Why is my internet so slow? Is it just me or are others experiencing this too?

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The discussion centers on users experiencing slow internet speeds, with many expressing frustration over long loading times and frequent timeouts. Several participants report their internet speed tests, revealing varying download and upload speeds, with some questioning whether their speeds are acceptable. The conversation touches on potential causes for the slowdown, including network congestion, issues with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and the impact of shared connections like DSL and cable. Users suggest troubleshooting methods, such as rebooting routers and checking for malware, while others speculate about external factors like increased internet usage in their neighborhoods. The discussion also highlights the importance of download speed for typical internet use and the perception that major websites like Google and Facebook are slower than usual. Overall, the thread reflects a shared concern about declining internet performance and the complexities of diagnosing and resolving these issues.
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I've noticed the internet is getting slow over time. Anything takes forever to load and things time out.


Google:
Oops! This link appears broken.
DNS error - cannot find server.

Even my laptop is doing this!? I have Verizon FIOS internet, so this shouldn't happen. I don't know why the hell my internet is so slow. Is this something others experience too?

If I test my internet speed here:

http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/

it says:

Last Result:
Download Speed: 4598 kbps (574.8 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 1850 kbps (231.3 KB/sec transfer rate)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, it's been bad recently. I should look into why. It could be that backbone providers are closing routes to cut costs, causing congestion.
 
I mean, things like GOOGLE are SOOOOO SLOW. I have to constantly reload web pages until they finally work!
 
Evo said:
Yes, it's been bad recently. I should look into why. It could be that backbone providers are closing routes to cut costs, causing congestion.

Oh noes! The Intertubes can haz bail-out, pls?
I need my LOLcats served up fast!
 
Does anyone know what a normal speed should be? Which one of the speed testing sites should I use to test mine out?
 
mcknia07 said:
Does anyone know what a normal speed should be? Which one of the speed testing sites should I use to test mine out?

Use the one closest to where you live.
 
It says that my download speed is 21852 kbps and my upload speed is 700 kbps. Is that good or bad?
 
mcknia07 said:
It says that my download speed is 21852 kbps and my upload speed is 700 kbps. Is that good or bad?

Yes.


Mine is (CSprings to Chicago):

Download Speed: 5221 kbps (652.6 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 5594 kbps (699.3 KB/sec transfer rate)

(CSprings to Dallas)

Last Result:
Download Speed: 5513 kbps (689.1 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 5319 kbps (664.9 KB/sec transfer rate)

(Csprings to DC)
Last Result:
Download Speed: 3535 kbps (441.9 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 5588 kbps (698.5 KB/sec transfer rate)

(CSprings-Atlanta)
Last Result:
Download Speed: 4710 kbps (588.8 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 5607 kbps (700.9 KB/sec transfer rate)

(CSprings-NY)
Last Result:
Download Speed: 3314 kbps (414.3 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 5568 kbps (696 KB/sec transfer rate)



Download speed is usually more important to the average person than upload speed since you read stuff on the internet a lot more often than you post stuff. If they still had Napster, people would love me.
 
Last edited:
mcknia07 said:
It says that my download speed is 21852 kbps and my upload speed is 700 kbps. Is that good or bad?

If out of every 1 minute of usual internet surfing you spend like only 5 seconds waiting then it is good.

My current internet is like 5 times slower but don't play online games or watch high quality videos.

I use this software to monitor my internet usage.
http://www.softperfect.com/products/networx/manual/
It tells the speed and other internet usage statistics.
 
  • #10
Are you sure that you don't have any adware, spyware or virus on the computer? If you noticed a sudden drop in speed then that's the most likely reason.

The second reason is that your ISP is has issues, and is robbing you of the bandwidth. But if google takes forever to load that would be unlikely.
 
  • #11
My download is pretty constant at 5200, and upload varies with distance from test server between 1075 and 1855.

So why has PF been slow?
 
  • #12
Just think slower, so the innerwebs will be able to keep up.
 
  • #13
who is your ISP? I'm on charter and everything seems fine.

http://technologizer.com/2009/01/28/does-the-internet-feel-slow-googles-m-lab-wants-to-help/

With companies such as Comcast (which prompted an FCC investigation) and Cox Communications prioritizing network traffic, this is good news for consumers and consumer advocacy groups. M-Labs could be a valuable research to help detect bandwidth throttling and let people confirm that they are truly getting what they are paying for.
 
  • #14
I have Verizon FIOS. I also have a wireless network in my house, so that would be one more thing to slow things down, but it wasnt slow like this in the past, and my download speed isn't that slow. But I *constantly* have to hit refresh because pictures won't load and have a red x inside them. When I google image, I hit remove frame, and it takes FOR-EVER to reload the page w/o the google frame.

I think maybe its google? Facebook is also slow as hell.
 
  • #15
Cyrus said:
I have Verizon FIOS. I also have a wireless network in my house, so that would be one more thing to slow things down, but it wasnt slow like this in the past, and my download speed isn't that slow.

I was thinking that it could be the possibility that someone has started using your network if your network is unsecure.
 
