Interactive Guide to Troubleshooting Slow Internet Speeds

Root > Connection

Step 1: Preliminary Checks ⚠

Before diving into specific issues, let's make sure the basics are covered:

  • ✔ Check all cables connected to your modem, router, and other devices are securely attached.
  • 🔄 Restart your modem and/or router if it hasn't been restarted in over 30 days.
  • ✔ Check if other devices on the same network are experiencing the same issue.
  • 📶Make sure your device's Wi-Fi or Ethernet is properly configured and connected.
  • ✔ Place your modem in an open location, away from walls or obstructions. It should be up high on a table or shelf, and not on the floor. This helps ensure a clearer signal without interference. Avoid tucking it away or placing it near devices that can cause interference.

How to Use This Guide: ❓

This guide is designed to help you identify and troubleshoot common internet issues. Here's how you can navigate through:

  • ➔ Move on to Step 2: Issue Identification where you can click on the specific issue you're experiencing.
  • ✔ Each issue will present you with a set of potential solutions.
  • ❗ If one solution doesn't work, try the next one on the list.
  • ✔ If you've resolved your issue, great! If not, you can always navigate back to the list of issues and try another.

Step 2: Issue Identification 🕵️

Click on the issue you're facing to see suggested solutions:


Addressing Low-Speed Test Results 🐌➡️🚀

Discovering that you're not achieving the expected speeds can be frustrating. Let's work step-by-step to understand and potentially improve your speed test results.

Understand Your Initial Speed Test:

Speed tests provide a snapshot of your current speed, influenced by various factors. Record your initial speed test result for comparison later.

Speed Test Result Categories:

  • Great: 70% or higher of provisioned speeds.
  • Fair: Between 40-70% of provisioned speeds.
  • Less Than Ideal: Below 40% of provisioned speeds.

Before you Begin:

  • Test on a wired Ethernet connection if possible.
  • Ensure no other devices are heavily using the network, such as downloading large files or streaming in ultra-high definition (4K).
  • Test on a modern device that supports high speeds.

Device-Specific Check:

Test on another device. If the second device has a Great result, but the original device doesn't:

  • Clear browser or app cache on the affected device.
  • Ensure the device's software is updated.
  • Restart the device.
  • Refer to the Slow Browsing section for more device-specific issues.

Improve and Test Again:

If your speed test result is Fair or Less Than Ideal:

  • Wi-Fi Adjustments: If on Wi-Fi:
    • Connect to the 5GHz network.
    • Adjust modem/router placement for a clear signal.
  • Server Choice: Choose a closer server on the speed test platform and test again.
  • Reboot: Restart your modem/router and test again.
  • Disconnect Specific Devices: Start by disconnecting streaming devices, gaming systems, and computers. If the speed doesn't improve, then disconnect TVs, smart devices, and phones. Test again after each.

Evaluate Your New Result:

  • Great Result: You're done! Your troubleshooting efforts have paid off.
  • Fair or Less Than Ideal: If you've gone through all the steps and are still not satisfied with your speed:
    • Consider potential external factors like service infrastructure issues, external network factors, or hardware limitations.
    • Reach out to TOAST.net for further assistance.

Slow Browsing 🐢


Speed Test:

Before diving deeper into troubleshooting, let's get an idea of your current internet speed. Conduct a speed test using platforms such as speedtest.net or fast.com. This initial snapshot of your speed can be useful for comparison after you've performed troubleshooting steps. If you're unfamiliar with this process, follow our guide on running a speed test.

Remember, the results provide a snapshot of your current speed. If they're lower than expected, it's just one piece of the puzzle. Let's continue troubleshooting to determine the root cause.

Decision Point:

Now, is the slow browsing consistent across multiple websites or specific to just one?


Specific to One Website:

  • The issue might be with that website. Check downdetector.com to see if the site is down or experiencing issues.
  • Try accessing the site from a different device or network to confirm if the issue is site-specific.

Across Multiple Websites:

Which device are you using?


Desktop/PC:

  • Clear browser cache. This helps remove old data that might be slowing down your browser.
  • Test with a different browser. Some browsers might perform better than others.
  • Close unnecessary programs or applications. Programs running in the background, especially those using the internet, can slow down your browsing.
  • If you haven't restarted your computer in a while, consider doing so. A fresh start often resolves many issues.
  • Connection Type:
    • Wi-Fi:
      • Move closer to the router for a stronger connection.
      • If your modem supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, and your device is compatible, consider connecting to the 5GHz network for a faster and less congested experience.
      • Check if other devices on the same Wi-Fi have similar issues. If they do, the issue might be with the network itself.
    • Ethernet:
      • Verify you're using a CAT 5e cable or better for optimal speed.
      • Check the cable for any visible damages or kinks.
      • Try a different port on the router if possible.

Mobile/Tablet:

  • If you have the option to connect to a 5Ghz network on your device, consider doing so for a faster and less congested experience. 
  • Check that you're in an area with a strong Wi-Fi signal. Moving closer to the modem/router can often help. 
  • Clear browser or app cache. This helps remove old data that might be slowing down your browsing.
  • Update the browser or app, if an update is available. Updated versions often contain fixes for known issues.
  • Restart your mobile device, especially if it hasn't been restarted in a while.
  • Check if other devices on the same Wi-Fi have similar issues. If they do, the issue might be with the network itself.

