Slow Internet

Cable internet users often hear that cable is the fastest way to experience the internet. So why do cable subscribers suffer slow internet connection speeds. In most cases its just people. To many people.

The cable internet providers will promote the great speeds that they can achieve over their fiber optic networks. In theory the speeds will beat DSL speeds but in practice cable can slow down when to many people are online at once in certain areas.

Cable in routed into your local neighbourhood from very fast connections and than its split up into smaller nodes in your neighbourhood. That can be the cause of the slow internet speed. If to many users are online at once your speed can decrease. A good way to check to see if this is the problem is by using the various internet speed checkers at different times of the day. If you see slower speeds after work/after school when people are returning home that might be a sign. If you have several neighbours who are heavy users (music downloads etc) that can slow down everyone speed if you are all connected to the same local node.

Another possible issue in relation to cable modems could be the firmware/software that your modem is using. Note that if you just recently installed your cable internet this is not likely the problem because your ISP has likely provided you with the most up to date software on your modem.

You can review our How to fix slow internet article for more information and several other tips to help you troubleshoot your connection.