Factors for Consistent Internet Speed

We have all gone through those days when the world-wide-web has seemed like a world-wide-wait – when downloading files seems to take forever. For this reason, the primary deciding factor to consider before deciding on an internet service provider is to check the internet speeds offered. The two major types of internet service providers that easily fit into the budget are cable and DSL; others include fiber optics but it’s a little expensive and not easily available as yet.

Here are some factors that affect the consistency of internet speed and the speed at which websites download:
Heavy usage – A large number of users logged on in your area around the same time may result in congestion. This heavy usage at such peak times may result in slowing down of internet speeds. This loss of speed is however, only temporary and will pick up again after peak activity hours are over.

Web browser – A poorly configured or corrupted web browser could be another reason why your speed is slow and you are biting your nails. Your browsing history may also result in filling up web browser cache – you may need to clear it up.

Limitation – The amount of traffic on some websites can limit your connection speeds. Alternatively, the server supporting these websites may be the cause of the bottleneck and slowing you down. For example, if the speed is divided among a large number of people logged on at the same time, the available speed would have to be divided amongst them.

Spyware – Your computer’s performance becomes reduced if it’s infected with a spyware or adware. You will see a constant stream of irritating pop-up ads that slow down your computer.

Hardware – Don’t be goofed into thinking that it’s only your ISP behind your slow internet connectivity. The speed of your computer hard drive, processor, graphics accelerator and even the amount of RAM can affect the speed at which your computer processes internet data.

Operating system – Over time and with extensive usage, your computer operating system can become inefficient, corrupted or configured incorrectly. And all these will eventually affect its speed of internet connectivity.
Modem – Certain modems are incapable of handling higher speeds while others performances may degrade over time, resulting in their inability to handle speeds.

Type of connection – There are two basic types of connections – the wired and the wireless (read Wi-Fi). Wireless connections can be slower than wired connections; they are also more affected by interference, congestion and fluctuations in speed.