We’ve all been there — trying to stream a movie or download a file, only to experience frustratingly slow internet speeds.

A poor internet connection can ruin productivity, strain online meetings, or even kill a relaxing evening at home. But what causes bad internet, and how can you fix it?

1. Outdated Equipment: Using an outdated router or modem is a major culprit. Internet technology advances rapidly, and older devices simply cannot keep up with current internet speeds. Investing in modern equipment is often the fastest way to solve slow internet.

2. Overloaded Network: If too many devices are connected to your network, the available bandwidth can get stretched thin. This is especially true in households with multiple users streaming, gaming, or downloading large files simultaneously. A mesh network or an upgrade to your current router can alleviate this problem.

3. Poor Router Placement: The location of your router can significantly affect signal strength. Large furniture, thick walls, or metal appliances between your device and router can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Repositioning your router or adding signal extenders in larger homes can boost your Wi-Fi performance.

4. ISP Throttling: Some ISPs throttle internet speeds during peak usage times. You can check if throttling is happening by running speed tests at different times of the day. If this is an issue, switching to a plan with higher bandwidth or changing ISPs might be necessary.

5. External Interference: Wireless signals from other devices (e.g., baby monitors, and microwaves) can interfere with your Wi-Fi connection. Changing the frequency band of your router from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz can help minimize this issue.

Solving bad internet connections requires identifying the root cause. Once identified, many solutions — such as upgrading your equipment, optimizing your router’s placement, or addressing ISP issues — can drastically improve your connection.