Nowadays, since everything is connected to the internet, one concern you’ll have is just how good your internet connection is and how well your setup performs. Slow internet affects everything from your ability to browse websites and download files, watch and stream movies, play games, and use your devices.
However, during your hunt for faster, more stable internet speeds, there are some common myths or rumors that can so easily trip you up if you’re not paying attention. Instead of wasting your time trying to fix problems that don’t exist, this article is all about debunking the myths so you can fix the actual problems.
1. More People Online Means Slower Speeds
Sure, back in the days of dial-up connections, if more people were connected to the internet, then your speeds may be faster, but this is generally not the case these days unless you’re living with slow, low-end internet speeds. With modern, up-to-date connections and a capable router, this should never be an issue.
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2. Your ISP Is Holding You Back
If your ISP advertises a certain speed for your home, then this is the speed you should be getting, and if you don’t, then you need to talk to them about it. There’s no reason why your ISP should be throttling your internet speeds for seemingly no reason. However, it’s true that your government could be throttling your internet speeds, just like they do in countries like China.
3. The Myths of Fiber Optic
There are several myths surrounding fiber optic that may hold you back from getting it. For example, people think because optics are made of glass that it’s fragile and can break easily, but this is simply not the case. Optic cables are incredibly flexible, and the connection is incredibly stable. A single cable can transfer data from up to 90,000 television channels simultaneously.
What’s more, since the services are expanding, these packages are becoming more affordable all the time, so if you’re struggling with your current connection, it’s well worth looking into what fiber optic can do for you.
4. Speed Boosting Software Can Improve Your Internet Speeds
“Yes, despite the claims the software is making, internet boosting software will not improve your internet speeds or stability. It just doesn’t work. Your speed is your speed. Sure, you can close and clean up files on your PC to make it run faster or to stop other programs using your limited internet connection, but typically these applications are simply scams,” explains Sarah Farrow, a productivity blogger at Custom Writing.
If you want to boost your internet speed, you’ll be better off upgrading your provider or your hardware.
5. Weather Affects Your Speeds
There are rumors that the weather can affect your internet speeds, and while this is true if you use a 4G or 5G internet connection or router, it’s not the case with broadband and landline internet connections.
6. Upload Speeds Consistently Slower Than Download Speeds
You may find your upload speeds are always slower than your download speeds, and you may just assume that’s how it is, but that’s not the case. To preserve connection speeds, ISPs tend to limit upload speeds for most connections because most people don’t need high upload speeds. However, if you want to increase your speeds, getting in touch with your ISP means they can help.
7. Server Proximity Means Better Speeds
Ping is so important when it comes to defining an internet connection’s speed, and you may think that being closer to the server means your ping will be lower and, therefore, your performance will be better since the physical distance your data has to travel will be shorter.
However, the more important consideration here is judging your internet’s infrastructure. You could be only a mile from the servers, but if your wiring and connection ports are poor quality, then so will your connection speeds.
8. Clearing Your Cache Solves Everything
“How many times do you hear that clearing your cache solves everything related to the internet and your computer’s overall performance? It doesn’t. Clearing your cache may help when it comes to fixing individual website issues, speeding up your computer, or making more space available, but it won’t do anything to the actual speeds of your internet,” shares Nikki Marie, a writer at UKWritings.
9. A New Router Will Fix Internet Speeds
Sure, in some cases, if you’re using a really old router, then you may need to upgrade it to improve your overall internet speeds, but with most modern connections and internet packages, this won’t be the case. You’ll see much more of an improvement coming from upgrading your internet package and installing a fibre optic connection than you will upgrading your router.
Typically, this is a band-aid fix.
More About the Writer
Emily Henry is a tech writer at OXessays and Big Assignments. She writes about Internet Performance and helps people get the most from their devices and ISPs. Emily is also an editor at Simple Grad.
