Various factors influence the speed of your internet connection and make it slow or hinder the performance of your computer. The type of internet connection you install at your home or workplace can affect the speed of your internet. Therefore, it is important to understand the type of connections that are available in the market and the speeds they offer.
Different types of internet connections include the following:
Dial-Up:
This type of internet connection is not as common anymore as it is the slowest type that uses a telephone line to establish connectivity and disconnects the moment someone picks up the phone receiver.
DSL:
DSL is an advanced form of Dial-up connection fixing the shortcomings of Dial-up. It also uses a telephone network to deliver internet signals at relatively higher speeds. It is important to note the fact that the DSL connection does not mingle with your telephone line to establish connectivity with the internet, which means that you can use your telephone and internet service simultaneously without any interruptions.
Cable:
Cable internet is delivered by transmission over coaxial copper-based television cable and is significantly faster than either DSL or dial-up internet connections.
Fiber Optic:
Fiber Optic internet service uses fiber optic or specialized glass lines to connect your device to the internet and transmits faster internet speed than other connections. When we say lightning fast, fiber optic does exactly that, by delivering internet signals via light waves. This type of internet connection is, however, not as widespread as other types, but the areas it has access to shall consider themselves in good luck.
Wireless Internet Connection:
Wireless internet is the most common internet service used today because it is capable of connecting your devices to the internet without any wires, which means that it is convenient, mobile, and simple. In addition to this, Sprint internet connection delivers high-speed internet service to its users making it one of the most successful innovations of all time.
Now let us come down to the factors that make your internet speed slow:
Viruses and Spyware:
Viruses and spyware are prominent causes that reduce the performance of your internet connection, making the speed slower and unreliable. Spyware can make your system slow as it interferes with your browser and disrupts your internet connectivity. To get rid of the spyware on your computer, you need to install an anti-spyware program on your computer with the latest updates to prevent such harmful attacks on your PC.
Viruses on your computer can cause poor internet performance as well. Whenever a virus infects your computer, it automatically installs a code on your device, which propagates itself, sends multiple copies through email or other messaging platforms, which interfere with the performance of your machine.
Moreover, downloading files from untrustworthy websites and opening unknown links can infect your computer as well since these files and links can potentially contain dangerous viruses and spyware that can harm your computer badly.
Obstructions:
The location of your Wi-Fi router is of prime importance since concrete walls, glass surfaces, furniture, and metal pipes have the ability to interfere with your internet connection significantly and make it work slowly.
Computer Condition:
The speed of your internet can also be affected due to the issues on your computer as the health and life of the device matter a lot inthe effective delivery of internet signals. In addition to this, the add-on applications in your computer that sometimes keep running in the background take up storage space making your computer work slower than usual.
Software:
You must ensure that you update the software on your computer as well as the router, regularly because the latest version of the operating system would come with all the necessary updates that are important to increase the security measures of the computer.
External Factors:
External factors can also affect the performance of your internet connection such as traffic, website development/renovation, local internet problems due to climatic conditions, etc. The external factors are not in your control so there is little that you can do about it. It is advised to contact your provider’s customer service and see if there is an available remedy to it. If you are a CenturyLink internet user then you can call the CenturyLink customer service number any time round the clock to receive instant help.
Conclusion
To make sure that your internet connection is not affected by the aforementioned factors, get your services from a reliable provider that offers complete protection of your network. For instance, CenturyLink Internet comes with a security suite that protects you from online threats and external factors. A slow internet connection could also be stemming from usage. There could be internet usage happening at a certain time but the package you have taken up is not accommodating for it. Thus, check with your internet provider about usage and get the best deals.