Cable Modem Upload Speed Slower Than Download

How to Fix Your Tiresome Internet

Adept tips to banish tedious internet speeds

January 23, 2022 Share
FAQ, Internet Speed Guides

You tin generally fix a irksome internet connection if the result is on your finish. A simple restart of your modem and your router (or all-in-one wireless gateway) can sometimes speed up your connection. Merely your tiresome speeds may also be the issue of issues on your provider'southward end—problems you but can't fix.

Generally, your modem or router (or both) volition create a speed bottleneck if not working properly—the same goes with wireless gateways. If your equipment is too old, it may not back up important internet protocols. Equipment harm, such equally bad ports or components, tin also cause slowdowns.

There are a few ways to make certain each step of your network is performing at optimal speed. We'll assist you identify and fix your network'south weakest link starting with the basics—we'll get more than in-depth every bit we get deeper into our guide.

Want faster cyberspace speeds straight from the source? Enter your cipher code beneath to run across if a faster program is bachelor in your area.

Why is your internet so tiresome?

There are many reasons why your internet is slow. Possibly your internet provider is having issues, your domicile network needs a reboot, or you're just as well far away from the router—the possibilities can be a bit overwhelming. We'll list the about common problems and how y'all can fix them to become more speed.

Your internet plan is too wearisome
You need better network management
Your provider's network is congested
Yous exceeded your data cap
Yous have weak Wi-Fi signals
You have loftier latency
You have slow or outdated devices
Your provider is throttling your connectedness

Problem: Your internet programme is too slow

If your internet slows down only when too many other people are online simultaneously, you're probably using more information than your program allows. Use our internet speed examination to see if you're getting the speed advertised past your Internet access provider. If your results are close to your plan speed, consider upgrading.

Your internet parcel gives y'all a specific corporeality of bandwidth, and if in that location's more than information trying to movement around than in that location is bandwidth, you meet a traffic jam.

Think of your internet connection similar a road directly to your house. One car's worth of people (or internet data) can accomplish your firm at a fourth dimension. If at that place are three cars trying to go in that location, they have to line up to get to your house. And if more than cars arrive equally the others are waiting to achieve your firm, the line and the delays get longer.

The easiest way to get more bandwidth is by upgrading to a faster internet plan that tin can go along upwardly with your household. We're online now more than always, and the internet plan you lot signed upwardly for a few years ago might non be sufficient today if your connection slows downward every time multiple people use the cyberspace.

Nosotros recommend checking out i of the fastest internet providers in the Us.

Problem: You need ameliorate network direction

If upgrading isn't an pick, you lot need to either deal with the slow speeds or manage your household'southward internet apply. Thankfully, there are severa 50 easy ways of doing the latter that doesn't include yelling at anybody to get off the internet and so you lot can attend a Zoom meeting.

Hither are a few tips on how to manage your home network traffic:

Employ QoS settings

Many routers have a quality of service (or QoS) component that allows you to control how your network prioritizes sure types of data. That way, you tin can make certain your streaming data always gets commencement access to available bandwidth for smooth playback.

Not all routers have adaptable QoS, just if your router does, you'll find the controls in your router's spider web interface.

Pro tip: How to log in to a router

Many of our tips and troubleshooting guides tell you lot to log in to your router'southward spider web interface . It's actually like shooting fish in a barrel if you lot don't know how—just follow our instructions.

Clip your cyberspace connections

There may be some devices connected to your network that you rarely utilize—if at all. For example: you bought a new laptop, simply the quondam i still idles and connects to the network. Even though it's not in utilize, it still uses bandwidth for updates and other groundwork services. Your router may fifty-fifty have a limited number of devices it can connect to simultaneously, and if you have too many connected devices the router may outset kick some of them off the network.

I simple way to take stock of all the devices using your network is to load your router'due south spider web interface and view the network map. You volition see all connected devices, whether they're agile or not, and then you lot tin block the ones you never apply.

