Support
IT Help Desk Remote IT Support On-Site IT Support Server Administration
Management
Network Management Managed Microsoft 365 Backup Systems Compliance Solutions IT Procurement
Learn More
Benefits of Managed IT What Is Managed IT? Managed IT FAQs
View all Managed IT services →
Strategy & Advisory
IT Consulting vCIO Services IT Assessments AI Implementation IT Project Management
Infrastructure
Network & Infrastructure Server Configuration System Deployment Upgrades & Migrations Hardware & Software
Field & Cabling
Fiber & Structured Cabling Wireless Networking Office Relocation IT Printers & Copiers
Recovery
Malware & Ransomware Recovery Data Recovery
View all IT Services →
Threat Protection
Endpoint Security Email Security Network Security SOC Monitoring & MDR
Risk & Compliance
Risk & Vulnerability Management Regulatory Compliance Data Security Security Assessments & Audits
Awareness
Security Awareness Training
View all Cybersecurity services →
Productivity & Comms
Microsoft 365 VoIP & Communications File Storage & Sharing Virtual Desktops (VDI)
Cloud Infrastructure
Cloud Servers Server Hosting Private Cloud Colocation
Data Protection
Cloud Backup & Disaster Recovery
View all Cloud services →
Network Services
Network & Infrastructure Wireless Networking Fiber & Structured Cabling
Network Management & Security
Network Management Network Security
Company
How We Work Awards & Recognition Partners & Vendors Join Our Team
Get Started
Contact Us Free IT Assessment
Skip to main content
What can we help you with?
< All Topics
Print

How to Troubleshoot Slow Internet While Working from Home

Posted
Updated
ByJim O'Connell

A slow internet connection can lead to dropped calls, lagging video, and frustrating delays that hurt productivity. Follow these steps to identify the cause and boost your connection speed for a smoother remote work 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 performance for maximum efficiency.

📌 Step 1: Test Your Internet Speed

Before troubleshooting, check if your current internet speed matches your provider’s advertised plan.

How to Test Your Speed:

  1. Visit Speedtest.net or Fast.com.
  2. Compare your download, upload, and ping results with your plan.
  3. If speeds are much lower than expected, continue to the next steps.

✅ Tip: For reliable remote work, aim for at least 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload.

📌 Step 2: Restart Your Router and Modem

✔ Unplug your router and modem from power.
✔ Wait 30–60 seconds before plugging them back in.
✔ Let them reboot fully (about 2–3 minutes).

✅ Restarting clears temporary network issues and refreshes your connection.

📌 Step 3: Check for Network Congestion

✔ Are other devices streaming, gaming, or downloading large files?
✔ Pause heavy downloads and disconnect unused devices.
✔ Schedule software updates or backups for after work hours.

✅ Fewer connected devices = more bandwidth for work!

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

✔ Walls, floors, and appliances can weaken signal strength.
✔ Move your workstation closer to the router.
✔ Use a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system if needed.
✔ For best results, connect via Ethernet for a wired, stable connection.

✅ A direct Ethernet connection eliminates Wi-Fi interference!

📌 Step 5: Change Your Wi-Fi Frequency Band

✔ Use 5 GHz for faster speeds if you’re near the router.
✔ Use 2.4 GHz for a stronger signal if you’re farther away.

How to Switch Wi-Fi Bands:

  • Open Wi-Fi settings on your device.
  • Connect to the 5 GHz network (often labeled “Wi-Fi Name – 5G”).

✅ 5 GHz delivers better performance for video calls and file sharing!

📌 Step 6: Limit Background Apps Using Bandwidth

✔ Close unnecessary browser tabs and background programs.
✔ Pause automatic cloud backups (OneDrive, iCloud, Google Drive) during meetings.
✔ Stop large software updates until after work hours.

✅ Freeing up bandwidth improves video and conferencing quality.

📌 Step 7: Change Your DNS Settings for Faster Browsing

Your ISP’s DNS servers can slow things down. Using Cloudflare or Google DNS can improve responsiveness.

To use Cloudflare DNS:
Windows:

  1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings.
  2. Right-click your active connection → Properties.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.
  4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses:
    • Preferred DNS: 1.1.1.1
    • Alternate DNS: 1.0.0.1
  5. Click OK.

Mac:

  1. Go to System Settings > Network > Advanced > DNS.
  2. Add 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
  3. Click Apply.

✅ Switching DNS can speed up web page loading times!

📌 Step 8: Update Your Router’s Firmware

✔ Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1).
✔ Look for a Firmware Update or Software Update option.
✔ Install the latest version to improve speed and security.

✅ Firmware updates often fix slowdowns and connection bugs!

📌 Step 9: Upgrade Your Internet Plan or Router

✔ Contact your ISP to check for plan or equipment upgrades.
✔ Consider Wi-Fi 6 routers for faster speeds and better coverage.
✔ If multiple people work from home, upgrade your plan to support concurrent usage.

✅ Modern hardware and higher bandwidth plans make a huge difference!

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

✔ If slow speeds persist, contact your ISP to check for outages.
✔ Ask them to reset or re-provision your connection remotely.
✔ Request a technician visit if physical issues are suspected.

✅ Your ISP can diagnose line issues or upgrade your service.

💡 Axio Networks Pro Tip

For professionals working from home:

  • Use a business-grade router for better reliability.
  • Configure QoS (Quality of Service) to prioritize work traffic.
  • Add a failover connection like a 5G hotspot to stay online during outages.

Need expert help optimizing your home or business network?
☎ 480-602-2946

Table of Contents