There are few things in life as frustrating as slow internet speed — especially in 2023, when most of us have grown accustomed to smooth, instantaneous connections. If you have slow internet speed at your home or business, there are several potential culprits. Reasons for slow internet speed may include one or more of the following.
Going Beyond Your Bandwidth
If you are using more bandwidth than your internet service provider (ISP) plan allows, that can cause your internet speed to slow down substantially. If your household or business has grown since you first contracted with your ISP, that bottom-tier plan you signed up for years ago may lack the bandwidth you need now that multiple household members or employees are going online at the same time. If you are unsure whether this is the cause for your slow internet, review your ISP plan and consider upgrading — or better yet, consider switching to an ISP that can accommodate your bandwidth needs for a lower price.
What is Bandwidth, and How Does It Affect Speed?
Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time. Think of it like a highway: the wider the highway (more bandwidth), the more cars (data) can travel simultaneously without causing a traffic jam. When you have enough bandwidth, activities like streaming videos, video conferencing, and online gaming can happen smoothly, even if multiple people are online at the same time. However, if your bandwidth is too low for your household or business needs, you might experience slow speeds and buffering. Upgrading your plan or switching to a provider that offers higher bandwidth can significantly improve your internet experience. So, if your internet feels sluggish, it might be time to ensure you have enough bandwidth to support all your online activities comfortably.
Lagging From High Latency
Have you ever struck a key on your keyboard, only to wait several seconds for the command to register on your device screen? Those lagging seconds are called latency. High latency may be caused by several things that are out of your control — everything from your distance to the server, to congestion on your network, to the infrastructure of your ISP. If you are on satellite internet, your ISP could be the reason for your speed issues. Consider switching to an internet service provider in San Angelo that delivers low latency for faster speed.
At VGI Technology, our fixed wireless network ensures that your data transfers across the network rapidly.
Deeper Insight: What is Internet Latency, and What Causes It?
Internet latency is the delay between sending a request and receiving a response over the internet. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms) and can significantly impact your online experience. High latency can be caused by various factors, including the physical distance between your device and the server you’re trying to reach. The further the data has to travel, the longer the delay. Network congestion, where too many users are online at once, can also increase latency, slowing down response times. Additionally, the infrastructure of your Internet Service Provider (ISP) plays a crucial role; outdated or inefficient routing and switching equipment can cause higher latency. For satellite internet users, the long distance signals must travel to and from space can result in noticeable delays. Switching to a provider with advanced infrastructure and local servers can help reduce latency, providing a faster and more responsive internet experience.
Did You Exceed Your Data Cap?
Exceeding your data cap can drastically slow down your internet, as ISPs throttle your connection once you surpass the allotted limit. This throttling reduces your speed, making streaming, gaming, and even simple browsing frustratingly slow. The logic behind data caps is often to manage network congestion and ensure fair usage, but it can feel like a money grab when you’re hit with extra charges for going over your limit.
Ideally, ISPs should charge based on speed rather than data caps. Speed-based plans allow you to use as much data as you need without worrying about hitting a cap. Smaller ISPs are often able to offer these types of plans because they use more modern, efficient technologies and have more flexible infrastructure. They can focus on providing high-speed connections without the overhead and legacy systems that burden larger ISPs.
Large ISPs, on the other hand, often have extensive, older networks that can be more challenging and costly to upgrade. These companies also manage more users, making it harder to offer unlimited data without risking network congestion. Smaller ISPs leverage advancements in technology such as fiber optics and fixed wireless to deliver high speeds without data limits, providing a more customer-friendly approach. By focusing on speed rather than data usage, these ISPs can offer more reliable and faster internet, tailored to the needs of modern users.
If you’re ready for an ISP that can deliver you faster internet service in TX, call VGI Technology today. We offer internet service in Kingsland, internet service in Marble Falls, and all over West Texas.
Can Slow Internet Be Caused By Bad Weather Elsewhere?
Yes, slow internet can be caused by bad weather elsewhere. Even if the weather is clear in your location, storms, heavy rain, or other adverse conditions in different regions can disrupt the network infrastructure your internet service relies on. For instance, a storm damaging a major data center or knocking out power to a key server can cause widespread internet slowdowns. Additionally, bad weather can affect undersea cables and satellite connections, leading to increased latency and reduced speeds. So, weather conditions far from your home can still impact your internet performance.
About VGI Technology
VGI Technology has been providing the highest quality installations and service for Internet access, video surveillance systems, security systems/alarms, access control systems, and home automation since 2002.
Born as a local San Angelo business, we have since grown to service the Concho Valley, Permian Basin and Highland Lakes markets of San Angelo, Wall, Christoval, Eldorado, Sonora, Mertzon, Barnhart, Big Lake, Midland, Odessa, Miles, Rowena, Ballinger, Mereta, Brownwood, Veribest, Grape Creek, Carlsbad, Water Valley, Sterling City, Garden City, Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Burnet and Lake Buchanan. For internet service in Granite Shoals and elsewhere in TX, call today.
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