  • #16
Well, I live in the suburbs. I think you wouldn't get my signal unless you parked a van outside the font of my house (And still, that would probably be a very low signal). Plus, the network has a password. If I do a site survey, I can only detect my own network, not any of my neighboors.
 
  • #17
Cyrus said:
I have Verizon FIOS. I also have a wireless network in my house, so that would be one more thing to slow things down, but it wasnt slow like this in the past, and my download speed isn't that slow. But I *constantly* have to hit refresh because pictures won't load and have a red x inside them. When I google image, I hit remove frame, and it takes FOR-EVER to reload the page w/o the google frame.

I think maybe its google? Facebook is also slow as hell.

sometimes my wireless just needs a reboot. other times, there may be an object interfering with the signal. i get best reception when i have a line of sight to the antenna, and something like a glass of water in the way can really ruin my night.
 
  • #18
Proton Soup said:
sometimes my wireless just needs a reboot. other times, there may be an object interfering with the signal. i get best reception when i have a line of sight to the antenna, and something like a glass of water in the way can really ruin my night.

That's a great idea. I'm going to go down to the basement and reboot the main router. It's on 24-7 and never gets turned off.
 
  • #19
Cyrus said:
Well, I live in the suburbs. I think you wouldn't get my signal unless you parked a van outside the font of my house (And still, that would probably be a very low signal). Plus, the network has a password. If I do a site survey, I can only detect my own network, not any of my neighboors.

http://www.usbwifi.orconhosting.net.nz/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #20
Hooray! Rebooting the main router really worked wonders!
 
  • #21
We have to reboot sometimes. Turning it off then back on allows it to finish downloading things from the main server.
 
  • #22
mcknia07 said:
It says that my download speed is 21852 kbps and my upload speed is 700 kbps. Is that good or bad?

Jesus christ, how the hell is your internet 21852? That's insanely fast :eek:

(5 times faster than my Verizon FIOS!)
 
  • #23
Yep. I reboot my wireless router/access points when things slow down. Does the trick.

I'm getting 3400 down, 500 up. I thought I was doing well. Boo.
 
  • #24
Cyrus said:
Last Result:
Download Speed: 4598 kbps (574.8 KB/sec transfer rate)
That's only marginally slower than what you had at school.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=227162
cyrus said:
Im at school, my download speed is 5502Kps, upload 5140kps.
 
  • #25
Cyrus said:
Jesus christ, how the hell is your internet 21852? That's insanely fast :eek:

(5 times faster than my Verizon FIOS!)

hahaha, I have no clue how it's that fast. We have Time Warner. And we have a wireless router, too.
 
  • #26
:cry:

741 kbps download and 130 kbps upload.
Mine is geriatric compared with all your download and upload speeds.
That's not supposed to happen with DSL...why??!
It sounds like it's slow, but I don't have to reload pages that often. (and definitely not google)
 
  • #27
My FIOS also carries the signal for my Cable television on it. I wonder if it's slower when the TV's are on?
 
  • #28
Cyrus said:
My FIOS also carries the signal for my Cable television on it. I wonder if it's slower when the TV's are on?

I don't think it should. Ours is connected to the cable too, and it still has the same good spped.
 
  • #29
Cyrus said:
I've noticed the internet is getting slow over time. Anything takes forever to load and things time out.
So pull over to the right, and let the faster traffic through. :biggrin:
 
  • #30
Cyrus said:
Well, I live in the suburbs. I think you wouldn't get my signal unless you parked a van outside the font of my house (And still, that would probably be a very low signal). Plus, the network has a password. If I do a site survey, I can only detect my own network, not any of my neighboors.

That's because all your neighbors are just leaching off of you :p
 
  • #31
Office_Shredder said:
That's because all your neighbors are just leaching off of you :p

...and this guy. DAMN YOU MARK ERIKSON!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY8Wi7XRXCA
 
  • #32
lisab said:
Just think slower, so the innerwebs will be able to keep up.

Ah, So it's that spider in my computor :rolleyes:
 
  • #33
There seems to be a lot of junk, including advertisments, on the internet.

I was looking at a page on Yahoo and one of the ADVERTISEMENTS didn't show, or rather wouldn't load.

In it's place was the typical message I get when a page doesn't load.

The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. The Web site might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you may need to adjust your browser settings.

To attempt fixing network connectivity problems, click Tools, and then click "Diagnose Connection Problems..."

Other options to try:

Click the Refresh button, or try again later.
No - I am not going to adjust my browser settings, I'm not going to click Tools, I'm not going to refresh or try again later. I'm going to enjoy the fact that the advertisement is not there.

I don't want obnoxious advertisments for shtuff I don't want. :biggrin:
 
  • #34
Cyrus said:
My FIOS also carries the signal for my Cable television on it. I wonder if it's slower when the TV's are on?

It's independent.

In fact I think FIOS has a premium service that is double the normal transfer rate, which means that for more money they won't throttle your service back.
 
  • #35
Cyrus said:
Jesus christ, how the hell is your internet 21852? That's insanely fast :eek:
Is this using SpeakEasy? Because we might be talking apples & oranges.

