Why Is My Internet Slow and How Do I Fix It?

Why Is My Internet Slow and How Do I Fix It?

If you’ve ever been stuck watching a video buffer endlessly or just can't seem to load a page quickly enough, you know the frustration that comes with a slow internet connection. Whether you're trying to stream your favourite shows or get some work done, a slow internet connection can really put a damper on things. So, why is your internet slow, particularly here in Australia? And more importantly, how do you increase your internet speed?

Why Is Australian Internet So Bad?

Many people speculate that Australian internet struggles compared to other countries for geographical reasons. Our widely spread-out population makes infrastructure rollout particularly challenging and expensive. Australia's location also means we're physically distant from major global internet hubs, potentially contributing to some latency issues. 

While recent investments and technologies like 5G have improved the situation, some Australians continue to experience slower speeds, particularly in areas serviced by fixed wireless and satellite connections.

Why Is My Internet So Laggy?

If you live in a capital city and still have lag, it could be for a few different reasons. It could have to do with how you use the internet, or the actual modem and internet plan you’re on. 

But don’t worry, we’ve got some ideas to help you troubleshoot the causes of your slow internet.

Too Many Devices Connected to Your Network 

If you’ve noticed a sudden shift in your internet speed it could be because you’ve introduced a few new smart devices into your home. Think about it, you’ve got smartphones, laptops, smart TVs and maybe even more connected! These devices use up bandwidth which can slow things down.

How to Boost Download and Upload Speed:

  • Disconnect Devices: Start by disconnecting any devices that aren’t in use.
  • Limit High-Usage Devices: Make sure devices streaming video or gaming are limited during peak usage times.
  • Use a Router with Quality of Service (QoS): This will allow you to prioritise bandwidth for devices that need it most. 

Wi-Fi Interference Inside and Outside the Home

Wi-Fi interference can come from many sources like walls, microwaves, baby monitors, cordless phones and even other routers in the area. These disruptions can impact your signal strength and cause slow speeds.

How to Boost Download and Upload Speed:

  • Change Wi-Fi Channel: Routers typically have multiple channels so by choosing a less crowded one you can help avoid interference.
  • Use 5GHz Wi-Fi: If your router supports it, we recommend switching to a 5GHz network instead of the standard 2.4GHz. This is going to help reduce interference and also boost speeds. If you’re unsure how to do this, get in contact with your ISP.
  • Move Your Router: The closer you are to the router, the stronger the signal. If you need a temporary solution, try moving the router to a more central location in your home or closer to the device you need to use.

Outdated Router or Modem

How long have you had your current Wi-Fi set up? It might be time for an upgrade, especially if you have more devices connected to the internet now as opposed to when you bought your router or modem. 

How to Fix:

  • Upgrade Your Modem or Router: If your modem or router is more than a few years old, upgrading to a newer model with faster speeds and better range could make all the difference. You can read our post about modems and routers if you want to learn more. 
  • Check for Firmware Updates: Make sure your device’s firmware is up-to-date too! This will ensure you’re getting the best performance.

Poor Internet Service from Your ISP

Your ISP could be the bottleneck of your internet slowness. If your connection is slow despite troubleshooting at your end, the issue could lie with your provider. 

How to Boost Download and Upload Speed:

  • Run a Speed Test: Use an online speed test tool to check your actual internet speed. If it’s much lower than what you're paying for, contact your ISP.
  • Upgrade Your Plan: If you consistently find that you need faster speeds for your needs, it may be time to upgrade your internet plan to something with higher speeds.

Not Connected to the NBN

Many Australians have now switched over to the National Broadband Network (NBN) which is a government-led initiative designed to provide high-speed internet access across the country. if you’re not connected to the NBN, it could be one of the reasons you’re experiencing slow internet. 

How to Boost Download and Upload Speed:

  • Visit the NBN Co Website: Enter your address to determine if NBN services are available at your location
  • Sign Up: Contact your chosen ISP to subscribe to your selected NBN plan. The ISP will guide you through the process and inform you of any necessary equipment or installation requirements.

For more detailed information, refer to the Australian Government's guide on connecting to the NBN.

How To Increase Internet Speed

If you don’t want to sacrifice how you use your devices on a daily basis, you may have to look into some devices designed to boost your download speeds for a more permanent solution. 

But if you have decided a router or modem upgrade is what you need, check out our Router and Modem Finder Tool! If not, here are some helpful devices to get your internet up to speed.

Wireless Antennas and Range Extenders

A Wi-Fi range extender can help extend your signal to areas of your home where the signal is weak. This is ideal if you're experiencing slow speeds in certain rooms due to distance from your router.

Mesh Wi-Fi Network 

A mesh Wi-Fi network consists of multiple routers placed around your home, creating a seamless high-speed network that blankets your entire home with a strong Wi-Fi signal.

Ethernet-over-Power Devices (Powerline Adaptors) 

EoP devices work by ‘injecting’ your home network into your electricity circuit. This means you can add an ethernet port to a room that does not currently have an ethernet connection.

Wi-Fi 6 Routers 

Wi-Fi 6 is the latest Wi-Fi standard that provides faster speeds, higher efficiency and better coverage, especially in homes with lots of connected devices. If you're using an older router, upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router can drastically improve your internet experience.

Upgrade your Wi-Fi System for Faster Internet

Slow internet can be frustrating. But with the right tools and some troubleshooting, you can significantly improve your speeds. Whether it's upgrading your router or switching to a mesh Wi-Fi system, these steps can ensure you're getting the most out of your connection.

At Mwave, we offer a wide selection of high-speed routers, modems and networking devices to help you boost your internet speeds and improve your online experience.

If you’re ready to take your internet to the next level, check out our range of modems and routers to find the perfect fit for your home or office.