Some other method is to change the Wi-Fi password, but that only applies to wireless devices . Once you lot do , you must manually reconnect every device that accesses your wireless network .

Some routers or wireless gateways too have a handy companion app that lets y'all see everything on your network without loading a browser . That way you can identify and remove devices that no longer need access to your network .

Stagger bandwidth-hogging activities

If your connection tin can't handle everyone online at once, stagger your internet activities so everyone gets a chance at an uninterrupted connection.

Also, make sure to schedule big downloads (like reckoner and game updates) during times when other people won't be online.

Put visitors on a guest network

At that place'south zero wrong with sharing your internet with guests when they come to visit , but you lot don't want them to secretly download illegal content while they lounge on your couch . That's where your router's guest network characteristic comes into play .

You lot can create a second guest network using your router'south web interface or mobile app. A guest network allows you lot to limit how much bandwidth guests tin employ, and what services and websites they can access . It as well prevents invitee devices from mingling with your devices, so at that place'south no worry about guests spreading malware to everything you use.

Trouble: Your provider'due south network is congested

Cable internet subscribers may suffer slowdowns during peak times when they and everyone else in the neighborhood are active online at the same time. It'due south a similar situation to traffic on your home network but on a larger scale. In this instance, y'all and all your neighbors compete for the aforementioned bandwidth.

If the congestion gets particularly bad, your internet provider may throttle internet speeds in your expanse to reduce traffic for the network.

Unfortunately, you can't control when or how often people in the same expanse apply the net —we certainly don't advise asking your neighbors to log off so yous can Zoom in peace. But there are a few tricks to circumventing the issue.

Try to schedule game and media downloads during off-pinnacle hours, like in the middle of the nighttime. You could also switch to another provider that doesn't have as many subscribers around yous, though that could exist hard to determine .

The only type of internet that isn't much affected by an surface area's network congestion is fiber cyberspace . Fiber infrastructure is capable of carrying much more information than other internet types, and so having a ton of traffic at the same time doesn't irksome downwards individual customers.

Problem: You exceeded your data cap

Many internet providers accept data caps, and some slow your speeds to a clamber after you hit that cap. You can usually check to see how much data you lot've used on your online account or through your Isp's app. Providers like Xfinity give customers very high data caps—1.2 TB for this instance—and shouldn't cause too many issues for most households. Merely satellite net providers including and are less generous with their data allowances.

Satellite net providers charge for net apply by data rather than past cyberspace speed. It's similar to how cell phone plans commonly work: once you lot use upward your data allowance for the month , your internet connection can tedious to a crawl.

HughesNet customers tin can see speeds drop to ane–iii Mbps. Viasat customers can expect all their cyberspace traffic to be deprioritized, meaning that their data gets pushed to the back of the line of all Viasat customers' information.

Many DSL, cable, and fiber internet companies are discontinuing data limits , merely there are many others that proceed to continue them in place . Look to see if your internet service has a information cap in our guide to ISP data caps .

Problem: You accept weak Wi-Fi signals

Walls, distance, and even microwaves can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Weaker Wi-Fi signals mean slower speeds and frequent disconnects .

You can tell if signal interference and weak Wi-Fi signals are your bug if your connection works well virtually your router but is extremely wearisome in the side by side room .

To gear up weak Wi-Fi, first, check your router's placement. Y ou want to make sure your router is in a central and elevated location and abroad from things that tin impact your Wi-Fi signals (like walls, Bluetooth speakers, etc.).

If that doesn't work, you lot might need to supersede your router with one designed for longer ranges or better coverage—or y'all tin add an extender to your network to stretch Wi-Fi signals into a previously unreachable expanse .

Check out our guide to long-range routers if you lot need better Wi-Fi coverage. It goes over both mesh Wi-Fi systems and standalone routers to help you figure out how all-time to access the net in every inch of your home.

Trouble: You have loftier latency

Latency is the time data takes to make a round trip from your device to the destination and back. A loftier latency creates noticeable lag: an extended duration betwixt your physical deportment and the results displayed on your screen. This tin be particularly frustrating with online gaming or video calls.