Buffering During Video Streaming 🎬

Buffering can be frustrating, especially during a crucial scene in your favorite show. Let's walk through the steps to resolve it.

Before You Begin:

  • If you're watching on a mobile device, ensure you're in an area with a strong Wi-Fi signal.
  • Consider using a wired connection if your streaming device has an Ethernet port. This often provides a more stable connection than Wi-Fi.
  • Ensure no other devices are heavily using the network, such as downloading large files or streaming in ultra-high definition (4K).
  • Conduct a speed test. If your streaming device has the option, run the test there. Otherwise, run a speed test on another device in the same room to get an idea of the speed available in that location. This gives you a baseline to compare against after troubleshooting. 

Decision Point:

Is the buffering issue occurring on all streaming platforms or just one specific platform (e.g., Netflix, Hulu)?


Specific Platform Solutions:

  • Check downdetector.com to see if the specific platform is experiencing widespread issues.
  • Try streaming the content at a different time. High demand can sometimes cause buffering issues on certain platforms.
  • Clear any app or browser cache related to the streaming service. Cached data can become outdated or corrupted, causing playback issues. Clearing it allows the app to fetch fresh data. If you're unsure about how to clear the cache on your device, simply close and reopen the streaming app. 

General Streaming Solutions:

  • Lower the video quality setting. Streaming in a lower quality can reduce buffering.
  • Restart your streaming device. Sometimes, simply restarting can help. Streaming sticks and other streaming devices can simply be unplugged for a brief period of time. 
  • If you're using Wi-Fi and have the option to connect to the 5Ghz network, consider doing so for a faster and improved streaming experience.
    Note: If a device in your home struggles with speed (and is particularly farther away from the modem/router) and can't be moved closer to the modem, the issue may be range-related. To enhance your home's Wi-Fi range and performance, consider contacting TOAST.net for solutions. Alternatively, explore our guide on Wi-Fi Mesh Systems to learn about products that can help extend and strengthen your Wi-Fi coverage. 


Lagging during Online Gaming 🎮

Before You Begin:

  • Ensure you're connected securely, whether via an Ethernet cable (preferably CAT5e or better) or Wi-Fi. If you're on Wi-Fi, aim to connect to the 5GHz network if your device supports it and is within range.
  • Conduct a speed test. If possible, run it on your gaming device. If not, use another device in the same room. This will provide a baseline for your connection performance.

Decision Point:

Is the lag exclusive to one game or app?


Game or App-Specific Solutions:

  • Check downdetector.com to see if the game's servers are having issues.
  • Ensure the game software is updated.
  • Adjust in-game settings to lower quality for better performance.

Common Solutions for All Devices:

  • Restart your gaming device.
  • Ensure no other devices are performing tasks that use a lot of internet bandwidth, such as downloading large files (gaming or otherwise) or streaming in ultra-high definition (4K).
  • Confirm that your online gaming subscription (like Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus) is active.
  • Be aware of NAT types. A restricted NAT can hinder your online gaming experience. Consider checking your router settings or referring to your game console's guidance on NAT types. 
  • Limit potential external interference. Keep other electronic devices away from your gaming console, especially if connected via Wi-Fi. 
  • Select your gaming device for detailed steps:

PC Gaming:

  • Ensure Hardware Compatibility: Make sure your PC's hardware (CPU, GPU, RAM) meets or exceeds the game's requirements. 
  • Game Settings: Adjust in-game settings; consider lowering the graphics settings or resolution for smoother gameplay.
  • Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure your graphics card drivers are up-to-date. Manufacturers like NVIDIA and AMD frequently release updates that can improve game performance.
  • Background Applications: Close unnecessary applications running in the background, especially those that might be using the internet, such as cloud syncing apps or updates.

Xbox Gaming:

  • Internet Speed Test: To check your connection speed on Xbox: Go to Settings > Network > Network Settings > Test network speed and statistics. Compare the results with your game's recommended internet speeds. 
  • Firmware Update: Regularly check for system updates to ensure optimal performance.
  • Wi-Fi Strength: Check the that signal strength is strong in Settings > Network.
  • Open NAT: Make sure you have an Open NAT for the best multiplayer experience. 
  • Pause Updates & Downloads: Navigate to the 'My games & apps' section and ensure any game updates or downloads are paused. Background updates can hinder game performance and online stability. 

Nintendo Switch Gaming:

  • Internet Speed Test: To check your internet speed on the Switch, go to System Settings > Internet > Test Connection. Note the download and upload speeds, and compare them to your game's requirements.
  • Firmware: Regularly check for system updates. 
  • Handheld Mode (undocked): Move closer to the modem/router for a strong Wi-Fi signal.
  • Docked Mode: Consider using a wired Ethernet connection for best performance.

PlayStation Gaming:

  • Internet Speed Test: To check your connection speed on PlayStation: Go to Settings > Network > Test Network Connection. Verify that the speeds match or exceed the game's requirements. 
  • Wi-Fi Strength: Check that the signal strength is strong in Settings > Network
  • Firmware: Regularly check for system updates. 
  • Manage Downloads & Updates: From the main dashboard, navigate to the Notifications > Downloads. If there are ongoing game downloads or updates, pause them to ensure smoother gameplay. 


Article ID: 630, , Modified: 1/10/2024 at 10:39 AM

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