Internet Too Slow? It Could Be Your Hardware, Check Before Calling Your ISP

By Ollie Mercer

Nothing frustrates Zimbabweans in these connected times more than a slow internet connection. It’s natural for your internet connection to slightly slow down during peak traffic hours. However, if the connection drops or becomes too slow, then you are experiencing a serious networking problem.

Before blaming your ISP for a perpetually slow internet connection, first check whether your computer is to blame. Sometimes the culprit responsible for slowed down connection is, surprisingly, hardware.

Here are several ways to spot non-ISP related internet connection issues plaguing your computer:

Check the Network Adapter

The network adapter is an essential little gadget built into your computer. This component allows your computer to communicate with other devices on a network. In other words, it allows your computer to connect to the internet. There are different types of network adapters that make different connections possible. What’s important here is to identify the adapter that creates the wireless connection problem.

A problematic network adapter may not slow down the connection per se but would make it difficult for your computer to connect to the network. If your PC is experiencing truly strange connection issues, the adapter may be to blame. Fixing adapter issues is complex, but you can easily run the Windows troubleshooter tool to automatically detect and solve problems. Windows troubleshooter can reset the network adapter to fix a potential problem.

Don’t forget to update the driver software for your network adapter. Go to device management settings to check if the driver software is up to date.

If the troubleshooter does detect an adapter problem a reset won’t fix, you may need to replace your computer. Get IT help if your computer detects such a problem.

Check RAM and Storage

Some users may confuse a slow internet connection with a slow computer. An internet connection is only slow if multiple computers or devices experience the same connectivity issue. If the connection is slow on just one computer, then the problem is with the computer.

To check whether it’s your computer or the connection that is slow, run non-internet connected programs on your PC. If these programs are just as laggy as your web browser, the problem may relate to a slow computer rather than slow internet.

You can look up the properties of your computer and check the amount of hard disk storage left and the RAM capacity. Older computers with less than 4GB of RAM aren’t suited for modern internet browsing needs. If your hard disk is nearing max capacity, your whole computer will slow down.

Replace an old computer or improve RAM and internal storage to speed up a slow PC. Your Internet connection will pick up too.

Reset the Modems and Routers

If every computer and device in your home experiences a slow internet connection, then you are facing a network-wide problem. The first step in fixing a problem like this is to check the modem and wireless router in your home.

First, make sure all the cables are plugged in. Try turning the devices off and turn them back on again to see if the connection goes back to normal. If not, use the reset button at the back of the modem. You should check the modem and router settings if the above steps don’t work. Some settings that are either too high or low could cause connectivity issues.

The modems and routers in your home should have firmware that is up to date. Make sure the devices are updated and try connecting again. In rare instances, there could be physical damage to the router, which could cause the connectivity issue. Also, if your modem or router is over five years old, then you are using outdated devices that probably need to be replaced.

A slow internet connection could be caused by a multitude of factors. Eliminating the above possibilities would get you closer to a permanent solution.

Or You Exhausted Your Allocation

Of course your internet may not really be slow but you just exhausted your data allocation. Don’t worry, Techzim got you! You can buy your TelOne subscription right here.