High latency is difficult to work effectually. It depends partially on your concrete altitude from net servers, network congestion between you and the servers , and your net provider'south infrastructure. Internet type tin can also play into latency too.

For instance, satellite net has high latency because all your data must travel to space and back, both coming and going to your device. Newer types of internet, including fiber and 5G mmWave , have lower latency considering they can handle faster signals.

If you lot're looking to lower your latency for a better connectedness, check out our study on the fastest ISPs . It dives into which cyberspace services have the best tested speeds and lowest average latency.

Problem: You have tedious or outdated devices

The trouble might not be with your internet connection—it might be with the device you use . Your computer, tablet, phone, or gaming console could be outdated and non capable of processing today'southward Wi-Fi speeds.

For example, the former (but much loved) PlayStation Vita handheld panel supports up to 150 Mbps per 2d because information technology uses a Wi-Fi four radio. That speed can decrease based on the router information technology connects to and the security protocol it uses. The Vita volition never see speeds across that 150 Mbps limit.

If you lot take speed issues on a desktop or laptop, attempt ability cycling the device. This clears the memory of whatsoever junk, refreshes your connectedness, and cleans out unnecessary processes and temporary files. Speed issues tend to happen due to an overworked processor, and a quick power cycle—shutting it downwards completely for xxx seconds—volition "clear its head."

Other things that can tiresome down your devices include the following:

Too many open up applications
Too many open browser tabs
Outdated software
Outdated drivers
The operating system needs to reboot to install updates
Patch downloads
App downloads
Malware

Avoid overwhelming your computer's CPU by closing unused applications and browser windows. Continue your device'due south operating system up to date by allowing auto-updates, and keep your antivirus definitions electric current.

Problem: Your provider is throttling your connection

Internet providers can throttle your speeds, causing a dull connection . Nosotros'll go over throttling briefly hither, but yous can get a more in-depth await at the discipline in our guide to network throttling .

We've already discussed a few circumstances where a provider might throttle your speeds—like if you go over your data cap or if there's too much congestion in the network. But your provider might likewise boring you downwards if it flags your internet activity as potentially illegal or if information technology generally doesn't want you to practise a specific blazon of activeness (like torrenting).

To encounter if your provider is throttling your internet, run a speed test normally so run it again using a VPN. If your speeds improve with the VPN, congratulations! Yous're throttled.

Other factors that affect your speed

Your internet plan'south maximum speed

Internet speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mbps) . This refers to your connection's full bandwidth, non the actual time data uses to make a round trip to a website and back—that's chosen latency.

Providers usually advertise their internet speeds as "up to" a certain number of megabits per second, and at that place's usually some fine print that says those speeds are non guaranteed. Internet providers are mostly in the clear legally if your internet doesn't actually perform up to the highest advertised bandwidth.

Realistically, you may pay for 400 Mbps per month, only you probable won't see that maximum due to hardware problems between your cyberspace provider'south operator—a device that communicates with multiple modems—and your physical net connection. Utility pole connections, your cached cable, and then on all play a major factor in how your connectedness performs. In that location'south nothing you tin can practice to get the maximum bandwidth you pay for each month other than hope for the highest speeds possible.

If yous need a refresher on internet speeds and what they mean, check out our guide to cyberspace speeds .

Your upload and download speeds

You upload and download data every day, whether you're on a smartphone or a laptop. For instance, when you access a website, you upload a request to that website and and then download temporary files from the site to view it in your browser.

If you don't accept problems with streaming on Netflix or downloading files but are still experiencing some symptoms of wearisome net speeds, your event might really exist with your upload speed.

Cable, DSL, and satellite providers give customers way less upload bandwidth than download bandwidth because virtually people request much more information from the internet than they transport. Upload speed is typically an issue for heavy uploaders—like Twitch streamers , people who work with video or audio , or those who ofttimes have to share large files.

