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How to Troubleshoot Slow Internet While Working from Home

A slow internet connection can cause dropped video calls, lagging downloads, and frustrating delays when working remotely. Follow these steps to identify the cause and improve your internet speed for a smoother work-from-home experience.

🚀 Brought to you by Axio Networks, an award-winning managed IT provider in Scottsdale, Arizona. We help businesses optimize remote work technology and internet connectivity for maximum efficiency.

📌 Step 1: Test Your Internet Speed

Before troubleshooting, check if your internet speed matches what your provider offers.

How to Run a Speed Test:

  1. Visit Speedtest.net or Fast.com.
  2. Compare your download, upload, and ping results to your internet plan’s advertised speed.
  3. If speeds are significantly lower than expected, move to the next steps.

✅ Tip: A minimum of 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload is recommended for smooth remote work.

📌 Step 2: Restart Your Router and Modem

✔ Unplug your modem and router from power.
✔ Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute before plugging them back in.
✔ Allow them to fully reboot (2-3 minutes) and reconnect to the internet.

✅ Restarting your router refreshes the connection and clears temporary issues!

📌 Step 3: Check for Network Congestion

✔ Are multiple devices streaming, gaming, or downloading large files? These use up bandwidth.
✔ Disconnect unused devices or pause large downloads while working.
✔ Schedule heavy internet activities (like software updates or cloud backups) during non-work hours.

✅ Limiting network congestion improves speed for work-related tasks!

📌 Step 4: Move Closer to Your Wi-Fi Router

✔ Walls, floors, and electronics can weaken your Wi-Fi signal.
✔ Move your workstation closer to the router or use a Wi-Fi extender for better coverage.
✔ If possible, connect directly via Ethernet for the most stable connection.

✅ A wired Ethernet connection eliminates Wi-Fi interference!

📌 Step 5: Change Your Wi-Fi Frequency Band

✔ Use the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band for faster speeds if you’re close to the router.
✔ Use the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band if you need a stronger signal at a distance.

How to Switch Wi-Fi Bands:

  1. Open your Wi-Fi settings on your computer or phone.
  2. Connect to the network labeled “Wi-Fi Name – 5G” for faster speeds.

✅ 5 GHz Wi-Fi is best for high-speed work activities like video conferencing!

📌 Step 6: Limit Background Apps Using Bandwidth

✔ Close unnecessary programs running in the background.
✔ Disable automatic cloud backups (OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud) during work hours.
✔ Pause large software updates until after work.

✅ Reducing background bandwidth usage frees up internet speed for work tasks!

📌 Step 7: Change Your DNS Settings for Faster Browsing

By default, your internet provider’s DNS servers may be slow. Changing to a faster DNS can improve web browsing and app performance.

How to Switch to Cloudflare DNS (Windows & Mac)

  1. Windows:
    • Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings.
    • Right-click your active connection, select Properties.
    • Click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
    • Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
      • Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
      • Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
    • Click OK to save.
  2. Mac:
    • Go to System Settings > Network > Advanced > DNS.
    • Click the + icon and enter: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
    • Click Apply.

✅ Switching to Cloudflare DNS can improve web page loading times and responsiveness!

📌 Step 8: Update Your Router’s Firmware

✔ Check for router updates by logging into your router’s admin panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
✔ Look for a “Firmware Update” option in the settings and install updates.
✔ Updating your router improves speed, security, and overall performance.

✅ Keeping your router updated helps prevent slowdowns and security vulnerabilities!

📌 Step 9: Upgrade Your Internet Plan or Router

✔ If slow speeds persist, contact your ISP to see if your plan is outdated.
✔ Consider upgrading to a higher-speed plan if your current one is too slow.
✔ Use a modern router that supports Wi-Fi 6 for better performance.

✅ A newer router and faster internet plan improve overall network reliability!

📌 Step 10: Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

✔ If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, call your ISP and report slow speeds.
✔ Ask if there are outages in your area or if your connection requires a reset on their end.
✔ If necessary, request a technician visit to diagnose persistent speed problems.

✅ Your ISP can check for network issues or recommend upgrades to improve performance!

💡 Axio Networks Pro Tip

For business users, having a dedicated home office network setup with a business-grade router and a failover connection (like a backup mobile hotspot) can prevent work interruptions. Need expert network solutions? Axio Networks provides managed IT and connectivity services—contact us today! 🚀