increases when not using the router on the speed test. As a result, the problem is either with the router or your wireless connection. Furthermore, it could be a different computer that is part of your network connecting to the Internet. To determine if it is a wireless issue, re-plug your router into the modem. Then connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cord. Once everything has been connected, conduct another Internet speed test. If the speeds are low, replacing the router might be an option. Or another device could be causing the problem. If the speed results are fast, try adjusting the router's wireless settings. Changing the wireless channel usually resolves the issue. If you don't know how to do this, contact the router manufacturer or consult their website for instructions.

Determine If Another Device is Causing an Issue To determine whether the problem lies with a different device you are using as part of your network . Moreover, if it is your router that is the issue, turn all other devices off. Simply keep a computer connected to the router. Other devices include gaming systems, cell phones and tablets that you connect to the Internet. Then conduct a speed test again. If the speed results are still slow, most likely the problem is the router. However, if the speed increases, one of the other devices you are using could be the issue. It is either causing issues with the network or using all your allotted bandwidth. If this is the case, you will want to turn each device on by itself and conduct another speed test. When the connection speed drops after turning on a particular device. To clarify, you will then know which device is the cause of your problem. Monitoring Your Internet Connection Speed on a Regular Basis Conducting Internet speed tests using a site like SpeedTest.org also can help you with isolating intermittent problems that can assist your Internet service provider with determining where the problem is coming from. You might discover that particular times or specific times of the day provide better connection speed than others. For instance, if you write down the specific times when you are having problems. This can help you and your ISP isolate and determine what is causing slow connection speeds. Read more articles What is bandwidth Understanding a Speed Test