Slow network speeds?

Internet Feels Slow - Try these Steps

How Can I Test?

A full guide on performing a speed test can be found via: https://jndgtl.co/speedtest 

Our recommendation for a comprehensive and free online speedtest: Testmy.net

• Saves results via sharable link or free account to revisit previous tests
• Offers scoring and visual comparison data
• Performs binary file transfer testing rather than software or connection reading 
  

Restart your device

Start off by restarting your device to ensure a clean environment in case of any lingering changes that can cause network or driver issues.

Try alternative networks and Devices (If possible)

While checking if the reported network or environment issues. Be sure to see if the slowness is isolated to the sole WiFi/ethernet network. Attempt to connect via alternate ports and alternative networks. If the alternate network works with minimal issues. We know to focus our efforts on the configuration or status of the network in question.

Clear Your Browser Cache

Temporary files and cookies can sometimes slow down your browsing experience. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then restart your browser.

Use a Different Browser 

If the slowness is specific to one browser, try using a different browser to see if the issue persists. It's possible that the problem lies with the browser itself.

Factors to Consider

dBM or Power Level of the signal:

First thing I check is signal strength and DBM. This tells us how much of the origin connection is being utilized from a signal perspective and is rated in negative numbers (ex. -55 DBM). The closer to zero, the better the rate/speed/connection. If your DBM is higher than -100DBM, you most likely will have a choppy or unreliable connection no matter what the speed averages due to other factors. Also keep in mind the range is usually -30 to -80DBM roughly for good connections, as anything lower than -30 would require being directly on top of the device with a high output from the device and its wireless card. 

TX Rate: Or how quickly is data transferring between the AP and the device. Usually we can find odd hiccups or try and find odd rates when performing tasks to see if there is a complication on the network config or device level.

Channels and Interference: In VERY simple terms it is what frequency or medium each wireless signal is operating on. While our AP's broadcast in numerous channels in the available spectrum to avoid this, interference can still happen from something as simple as construction or even a new wireless printer in the area for users at home. In larger buildings in the city jammed with other networks, we've found this something we've needed to address.

Testing via WiFi Scanners

An important tool loved for a while mentioned before has been the Netspot WiFi testing app. Another commonly used alternative would be inSSIDer.

This application should still be free with an email account. This program will take a bit of time to run a live check of your device's handling of all WiFi signals. It will give you signal strength, channels, utilization, and transfer rate of each network it can connect to. Please note that operating multiple network applications while running the program will cause lower test results due to your NIC’s (Network Interface Card) bandwidth utilization.