Top 5 ways to fix slow internet at your business

Top 5 ways to fix slow internet at your business

Don’t let slow internet at work slow down your business! In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 ways to fix slow internet and improve internet speed…

Slow internet can absolutely kill your productivity, right? From delayed communications to disrupted cloud services, poor internet performance often results in wasted time and frustration. But with a little network troubleshooting and the right improvements, you can resolve many of these issues and keep your business running smoothly.


1. Check your network usage

Before diving into potential fixes, let’s first try to understand how your network is being used. Conducting a thorough network analysis can help find bottlenecks or devices consuming excessive bandwidth. Some of the steps involved in network troubleshooting are:

  • Monitoring which applications are using the most data
  • Identifying peak usage times that could be slowing down your network
  • Checking for unauthorised users or devices on your network

Depending on your internet service provider (ISP) and the router they’ve supplied you, you might be in luck to have a basic overview of your network usage in the router’s web dashboard. Investing a managed router such as the one’s from Ubiquiti or Cisco Meraki can make it easier to diagnose problems and improve internet speed by addressing where your internet usage might be a little inefficient.


2. Upgrade your hardware

Outdated or low-quality networking hardware is often a major cause of slow internet. Routers, modems, and switches have limits to their performance that may not meet your business’ demands. To fix slow internet, you should consider these hardware upgrades:

Router upgrade

Invest in a modern, business-grade router with features like Wi-Fi 6 or 7; Quality of Service (QoS); support for high-speed network connections (10GbE+); and network monitoring. Depending on your internet speed, you might need a high-spec router to keep up with many devices simultaneously downloading or streaming media. And the standard router you received from your ISP might not be good enough for your needs.

Switches and access points

If your office has expanded over the last few years and your network has not been updated accordingly, you could be missing out on better performance and faster network/internet connections. Upgrading to gigabit (1GbE) or 10 gigabit (10GbE) switches can drastically improve network and internet speeds. Or upgrading to modern Wi-Fi 6 or 7 enabled access points (AP) will increase the reliability and performance of your Wi-Fi connected devices (such as mobiles, tablets, and laptops). While most switches nowadays support 1GbE+, we’re still surprised to find the odd 10/100MbE switch in networks which can cause slowdowns and bottlenecks.

Cables

Still using the same, trusty, 10-year-old Ethernet cable to connect your router and switch? It’s time to replace it with a high-quality Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable for faster and more reliable connections. Generally, these cables are very reliable. But if it’s looking a bit tatty or old, you’re better off replacing it with a new one, as small breaks in the cable pairs inside it can cause consistencies and performance loss.

Also, updating the firmware on your networking devices regularly can also improve performance and security.

Need a hand with the technical stuff when improving your internet speed?

We're a Managed IT Services provider and we know a thing or two about internet speed and network troubleshooting! If you need technical assistance, we're here to help.

Our Managed IT services

3. Optimise your Wi-Fi network

Wi-Fi issues are a common source of slow internet in offices. Optimising your wireless network can help improve internet speed significantly. Here are some tips:

  • Position your router strategically: Place your router in a central location, ideally in a high position and away from physical obstructions or electronic interference.
  • Use the right frequency band: Switch your devices to use the 5GHz frequency for less interference and higher speeds, especially in densely populated areas.
  • Limit interference: Reduce interference from other devices such as TVs or microwaves or other large electronic devices by keeping them away from your router.
  • Expand coverage: If your office is large, consider using Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems to eliminate dead zones.

These simple changes can go a long way in resolving network issues and improving internet speed for your business.


4. Contact your internet service provider (ISP)

Sometimes, the problem lies with your internet service provider. If you’ve optimised your network and still experience slow internet, it’s time to reach out to your ISP. Here’s how they can help:

  • Check for outages or maintenance: Your ISP can inform you of any disruptions in your area that may be causing slow internet. You might have an issue on your line that your ISP will be able to test for and hopefully send out an engineer to resolve it for you.
  • Upgrade your plan: Check if your current internet plan meets your business’s bandwidth needs. Upgrading to a higher-speed plan may resolve your issues.
  • Ask about business services: Many ISPs offer specialised plans for businesses with better support and guaranteed speeds.

Reviewing your ISP’s performance every now and then makes sure you’re getting the service you’re paying for.


5. Use network troubleshooting best practices

Ongoing network maintenance is key to preventing slow internet from recurring. Here are some best practices for effective network troubleshooting:

  • Run regular speed tests: Use tools like Ookla Speedtest to measure your network’s performance and identify any drops in speed. Always make sure that you’re getting what you paid for.
  • Restart your devices: Periodically restarting your router, modem, and other networking hardware can resolve temporary glitches.
  • Use a wired connection when possible: Wired connections are more reliable and faster than Wi-Fi, particularly for stationary devices like desktops and servers.
  • Install security measures: Viruses and malware can consume bandwidth and cause slow internet. Make sure your devices are protected with firewalls and antivirus software to ensure it’s not your device that’s causing your slow experience.

Staying proactive with network troubleshooting can save your business time and money while maintaining productivity.


Slow internet doesn’t have to be a permanent issue for your business!

By analysing network usage, upgrading hardware, optimising Wi-Fi, working with your ISP, and following network troubleshooting best practices, you can significantly improve internet speed and keep your operations running efficiently. You’ll not only boost productivity but also create a better experience for your team and clients.

If you’re struggling with persistent slow internet issues, you should consider talking to a Managed IT provider. And that’s where we come in! We can give you a comprehensive assessment of your network and recommend tailored solutions to meet your business’s needs.

Got a question? We can answer it. Click here to get in touch