Why is My Internet So Slow? Top 7 Common Causes | MATE

Internet & Mobile Security Blog | MATE | 8 May 2024

We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of a riveting movie, an intense gaming session, or an important video call, and suddenly your internet slows to a crawl. The buffer icon appears, turning your immersive experience into a frustrating waiting game. You can’t help but wonder: ‘Why is my WiFi so slow?’.

Well, we at MATE are here to help you unravel the mysteries behind slow internet speeds in this crash course blog article. Let’s get started!

Understanding internet speeds

Before we dive into the reasons why your internet might be slow, having a basic understanding of internet specs is important. When you take an internet speed test, you’re essentially measuring two main components: download speed and upload speed. Both of these connection speeds can impact how you use the internet by causing lag or other issues.

Download speed

Download speed refers to how quickly your device receives data from the internet. This is what affects your ability to:

Download files
Stream videos
Load webpages
Load gaming software.

If you’ve ever struggled with lag during any of these activities, there are several probable factors which we’ll get to in a moment.

Upload speed

On the other hand, upload speed is how quickly data can be sent from your device to the internet. Upload speed is typically used in the following activities:

Video calls
Uploading files
Posting content online
Performing work presentations

If you’re having trouble with any of the applications above, your uploading speed is likely the culprit.

Understanding nbn speed tiers: The key to optimal internet experience

As we navigate an increasingly digital world, a reliable and speedy internet connection has never been more important. Whether you’re working from home, streaming your favourite show, or engaging in intense gaming sessions, your online experience hinges heavily on your internet connection speed. So, if you’ve ever found yourself asking, “why is my internet slow today?” It’s important to understand that your chosen nbn speed tier is a significant determining factor.

We provide a range of MATE nbn plans, each designed to cater to different household sizes and internet usage requirements. Understanding these tiers and their capacities allows you to gauge the expected speeds and determine if your current plan aligns with your usage needs. Our plans include:

Crikey nbn: The light usage solution

This tier offers up to 25 Mbps download speeds and up to 10 Mbps upload speeds. It’s suitable for small households and basic online activities like browsing, emailing, and standard-definition video streaming. Keep in mind that streaming HD content or engaging in bandwidth-intensive activities may cause lag.

Ripper nbn: The light usage solution

This tier is tailored for light-to-moderate internet usage. With download speeds of 50 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps, it’s an ideal choice for 2-4 person households. It comfortably handles online activities like social media, HD streaming, and gaming. This speed should work well for most activities, even with multiple internet users. However, it has limits if you have multiple heavy internet users at home.

No Worries nbn: Balancing speed and usage

With No Worries, you can expect up to 100 Mbps download speeds and up to 50 Mbps upload speeds. This tier is popular among Australians and is suitable for small to mid-sized households with moderate to high internet usage. Supporting high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing, the more devices connected and data-intensive activities can cause slower speeds.

You Beaut nbn: For high-demand households

The tier offers up to 100 Mbps download speeds and up to 40 Mbps upload speeds. This tier is ideal for superfast HD or 4K streaming, responsive online gaming, and smooth, high-quality video conferencing. While offering high speeds, the actual speed you experience can still be influenced by factors like network congestion and the performance of your devices and Wi-Fi setup.

Fair Dinkum nbn: The speed powerhouse

Our top nbn tier delivers up to 250 Mbps download speeds and up to 25 Mbps upload speeds. This tier is for ultra-heavy users requiring exceptionally fast internet speeds for demanding online activities.

Fair Dinkum is designed to handle it all, whether it’s multiple devices streaming 4K or 8K content simultaneously, competitive online gaming, or extensive large file downloads and uploads. But remember, to fully leverage this superfast speed, you need devices and a network setup to handle such high speeds.

Why understanding nbn speed tiers matters

Recognising and understanding your NBN speed tier is a fundamental step in managing your internet performance. It allows you to set realistic expectations and troubleshoot any speed-related issues effectively. If your internet seems slow, it could be because the speed tier of your connection isn’t suitable for your usage needs.

For instance, if you are on the Crikey nbn plan but often stream 4K content or use multiple devices at the same time, you are likely to experience slower speeds—because your internet usage exceeds what the tier can provide.

Conversely, if you have Fair Dinkum nbn plan but only use the internet for light browsing and emailing, you might be paying for more speed than you need. In this case, downgrading to a lower tier could save you money without compromising your internet experience.

Seamlessly set up your internet with MATE today and experience tailored services according to your needs. For an actionable guide on how to get nbn internet, follow our previous blog to connect in 3 easy steps.

What speed tier can you get?

Another critical factor to consider when it comes to nbn speeds is the specific nbn technology your residence has access to. Depending on the infrastructure in your area, you might have access to one of several nbn technology types, including Fibre to the Node (FTTN), Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), or Fibre to the Curb (FTTC), among others. Read our blog for more information on whether you should upgrade to fibre.

