What Impacts Internet Speed?

Let’s face it, conducting business with slow internet speeds is no fun. Your internet speed should be able to keep up with your business needs and provide a reliable connection.

At CenturyLink Business, we understand that getting to the root of slow internet can be challenging. That’s why we’ve made a list of the top 4 factors that affect your internet speeds. Before we dive in, let’s discuss internet speed requirements.

What is the recommended business internet speed?

The internet speed your business needs depends largely on the size of your business.

Typically, a business needs at least 25 Mbps of download speed and 3 Mbps of upload speed to complete daily tasks such as having virtual meetings, sending reports, and sharing files. Depending on your business size, you may need a faster connection. Compared to residential internet speeds, which usually range from 1 Mbps to 1 Gbps, business internet speeds range from 5 Mbps to 1 Gig.

We recommend taking a business internet speed test to see whether your internet plan is sufficient.

These factors contribute to slow internet speeds

Router placement

Where you place your Wi-Fi router matters. Physical interruptions such as walls, decor items, and desks can get in the way of your Wi-Fi signal, leading to slower internet speeds. Place your router in a prime location clear from possible obstructions. 

Expert tip: The farther you are from your router, the more your internet speed is impacted. If possible, decrease the distance between your device and your Wi-Fi router to help.

Outdated or slow devices

In addition to moving your router, take inventory of the web-enabled devices used in your office space. Using outdated and slow devices greatly impacts the speed of your internet.

Computers use network adapters to connect to the internet. If your business tech is outdated, those adapters will be incapable of processing today’s Wi-Fi speeds. That’s why it’s important to update your devices every few years, especially when upgrading your internet plan.

Expert tip: Check the manuals of each of your devices to better understand their specific speed capabilities. 

Limited bandwidth

Whenever a device connects to your network that device uses bandwidth. The more bandwidth being used means slower internet speeds.

This can lead to interruptions when completing daily tasks, hosting video calls, or sending emails.

Expert tip: Determine your bandwidth needs and turn off or disconnect devices that aren’t currently in use to increase available bandwidth.

Need to update software

Another reason your business internet may be operating at slower speeds is that it’s time to update the software on your devices.

With many programs pushing out frequent updates, we understand that this can be challenging, but it’s an important step to take. Regularly updating your software also strengthens your internet security and protects you from cyber attacks.

Expert tip: Dedicate a department or person to do routine updates on your devices to minimize internet issues.

How CenturyLink Business can help

If you are looking for a remedy to solve your slow business internet speeds, our team at CenturyLink Business is here to help. Visit our business customer support page to see how we can best assist your business.