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What’s worse than no internet? You guessed it…slow internet! If you’re questioning your life choices or wondering why is Spectrum Internet so bad, hang in there. The internet is far from a flawless technology, which is why speed issues are common, regardless of your service provider.
Whether your Spectrum Internet is lagging or getting unbearably slow at night, it can be fixed. There could be a number of reasons behind the sudden drop in speeds, so the first step is to consider all possibilities.
How slow is your Internet? Are you not getting the speeds you paid for, or is it something else?
Try Our Free Speed Test Tool to Find Out
What is Causing Slow Spectrum Internet?
Slow internet can be the result of various issues at your end or the provider’s side. Once you identify the culprit, it gets easier to solve the problem and move on. Here’s a list of frequently occurring causes for sluggish Spectrum Internet:
1. Congested Home Network
When everyone’s home and actively consuming data on their devices, the internet’s bandwidth may reach maximum capacity; this results in slower speeds for everyone. Online activities like multiplayer gaming and 4K streaming on multiple devices could be hogging most of the bandwidth.
2. Poor Wi-Fi Signals
Too much distance from the router may exclude you from the Wi-Fi range. Moreover, signal interference from electronics around the house also affects Wi-Fi strength and quality. Lastly, Wi-Fi signals are often deflected or blocked when the router is surrounded by thick walls and bulky objects.
3. Damaged or Loose Cable
A damaged or loose coaxial or Ethernet cable might be the reason for slowed-down speeds. This usually happens in households with toddlers and pets; the former may have toyed with a cable while you weren’t looking, and the latter could have chewed it up.
4. Pending Updates
Internet equipment (modem + router) and your mobile gadgets regularly receive updates for improved performance and security. When you don’t install these updates, your internet speeds tend to take a toll. Some updates are triggered automatically, but others require manual intervention.
5. High Latency
Latency issues are commonly noticeable in real-time applications, such as online gaming. Players who connect to far-away game servers are likely to encounter lag. High latency can also be caused by network congestion, an incompetent Central Processing Unit (CPU)/low memory, and internet firewalls.
6. Connection Throttling
Slower speeds may be due to throttling by your internet service provider (ISP). This normally happens when there’s an overwhelming amount of user traffic on the network. Peak usage hours typically begin after 6 PM, which is why the internet becomes slow at night.
7. Background Applications
Sometimes, slow internet is limited to a single device, and has nothing to do with the home network or service provider. The device you’re using may have several apps and auto-updates running in the background, which are taking up too many resources.
8. Malware
Viruses and malware use up the computer’s resources and bandwidth, resulting in frustratingly slow internet. They can also corrupt software and installed applications, including internet browsers, which causes the system to hang or run into errors.
9. Outdated Hardware
When was the last time you replaced your modem and router? Outdated internet hardware can slow down speeds due to deficient Wi-Fi capabilities. Similarly, an obsolete computer/PC or an old smartphone may not keep up with advanced internet technology.
10. Inadequate Internet Plan
Internet requirements of a household may change over time. The addition of new family members/housemates or smart home appliances/gadgets can increase the home’s bandwidth needs. An internet plan that was sufficient earlier may no longer be fit for a transformed lifestyle.
How to Fix Slow Spectrum Internet?
Now that you know what could have gone wrong, here’s a list of things you can do to fix slow internet without the involvement of a technician:
1. Unload Your Home Network
Disconnect or disable connected devices that are not in use. Most smart appliances consume data even while they’re inactive; albeit using insignificant amounts of data, a large number of appliances can take up substantial bandwidth collectively.
2. Relocate Wi-Fi Router
Get closer to the Wi-Fi router if possible or reposition it to improve signals. Never keep the router in a confined space, such as inside a cupboard or drawer. Place it in an unobstructed space on a raised spot to maximize coverage and improve speeds.
3. Switch to Ethernet
Wi-Fi may not be the most reliable internet medium to carry out bandwidth-heavy tasks. For instance, if you are video conferencing or gaming in real-time, it’s best to switch to Ethernet. An Ethernet connection is relatively stable and offers faster + consistent speeds.
4. Replace Faulty Equipment
When you discover a damaged or frayed wire, replacing it should immediately improve your internet’s performance. You may have a spare Ethernet cable lying around, and if not, you can easily get one for cheap from a hardware store. In case the main cable connecting to your modem is faulty, you may have to call in a technician.
5. Reboot and Update
One trick that eliminates all internet problems 99 out of 100 times is a simple reboot. Your modem and router have probably been powered on since your Spectrum Internet connection was first set up. Restarting your devices may trigger necessary updates and boost your Wi-Fi speeds.
6. Reschedule Data-Intensive Tasks
Most Spectrum Internet users experience slower speeds during internet rush hour, normally between 7 – 11 PM. This is the time when most users get off work and entertain themselves with various online activities. Data-intensive tasks such as downloading/uploading heavy files should be rescheduled during off-peak hours.
7. Free Up Device Memory
If your device keeps hanging and your apps are lagging, you probably need to free up its memory. You can do this by closing unused apps and disabling those that constantly run in the background. Doing this will redirect all the internet resources to one specific task/activity underway.
8. Advanced Security
Installing a reliable antivirus program on your systems is necessary to keep your home network safe and maintain optimum performance. You can utilize the free anti-virus software included with your Spectrum Internet plan – regularly run scans to remove malware.
9. Invest in Better Hardware
Are you still holding on to a computer or smartphone that is more than a decade old? If yes, it explains why your Spectrum Internet seems too slow all the time. Upgrade your mobile devices every few years to make the best of your internet plan.
10. Upgrade Your Internet Plan
Perhaps it’s time to upgrade from the starter plan to a higher-tier internet plan. Re-evaluate your speed needs and pick a suitable plan accordingly. Higher-tier plans offer better value, i.e., you pay a little bit more for double the speeds.
Fixing Slow Spectrum Internet: The Last Resort
Assuming that the DIY troubleshooting is in vain, you must go ahead and contact Spectrum customer support. They will verify any temporary network issues from their side and provide a timeline for problem resolution. Moreover, a technician shall be sent to your address for repairs or equipment replacement if necessary.
FAQs
Does Spectrum throttle internet?
Spectrum doesn’t throttle your internet based on the data you use. Rather, you can enjoy unlimited data with its Internet plans. But if multiple devices are connected to the network at the same time, you may experience slow internet during peak hours.
How do I know if Spectrum has slowed down my internet connection?
A quick internet speed test is all you need to confirm whether your ISP is delivering the speeds they promised.
Does Spectrum Internet have a data cap?
Spectrum does not impose any data caps on its residential and business internet plans.