The all-time way to meliorate upload speeds is to switch to a fiber programme. Fiber-optic internet connections frequently requite customers upload speeds equal to their download speeds. If you don't know what kind of speeds you really need , check out our recommendations for upload and download speeds .

Your net connexion type

There are a few different technologies net providers utilise to deliver your connection, like cable, fiber, satellite, or DSL. Your internet connection type p lays a huge factor in your overall speeds.

Satellite internet transfers cyberspace signals from a base of operations station to a satellite to a receiver at your home. Because all your information must travel such a long distance both means, satellite internet tin have very high latency compared to other types of internet, which slows things down.

DSL cyberspace uses phone lines to behave data. Because the infrastructure is usually a little older, information technology can't handle the same amount of bandwidth as a newer connection like fiber. DSL cyberspace tops out at just over 100 Mbps, and its electric signals tend to degrade in quality over long distances.

Cable net tin be faster than DSL considering it uses the aforementioned coaxial cables that carry cable TV. Speeds tin can reach upwardly to 1,000 Mbps, only cable is susceptible to network congestion during high-traffic times due to the infrastructure's overall "shared" design.

Fiber-optic net is one of the newest types of internet, and it'southward the best wired connection you lot tin can become. Fiber uses LED or laser pulses to send your internet data, so it has lower latency than other internet types as a whole. It can also carry much more bandwidth than cable or DSL, offering speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. Information technology'south less prone to network congestion and can offer equally loftier download and upload speeds.

Overall, DSL and cable are the most common internet types while fiber is newer simply scarce. Satellite is best for rural areas where the other 3 types tin can't achieve.

How to troubleshoot a slow connexion

First, know your plan speed

You lot need to know how much speed yous pay for each month and compare that number against the speed you're actually getting at present . Wait on your paper bill or log in to your online account to see your plan'south advertised maximum speed.

Side by side, run a speed test and compare

Running a serial of speed tests while connected to unlike points in your network can help you lot figure out where your speeds are slowing down. We'll break the testing procedure down into two sections.

Function ane: Test the modem

Your first speed test is to run across if you lot're getting the correct speeds to your habitation compared with what yous're supposed to get from your internet provider . To get the almost accurate results for your initial speed test, unplug your router from the modem and connect a computer to the same port on the modem using an Ethernet cable. If you have a wireless gateway, just plug it into 1 of the Ethernet ports.

Alert: We don't recommend browsing the internet for extended periods of fourth dimension without using a router. Your router has some first-class built-in security features that protect your network from viruses and malware.

This start examination should give yous results that are shut to the speeds promoted with your plan. If not, endeavour to track this issue over multiple days and times of day to constitute a pattern. Contact your internet provider to talk about why you're not getting the correct speeds if you continue to see lower than expected results .

Run the Speed Examination

Role 2: Test the router

If your modem isn't the issue, the next step is to test the router. Plug the router back into the modem and run multiple speed tests using your wireless devices, and wired devices plugged into the router'south Ethernet ports.

If you run into a vast departure between the modem and router tests, so your router is causing your connexion slowdowns—or the Ethernet cable tethering your router to the modem.

Keep in mind that not all wireless devices experience identical speeds. Their connections depend on the hardware inside no thing what router you lot utilize, and so a budget Samsung phone volition take slower Wi-Fi speeds than an expensive wireless card plugged into your desktop.

To troubleshoot router problems, follow these steps:

Step 1: Unplug the router's power, expect 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.

Pace 2: Make sure all cables are continued securely and that all ports work.

Step three: Update your router'southward firmware. You tin can practice this by logging in to your router's web interface or mobile app . (Your ISP probable does this automatically, but it's worth checking.)

Step 4: Reposition your router .

Stride v: Movement wireless connections to the best Wi-Fi band .

Footstep half-dozen: Change Wi-Fi channels in your router'southward interface to find 1 that'due south less crowded.

Step 7: Endeavor a mill reset by pressing the reset push located on the dorsum of your router.

