Why Is My Internet Slower Than Usual During the Day?

Do you constantly ask yourself, “why is my internet slower than usual during the day?” There are many reasons why this could be happening.

The average internet speed in the US is 110.07 Mbps. While this is only 15th in the world, it’s more than fast enough for most people – as long as the speed doesn’t drop.

In today’s increasingly digital world, we rely more and more on the Internet. For many daily tasks, a reliable Internet connection is vital. If you find yourself asking, “Why is my internet slower than usual during the day?”, this guide is for you.

Keep reading for some potential causes so you can determine why your internet isn’t performing as it should.

Heavy Network Traffic

Every network can only handle a certain amount of traffic. If there’s too much on yours, it will affect the Internet speed of everyone using it.

This can cause slow speeds at certain times when more people are online. With a lot more people working from home these days, it’s natural for networks to be busier during the day. More people streaming and playing games online results in busier networks during the evening.

Slow-speed internet subscribers are likely to suffer more because of this. Users of slower-speed internet providers in the same area will share bandwidth, so your internet could be affected by traffic outside of your own home

For others, this can still be an issue if a household has a lot of people connected at the same time. Kids who enjoy gaming and streaming content can be a large factor here. Workplaces can also have a similar issue – businesses typically need more robust internet plans to support their networks.

One way to help eliminate the issue of slow speed is to disconnect any devices no longer in use. Think about things like mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, game consoles, and any other device that uses your network.

You can also make use of both channels on your router. Most modern routers offer a 2Ghz connection (slower with more range) and a 5Ghz connection (faster with shorter range). If one channel is slow, try switching to the other.
If none of these solutions work and you’re still experiencing slow speeds, you may need to upgrade your internet plan.

A better plan will offer you more bandwidth, so you’ll be able to use more data without experiencing speed issues.

Router or Modem Troubles

The main role of your router is to manage your network. To do this, it needs regular maintenance that will keep it in working order. Some people have 2-in-1 routers, but everfast fiber does not use or endorse the use of 2-in-1 routers because, in most cases, the wireless router inside the modem is less powerful.

When using two separate devices, however, you need to ensure you keep both of them in good shape. If your internet upload speed is slow, it could be because one or both of these devices are faulty. You may be able to troubleshoot your equipment if you’re having router problems. The simplest is regular restarts. Turning a router off and on again can often solve short-term issues. You’ll typically get a better connection by being closer to your router.

You could move it to a more convenient location in your home to help combat slow speeds. You should change your router password when you get it, as default passwords are often easy for hackers to use. This will ensure others can’t access your network. Routers can degrade with time, so if yours is a bit old, the above suggestions might not help. In this case, it might be time to upgrade to a newer model. You could also consider adding everfast’s genius wifi mesh system to enhance the quality of your home network.

Malware

Malware can cause a range of issues, and slow Internet speeds are one of them. Unfortunately, it’s easier than a lot of people realize to get infected with malware, and it can be difficult to detect. Some people go on using infected devices and networks for months before realizing that there’s something wrong.

Cybersecurity is more important these days than it ever has been in the past. Businesses and individuals should take appropriate precautions to protect against cybersecurity threats.

On top of causing Internet speed issues, malware can slow down the overall performance of a computer, and hackers can use it to steal sensitive information. If you think your computer or network might be infected, seek the assistance of a cybersecurity professional immediately.

Throttling

Throttling is something that internet service providers do, and it can cause a shift in the internet speeds of its users. It involves slowing a connection or limiting bandwidth. This is typically done during certain online activities or when a data cap is reached.

If your connection seems to be fine during some activities and much slower during others, this could be the reason. People often experience throttling when doing things like gaming, streaming, or downloading large files.

Incompatible Connection Type

Your internet connection type will determine if the speeds you get will be suitable for your activities. This is because different connection types transmit data in different ways.

Fiber-optic and cable connections, for example, tend to offer much better speeds than DSL, 5G wireless connections, or satellite connections. You can expect a range of speeds from different connection types:

Satellite: 500 Kbps to 25 Mbps
DSL: 300 Kbps to 100 Mbps
5G: 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps

A range of factors can affect the actual speed you get from your connection. In most cases, fiber-optic connections offer the highest speeds.

You can find various connection speed tests online to see the kind of speed you’re getting. When doing these, bear in mind that if you’re using Wifi, you’ll always get a slower reading than with a wired connection.