My network connection says it's getting 11.0Mbps, but that's just my router, I'm still only getting 3.5Mbps externally.
 
  • #36
Astronuc said:
There seems to be a lot of junk, including advertisments, on the internet.

I was looking at a page on Yahoo and one of the ADVERTISEMENTS didn't show, or rather wouldn't load.

In it's place was the typical message I get when a page doesn't load.

No - I am not going to adjust my browser settings, I'm not going to click Tools, I'm not going to refresh or try again later. I'm going to enjoy the fact that the advertisement is not there.

I don't want obnoxious advertisments for shtuff I don't want. :biggrin:

adblock plus in firefox addons is slicker 'n shinola
 
  • #37
this is my therory why the internet is getting slower. internet 2 is being used in the schools & the military soon it will become so slow & they will offer internet 2 fot a SMALL fee. the gov't will be involved & will start to control what we can view
 
  • #38
Current DL speed 21,543 upload 733. We just upgraded to the high speed internet and I don't think it did to much, I think it sucks, and made the internet even more slower.
 
  • #39
wait & see
 
  • #40
mcknia07 said:
It says that my download speed is 21852 kbps and my upload speed is 700 kbps. Is that good or bad?
This site http://www.speedtest.net/ measures your speed and provides statistics on how you compare with others in your locale, country or worldwide. It also shows which ISP in your area provides the fastest service.
 
  • #41
Yep, defantly a lot faster today, than it was the other night :biggrin: I think the last testing site was not accurate...The numbers I got this time around, were a lot lower, but it's faster...
 
  • #42
I hadn't tried foreign servers before so it was interesting to see the differences.

Namibia turned out to be slower than Surabaya, and Irkutsk was faster than I would have expected and on a par with Valdivia Chile. I didn't try everywhere, just what looked like the most likely remotest.

My percentile for speed is 88% so overall I guess there's little to complain about for a home connection. (And no need to upgrade my service.)
 
  • #43
$bill said:
this is my therory why the internet is getting slower. internet 2 is being used in the schools & the military soon it will become so slow & they will offer internet 2 fot a SMALL fee. the gov't will be involved & will start to control what we can view
Ridiculous. I happen to know what the internet is and is not, it's not a "thing", there is no single entity, and at this point it is too diverse to be.

FIOS is simply a connection from your premises to your provider, in this case Verizon. It has nothing to do with the internet, it's simply a means of local connection to your provider.
 
  • #44
I have comcast internet which has been incredibly slow as well. At first I thought it was due to the cold whether because the internet in my house was only slow during the night when the temperature is at its lowest. I don't know if that sounds stupid or not, keep in mind I am not a computer whiz or anything. But then my dad called comcast and they checked are bandwidth or something that would show them what kind of dl speed we were receiving to our house. It turns out that the people who live 3 houses down from us were downloading HUGEEEEE amount of files from the internet which was slowing down everyone else on that line. Comcast said they were going to notify them of their internet usage and we got 6 months free:). Ever since then our internet has been running smoothly...
 
  • #45
se7en said:
I have comcast internet which has been incredibly slow as well. At first I thought it was due to the cold whether because the internet in my house was only slow during the night when the temperature is at its lowest. I don't know if that sounds stupid or not, keep in mind I am not a computer whiz or anything. But then my dad called comcast and they checked are bandwidth or something that would show them what kind of dl speed we were receiving to our house. It turns out that the people who live 3 houses down from us were downloading HUGEEEEE amount of files from the internet which was slowing down everyone else on that line. Comcast said they were going to notify them of their internet usage and we got 6 months free:). Ever since then our internet has been running smoothly...
DSL is a shared service, similar to cable.

Where you run into problems with DSL is at the telephone company's central office where all the DSL users try to share a device called a DSLAM in trying to route to the company's edge router for the internet.
 
  • #46
se7en said:
It turns out that the people who live 3 houses down from us were downloading HUGEEEEE amount of files from the internet which was slowing down everyone else on that line. Comcast said they were going to notify them of their internet usage and we got 6 months free:). Ever since then our internet has been running smoothly...

That was likely a crock spun out by Comcast to duck blame. They make so much off your connection that throwing you a 6 month bone to make you feel good is probably their standard line. If my cable company told me I was using my unlimited 24/7 access too much, I'd ask them if they wanted to explain to me again what unlimited meant.
 
  • #47
LowlyPion said:
That was likely a crock spun out by Comcast to duck blame. They make so much off your connection that throwing you a 6 month bone to make you feel good is probably their standard line. If my cable company told me I was using my unlimited 24/7 access too much, I'd ask them if they wanted to explain to me again what unlimited meant.
Actually unlimited doesn't mean unlimited in a lot of scenarios. You may think it's unlimited, but if you read the fine print, there are restrictions. There are not that many truly unlimited scenarios. Abuse by bandwidth hogs has killed "unlimited" now, if you happen to be under a grandfathered clause, count yourself lucky. The many suffer from abuse from the few. Companies are for profit. Sux, but that's reality.
 

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