If none of these steps work, you may demand to upgrade to a newer or more powerful router. Internet tech advances rather quickly, and if your router is more than than a few years onetime, it might be fourth dimension to get yourself something more than modern . If y'all're looking for router-ownership guidance, we take recommendations for the best long-range routers , the best modem and router combos , and the all-time routers for Xfinity .

Bank check for Wi-Fi expressionless zones

Wi-Fi problems can stem from multiple factors . It could be your router's range, a crowded frequency channel or ring, or point interference caused past physical obstructions and other electronics.

You already know that you should place your router at a central and elevated location for the best coverage, so we'll presume that you've already done that and pointed your antennas in the correct direction.

Go to dissimilar areas of your house with a computer or smartphone and watch the Wi-Fi signal force indicator. If you notice a lot of dead zones, you may need to move your router once more (if they happen in areas where you commonly need Wi-Fi) or invest in something to heave your Wi-Fi betoken to that particular area. You can also make a Wi-Fi heatmap if you want to become more than precise with it.

If yous have more than a couple of issues with Wi-Fi dead zones, we recommend upgrading to a mesh networking kit . They commonly ship with at least 2 nodes—one that connects to your modem and another that communicates straight with the start unit—to create a "blanket" of coverage. There's no centralized betoken, and you tin can easily add more than nodes to extend coverage. Moreover, devices seamlessly switch betwixt nodes as yous move about the home or office.

If you lot prefer to stick with the traditional router, you could add a Wi-Fi extender or powerline adapter , Yet, we still prefer mesh router kits versus the router/extender setup .

Reorganize your Wi-Fi connections

If yous've already pruned your Wi-Fi connections of unnecessary devices , it's time to make sure all active connections are on the correct Wi-Fi ring.

Most modern routers offering two Wi-Fi bands, which each create their own visible Wi-Fi network. By default, these are usually labeled with their frequency bands, but it might exist different if you've changed your Wi-Fi network'southward proper name.

These bands operate on two unlike frequencies: ii.4 GHz and v GHz. The 2.4 GHz frequency band has a amend range, simply it'due south slower and more susceptible to point interference from other electronics. The v GHz band is faster merely can't travel every bit far.

Basically, yous want to use the 5 GHz band for most bandwidth-heavy applications similar streaming or gaming. Devices that don't need that much speed—like smart home devices— should use the two.4 GHz ring instead .

Typically, yous can alter the Wi-Fi ring each device uses past logging in to the correct Wi-Fi network on each device. However, some routers broadcast simply 1 network name and automatically selects the best frequency band for your device. This can be problematic if you really need the faster 5 GHz connection, but the router forces your device to employ the 2.four GHz ring.

Change your Wi-Fi band's channel

Both the 2.iv GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands used by your router dissever into multiple channels, similar to how analog and digital TV works over the air. Like whatever network dealing with lots of data, these Wi-Fi channels can get too crowded, which can cause slowdowns. This is especially true for compacted living situations like apartment buildings.

To find the best channel, you can use an app like NetSpot for Windows or use the Network Diagnostics function on a Mac. Changing your Wi-Fi aqueduct involves logging in to your router's web interface and manually selecting the platonic aqueduct.

Check continued devices

As nosotros mentioned before, sometimes the issue isn't with your net connection— it's with the smartphone, computer, or tablet you lot're using to access the internet . It may demand a reboot, it may be outdated, or you have also many apps and programs open, bogging down the device's processor.

Manage your network

If you've made it this far and you're all the same experiencing problems with slow internet speeds, run through the tips in the domicile network traffic department of this post if yous haven't already.

Your speed bug well-nigh likely stem from your cyberspace provider's reliability or the traffic on your own home network. Fifty-fifty if you've organized and trimmed down your number of continued devices, you could nevertheless non have plenty bandwidth at certain times of day to cover everything your network has to handle. The just solution to this is to either employ the internet less or get a faster internet program.

Bank check out every provider and plan in your area to see if you can get better speeds for a improve bargain.

