Struggling with internet speed? Here’s our handy 6 step self help guide:
What speeds are you actually achieving? To record this, use an ethernet cable to connect a laptop directly to your router and then go to - speedtest.net - to record the Upload and Download speeds. Make sure to screenshot the results.
Have you recently connected any new devices to your home network for example, a new smart TV, wireless sound system etc. Does anything coincide with the start of the internet issues? Try turning off the new device to see what impact this has on the speeds
Has the router been moved? Or even switched off? Such a simple step but often overlooked.
Are you using a VPN? VPN networks, now commonplace as more of us work from home, create on average a 10-20% reduction in speed and a slight lag when in use.
How old are your devices? Old computers can struggle to load complex websites and may ‘max out’ creating the impression that the internet is slow. To test this, open your computer’s Task Manager whilst running a speed test. If the CPU is hitting 100%, your internet speed issues may actually be a computer problem.
How far away from the router are you? Wireless signals get weaker the further they have to travel. You can expect the speeds to be slower if the signal is having to pass through several thick walls or through floors (as is typical in a lot of the stone built houses in Hope Valley). The basement on the other side of your house might struggle to get a good wireless signal for example. If you are encountering this issue, it may be beneficial for you to look into wifi extenders or hardwiring in a wifi access point.