Top reasons for slow internet and intermittent connection.

Accessing the internet has become a familiar habit for most people in modern times, as it allows us to access and update useful information. Alongside using the internet, users should also regularly check the internet speed at their workplace or residence to monitor their connection status. Many online services are available to effectively check internet speed, such as Speedtest .

However, one fine day you notice your internet speed is slower than before and sometimes you lose signal, causing frustration and affecting your work and entertainment. It's impossible to speed up your internet, but instead of calling the customer service center and waiting for a technician to check and fix the problem , you can read the following article about the top causes of slow internet and slow access to find ways to fix your home network.

Top reasons for slow network and slow internet access.

1. Weather-related problems

Currently, there are two common types of internet connections: fiber optic and copper cable. Because copper cable internet connections are dependent on weather conditions, during rainy or stormy days, internet speeds may be lower than usual, resulting in slower and intermittent connections.

Solution: This is an unavoidable circumstance, so Taimienphi recommends switching to a fiber optic connection for a more stable signal.

2. Conflict between Wi-Fi router and modem

When you use multiple modems, routers, and switches, along with incorrect configuration and IP address conflicts with the modem, it can cause network congestion, resulting in slow speeds or even complete internet connection failure.

Troubleshooting: Identify the device with the conflicting IP address and reconfigure it. Try to remember the IP address and set it to a different range than the modem's address, or disable DHCP.

3. Sharing the network with too many devices.

To save costs, many people often share their internet connection with others via wired connections or Wi-Fi hotspots. However, this is also a major reason why your internet speed can slow down when many people are using it simultaneously or when multiple programs or software are downloading .

Solutions: Limit the number of devices sharing the internet connection, avoid downloading or watching movies during peak hours… or consider upgrading to a higher-tier internet plan.

4. The computer is infected with a virus.

A computer infected with viruses is also a major reason for slow web browsing or internet access. Viruses can use your internet connection for other purposes, consume a lot of system resources, and may even prevent your computer from connecting to the internet. Signs that your computer is infected with a virus include extremely slow startup times or application opening speeds on Windows, and frequent computer freezes.

Solution: Reinstall the operating system and use the best antivirus software currently available  to protect against viruses infecting your computer. Regularly use antivirus software weekly to prevent data breaches that can cause slow network speeds.

5. Underwater fiber optic cable broken.

This term is probably no longer unfamiliar to us, as cable outages have occurred quite frequently and caused a stir on social media.

Solution: You can only sit and wait until the cable outage is completely repaired. However, you can temporarily use your internet connection and subscribe to 3G/4G data packages from your mobile carrier, or refer to the methods for fixing slow internet speeds during AAG undersea cable outages that Taimienphi has previously shared.

6. Modem, switch, or network card devices are faulty.

Modems and switches are devices that you keep plugged in 24/7. Therefore, these devices can sometimes cause slow speeds or prevent you from accessing the internet.

Troubleshooting: Reset these devices and recheck the speed and internet access. Also, try connecting the network cable directly to the modem without going through the switch to check if the switch is faulty. If the network frequently shows a crossed-out symbol and reconnects automatically, try connecting the cable to another computer to test it. If the cable is good, check the network card on that computer for a fault.

7. Errors caused by the service provider.

The final and quite common cause stems from your service provider. When you receive a modem from your provider, it's very likely that it's not a high-quality device and may even be a used one, which can directly affect your usage. Besides that, the quality of the connection is also affected by many external factors such as weather conditions or animals accidentally damaging the cables. When encountering these situations, contact your service provider immediately for advice and solutions.

Above is a summary of common causes of slow network speeds and slow internet access that Taimienphi wants to share with readers. Hopefully, if you encounter any of these situations, you can proactively handle the problem instead of waiting for a network technician to come and fix it. In addition, some users experience network speed issues after updating their operating system to a new version, especially on Windows 10 Anniversary. If you encounter this problem, you can refer to our previous guide on how to fix slow network connection issues after updating to Windows 10 Anniversary. Good luck!