Quick fixes for wearisome internet speeds (and why they work)

Before we dive in, have an internet speed test. Measuring your internet speed and knowing how it compares to the speeds you pay for is an important function of diagnosing a tiresome connection.

Run the Speed Test

Gear up #1: Ability bicycle your modem and router (or wireless gateway)

Your modem and router work difficult , and sometimes they need to refresh with a quick power bike. Simply pull the plug on both units, wait 30 seconds, and then plug the modem back into the wall outlet. Once it properly boots, do the aforementioned with the router.

In the example of a wireless gateway, pull the plug, wait, and plug it back in.

Draining both units of power allows them to articulate the system memory, articulate upwardly whatsoever local communication issues, and reestablish fresh connections. Moreover, a power cycle allows the modem to resync with your internet provider's operator—a device that communicates with multiple modems. It also refreshes your router's public IP address.

Overall, a power cycle can really give your cyberspace speeds a boost on your side of the modem.

Fix #2: Motion your router to another location

Many people hide their routers or wireless gateways in closets, behind piece of furniture , or down in basement due south . Don't be one of those people unless you want excessively bad Wi-Fi.

Instead , put as few physical barriers between your router and your devices as possible. Walls, floors, ceilings , doors, large furniture, and like obstructions can battlement your Wi-Fi signals and reduce connection speeds , especially over longer distances.

Sure signals from other devices can too interfere with your wireless speeds. These include microwaves, Bluetooth speakers, baby monitors, and cordless phones.

For the best Wi-Fi coverage, identify your router in a central, elevated location, or at a location where yous employ Wi-Fi the nigh, like in a home part .

Be sure to apply your router's external antennas ( if nowadays ) to get better Wi-Fi coverage. Nigh router antennas broadcast Wi-Fi signals in an outward circle perpendicular to the antenna'due south position . For case, if the antennas are positioned vertically, the Wi-Fi signals broadcast horizontally in all directions.

That said, if you lot alive in a one-story business firm, keep the antennas vertical. If you live in a multistory house, positional at least ane antenna horizontally so the Wi-Fi signals reach the additional floors.

Fix #3: Use the internet during off-peak hours

If y'all know there's a big download in your future— the latest version of macOS or a 100 GB update for an Xbox Serial 10 game—you might want to schedule a time when you don't demand to exercise anything else online. The early morning hours are platonic when everyone is asleep and no other downloads currently hog your bandwidth.

Operating systems tend to wait until the early morning hours when you're fast comatose. Game updates, meanwhile, typically crave you to manually beginning the download. Other updates aren't quite so all-around with your schedule.

If your net gets too slow to stream during certain meridian hours, download the content before in the day (or again, in the middle of the night) so you'll be gear up to binge watch all of Avatar: The Terminal Airbender without buffering -related interruptions.

Fix #iv: Upgrade your internet plan

You may need a faster programme if more people alive with you now, if you transitioned to working from home, or if y'all generally utilize the cyberspace more than you did before. Enter your nothing code below to detect a speedier plan that's available in your area .

Author - Rebecca Lee Armstrong

Rebecca Lee Armstrong has more than than six years of experience writing about tech and the internet, with a specialty in hands-on testing. She started writing tech production and service reviews while finishing her BFA in creative writing at the University of Evansville and has institute her niche writing about abode networking, routers, and net access at HighSpeedInternet.com. Her piece of work has likewise been featured on Summit Ten Reviews, MacSources, Windows Fundamental, Android Key, All-time Company, TechnoFAQ, and iMore.

Editor - Cara Haynes

Cara Haynes has been editing and writing in the digital infinite for vii years, and she's edited all things net for HighSpeedInternet.com for 5 years. She graduated with a BA in English language and a minor in editing from Brigham Young University. When she's non editing, she makes tech attainable through her freelance writing for brands like Pluralsight. She believes no ane should experience lost in internet country and that a skillful net connection significantly extends your life span.

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Source: https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/why-is-my-internet-so-slow