For instance, if you have FTTN, your internet speed might be influenced by the distance from your residence to the node, which could impact the maximum speed achievable. In contrast, a FTTP connection, where the fibre optic cable reaches your premises, can support higher speed tiers, like Fair Dinkum, thanks to its superior technology.

Similarly, a FTTC connection, a hybrid of the FTTN and FTTP technologies, where the fibre reaches a mini-node close to your premises, can potentially support high-speed tiers like You Beaut or even Fair Dinkum, depending on the quality and length of the copper line from the curb to your premises.

Common causes of slow internet

Several factors can contribute to slow internet speeds, although sometimes you may be experiencing an outage. Here are the most common causes of slow connection speeds:

1. Connected devices

First, the number of connected devices in your home can significantly impact your internet speed. When multiple smartphones, computers, tablets, and other Wi-Fi-connected devices share the same bandwidth, it can lead to congestion and slower speeds for each device.

Second, outdated hardware and software can cause internet speed issues. Ensure that your computer drivers and router firmware are up to date to improve performance and resolve connection drops. If it’s time for a new router, you can purchase one with us, and we’ll deliver it to your door — ready to go from the box.

2. Network congestion

Just like roads during rush hour, internet networks can get congested. If many people are using the same network at the same time, it can lead to slower speeds for everyone. This is especially noticeable during the internet ‘busy period’, which is typically between 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm daily. During these hours, a greater number of users are online, streaming, gaming, and video calling, all of which can put a significant strain on network resources.

In a shared household, you might notice that your internet slows down when multiple people are online simultaneously. This is because all the devices connected to your network share your connection’s bandwidth. If one device is using a large amount of bandwidth (for example, streaming a 4K movie), there might not be enough left for other devices, leading to slower speeds overall.

3. Type of connection: The nbn effect

The type of internet connection you have can also significantly impact your connection speed. For instance, if you’re using older technology like ADSL2+, your upload and download speeds will be linked, so when you max out one, the other gets throttled and slows significantly.

4. Distance from router

Your physical location within your own home or office can also significantly influence your internet speeds, particularly when considering your distance from the router.

The further your device is from the Wi-Fi router, the weaker the signal strength. This weakening is due to the nature of Wi-Fi signals, which degrade over distance and through obstacles.

With this in mind, it’s important to consider your Wi-Fi setup. Walls and interference from other devices can weaken Wi-Fi signals, leading to slower speeds. To improve your wireless network coverage, consider using a Wi-Fi extender to eliminate dead zones and weak spots within your home.

For example, if your router is hidden away in a corner or has many walls or objects between your router and your wireless devices, this may be the culprit of a slow connection.

Why Is My Internet So Slow

5. Network outages and line faults

Network outages and line faults can cause significant disruptions to your internet connection. If there’s an issue with the infrastructure that delivers the internet to your home, it can lead to slow speeds or even a complete loss of connectivity. If you suspect this might be the case, you should check with your internet service provider for any reported outages or known issues affecting your area.

With MATE, you can download the myMATE app on your device to regularly check for and get more information about network outages potentially affecting your MATE nbn plan.

6. Hardware and software issues

Your hardware (like your router or modem) and software (like your operating system or applications) can also significantly impact your internet speed. Outdated hardware may not be able to handle higher internet speeds. Similarly, outdated or buggy software might not be optimised for your connection, leading to a slower internet experience.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to update your devices and software regularly. Additionally, addressing internet speed issues by updating computer drivers and router firmware can improve performance and resolve connection drops.

7. Device performance

Finally, the performance of your individual devices can affect your internet speed. Older devices may be unable to process data as quickly as newer ones, leading to slower loading times. This could be the case if your internet seems slow on one device but not on others.

The number of applications or processes simultaneously running on your device can also impact its performance. If your device is trying to do too many things at once, it might not have enough resources to load webpages or stream videos quickly. Unused applications running in the background could be using up bandwidth without you even realising it. Regularly checking for and closing unnecessary applications can help ensure your bandwidth is used efficiently.

How to improve your Internet speed

Now that we’ve covered the common causes of slow internet, let’s look at some steps you can take to diagnose and improve your internet speed. These steps can help you get the most out of your connection, whether you’re dealing with slow speeds on a single device or your entire network. Some things you can do to improve your slow internet include:

1. Conduct a speed test

The first step in diagnosing slow internet is to conduct a speed test. This will give you a snapshot of your current download and upload speeds, allowing you to compare them with the speeds you should be getting based on your internet plan.

When conducting a speed test, be sure to turn off any other activities or applications that might be using up your bandwidth. This will give you a more accurate picture of your internet speed when it’s not being used for anything else.

If your speed test results are significantly lower than the speeds you’re supposed to get, it could indicate an issue with your internet connection. On the other hand, if your speeds are as advertised but your internet still feels slow, the issue might be with your device or your network setup.

