How to fix slow Wi-Fi

Working from home, everybody’s doing it. But can the internet handle everyone WFH?

You might have noticed your Internet is probably really slowww as millions of people are working (learning, Zooming, Netflixing and FaceTiming) from home during the pandemic. It's safe to say the internet networks are strained right now. Coronavirus quarantining has slowed Internet speeds in some cities including Los Angeles, Houston, New York City, San Diego, and San Jose, according to a report by BroadbandNow. Can you hear me now? How about now?

Here's why

The internet you would have access to at work is very different from the one at home-- it's like apples to oranges. Home networks can, which are broadband plans have a much lower capacity than in the workplace, and usually unreliable and finicky. And on top of that-- when you are on a video conference call, your significant other is downloading a file and the kids are streaming ALL on one single Wi-FI network at the same time, it will be slow! 

Putting the router in the wrong spot or even using too many devices on the same frequency or channel can leave people with the inability to establish a solid connection. Sometimes, rebooting the router or disconnecting the device temporarily solves the problem, but other times it does not.

Suggestions to troubleshoot, fix, or simply survive a slow internet connection:

Check your speeds (and your internet plan): Are you paying for crappy internet? NOW is the best time to find out. Log onto your provider’s web site (or give them a call ..just be sure you’ll be on hold) and find out what plan you have. After type “Internet speed test” into Google and run a speed test. If what you’ve measured is close to what you’re paying for, then your network is working fine and your internet plan just isn’t very fast—the best way to speed it up will be to upgrade.
If your plan is speedy and your connection is not, it’s time to troubleshoot.

Reposition your WIFI router: Don’t hide your router or keep it on the floor. Put your router on an elevated and central location so bandwidth is distributed to your entire house or apartment. If your place is bigger or you cannot move your router you can get a "mesh" network or an extender to boost your signal. 

Another option is to connect some devices directly to the router with Ethernet cables instead of using wifi. Talk about throwback Thursday. 

Internet Modem: Check your internet modem (the device connected to your wall) that your internet provider is charging you for. IF it's old, ask your provider to upgrade the internal software or replace the modem entirely. Pro-tip: your older modem who deliver the full bandwith that you're paying for every month. 

Turn off or limit bandwidth-hogging apps : If your hardware seems to be in working order, see if any other programs are hogging the connection. Check bandwidth-hungry apps like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive that might be moving data in the background, which can eat up your bandwidth and slow down your internet connection.

You should also try installing extensions like AdBlock Plus and Privacy Badger, which will block some of the bandwidth-hogging ads, animations, and videos that can use up your connection.

Updates: Computers often download necessary updates in the background. Depending on your operating system, you configure your PC to schedule updates when you’re not using your computer.

Quick fix

Some family members switch to audio-only to help conserve bandwidth.