How to Speed Up My Cable Internet
Cable Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer high-speed Internet access (broadband) through cable networks via a modem. Although these ISPs offer cable Internet in packages at specific data transfer download and upload rates (bandwidths), the amount of data transferred and the speed of transfer can fluctuate wildly at any given moment. As a result, the best ways to speed up service typically involve troubleshooting the most common causes of speed fluctuation/slowdown, such as equipment/software issues and/or upgrading your hardware or software.
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Instructions
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Check the cabling on your cable Internet connections and tighten as needed since a loose cable can cause a loss in signal integrity.
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Run an anti-virus/anti-spyware scan to confirm that you don't have a speed issue related to a computer virus, spyware or other malware infection.
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Approve website cookies to speed up the website page, picture and/or video loading.
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Test your broadband throughout the day and week to determine if a speed fluctuation pattern exists---speeds drop off at certain times of the day or week. Open all of the programs and/or browser windows that you normally use. Go to a website that offers free broadband analysis such as SpeedTest.net or SpeakEasy. Follow the site instructions.
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Call your ISP, and explain that you believe that you're experiencing speed issues caused by network traffic. Discuss your options with tech support.
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Check your computer system resources if you experience slow speeds on a regular basis. Close all open programs except for one Internet browser window/tab and open some webpages. If the pages load faster, open two or more windows/tabs in a different browser, then any programs you typically use to see if the browser is draining resources. If a new browser loads pages faster, switch to the new browser. If the issue isn't browser-related, upgrade your computer to meet your resource needs.
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Contact your ISP's tech support if you continue to experience speed issues as every setup differs, and a qualified tech can best determine the settings needed for your specific OS, browser, security package/firewall, modem, router or other hardware/software.
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Upgrade your Internet service plan to one that offers faster rates or has a "speed booster" that increases the normal rates whenever you attempt certain actions, such as downloading large files.
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Tips & Warnings
Always keep in mind that a quick fix or immediate resolution of your cable Internet speed issue may not exist---especially if related to network traffic as your ISP may not yet have additional networks available, or the source of the slowdown may involve construction in your region or line maintenance.