2. Check your devices

If your internet is slow only on one device, the issue might be with that device rather than your internet connection. Here are a few things you can check:

Check for any applications running in the background that might be using up bandwidth. These could be things like updates, cloud storage syncs, or streaming services.
Make sure your device’s operating system and applications are up to date. Outdated software can often cause performance issues.
If your device is older, it might not be able to handle higher internet speeds. In this case, you might need to consider upgrading your device.

3. Check your network setup

If your internet is slow on all your devices, the issue might be with your network setup. Here are a few things you can check:

Check your router’s location: If your router is tucked away in a corner, it might not be providing a strong signal to your devices. Try to place your router in a central location in your home, and keep it away from any obstacles that could interfere with the signal.
Check your WiFi channels: Other devices in your home, like cordless phones and microwaves, can interfere with your WiFi signal. Changing your Wi-Fi channel might improve your internet speed.
Use an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi: A wired connection is often faster and more reliable than a wireless one.

4. Consider your internet plan

If you’ve checked your devices and network setup and you’re still experiencing slow speeds, it might be time to consider your internet plan. If your current plan doesn’t provide enough bandwidth for your needs, you might need to upgrade to a higher tier.

Consider how you use the internet. If you’re frequently streaming videos, playing online games, or working from home, you might benefit from a plan with higher speeds. At MATE, we offer a range of unlimited data nbn plans to suit different needs, from casual browsing to heavy internet usage. We’re always happy to help you find the right plan for you.

Improving wireless coverage

For an in-depth guide on how to speed up your internet without touching your modem, check out our previous MATE blog here. It outlines five ways you can boost your internet speed without fiddling with your hardware. Multiple Wi-Fi signals can impact network performance, causing interference and reducing overall speed. Using a Wi-Fi extender to connect to the router’s wireless network can help improve coverage and eliminate dead zones. Or check out our blog on ‘how to get nbn internet’.

Frequently asked questions

How can I improve my internet speed?

To improve your internet, you need to identify the cause of your slow internet connection and find the best solution. Some things you can do include:

Network congestion: Avoid this by using the Internet during off-peak hours.
A device or network setup issue: For a speedier connection, consider updating your devices or optimising your network setup, i.e. relocating your router.
Unsuitable Internet plan: You can upgrade your plan or adjust your internet usage to maximise your nbn.

What is a DNS server, and how can it affect my internet speed?

DNS, or Domain Name System, is like the phonebook for the internet. It translates domain names to IP addresses so browsers can load Internet resources. Your device typically defaults to the DNS servers of your internet provider. However, sometimes these servers can be slow or experience issues. Changing your DNS server settings can sometimes improve your internet speed.

How can I change my DNS server settings?

To change your DNS settings on a Windows 10 device, you need to:

Press the Windows key
Type in ‘view network connections’
Press ‘Enter’
Right-click on your Wi-Fi network
Select ‘Properties’
Double click on ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’
Select the option ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’.

You can then input alternative DNS servers. Two popular choices are Google’s DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 (primary) and 8.8.4.4 (secondary), and Cloudflare’s DNS servers: 1.1.1.1 (primary) and 1.0.0.1 (secondary).

For more advanced users, you can change the DNS settings at a router level to apply to every device connected via Wi-Fi. This can be found under LAN, WAN or DHCP settings. Always remember to test your Wi-Fi speeds after making changes to check for improvements.

What speeds can I expect from a MATE internet plan?

As one of Australia’s leading internet providers, MATE allows you to choose from a variety of unlimited data nbn plans according to your internet needs. The ‘typical evening speed’ indicates the average download speed you can expect during peak usage hours, typically from 7pm to 11pm.

Crikey nbn 25/10 ($65/month): Designed for a small household of 1–4 individuals, Crikey provides typical busy period download speeds of 25Mbps. This plan is suitable for light internet activities such as browsing, engaging on social media, and streaming HD content on a single device.
Ripper nbn 50/20 ($75/month): Tailored for a medium-sized household of up to 6 individuals, our Ripper plan offers average evening speeds of 49Mbps. With increased capacity, this plan supports streaming, gaming, and all-around internet usage.
No Worries nbn 100/20 ($85/month): Boasting typical evening speeds of 97Mbps, No Worries is meant for larger households with over 6 users. This package is excellent for online gaming, streaming three HD videos simultaneously or a single 4K video, along with routine internet tasks like browsing, emailing, and music streaming.
You Beaut nbn 100/40 ($95/month): Comparable to the No Worries 100/20 plan, but with double the potential upload speed (up to 40Mbps instead of 20Mbps), this package is ideal for those who regularly upload content to platforms such as YouTube and social media.
Fair Dinkum nbn 250/25 ($110/month): Geared towards heavy internet users, with average evening speeds of 231Mbps, this plan covers all basic internet needs and supports simultaneous 4K video streaming and high upload speeds for seamless video calls.

4.4 from 1495 reviews

are you ready to be our mate? call now 13 14 13

myMATE - our new mate, in your pocket