Start With a Speed Test

Before assuming the worst, measure what you're actually getting. Run a speed test at speedtest.net or fast.com using a wired Ethernet connection (not Wi-Fi) directly from your modem. This tells you whether the problem is in your home network or coming from your ISP.

  • Speed close to your plan speed: The problem is likely inside your home — your router, Wi-Fi, or devices.
  • Speed far below your plan speed: The problem may be your ISP, modem, or the connection between them.

Step 1: Reboot Your Modem and Router

This solves the problem more often than you'd think. Unplug both your modem and router from power. Wait a full 30 seconds (not just 5). Plug the modem back in first, wait for it to fully connect (1–2 minutes), then plug the router back in.

Modems accumulate memory errors and routing table bloat over time. A reboot clears these and often restores full speed.

Step 2: Check for ISP Outages

Before doing anything else complex, check if your ISP is having a service disruption. Most ISPs have a status page or an outage checker. You can also check community sites like Downdetector.com to see if others in your area are reporting the same issue.

If there's a widespread outage, the only option is to wait — all the router rebooting in the world won't help.

Step 3: Test Your Wi-Fi vs. Wired Speed

Connect a laptop or desktop directly to your router with an Ethernet cable and run a speed test. Then run the same test over Wi-Fi from the same location. If the wired speed is much higher, the issue is your Wi-Fi. Common Wi-Fi culprits include:

  • Distance from the router: Signal strength drops significantly with distance.
  • Physical obstructions: Concrete walls, metal surfaces, and appliances block Wi-Fi signals.
  • Channel congestion: If neighbors' networks are on the same Wi-Fi channel, they compete with yours.
  • Outdated router: Older routers may not support modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6).
  • Router placement: A router stuffed in a closet or cabinet will perform much worse than one in the open, centrally placed.

Step 4: Check for Bandwidth Hogs on Your Network

Another device on your network may be consuming all available bandwidth. Common culprits:

  • Automatic software updates (Windows, macOS, game console updates)
  • Cloud backup software running in the background
  • Someone else streaming 4K video or downloading large files
  • Smart home devices or security cameras uploading footage

Log into your router's admin interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) to see which devices are connected and how much bandwidth each is using.

Step 5: Inspect Your Physical Cables and Connections

Physical infrastructure causes problems more often than people realize. Check:

  • Coaxial or phone cables connecting your modem — look for kinks, fraying, or loose connectors.
  • Ethernet cables — a damaged cable can limit you to 10 Mbps even on a fast plan.
  • The cable splitter (if you use one) — cheap or old splitters degrade cable internet signals significantly.

Step 6: Update Your Router's Firmware

Router manufacturers regularly release firmware updates that fix bugs, improve performance, and patch security vulnerabilities. Log into your router's admin panel and check for firmware updates in the settings menu.

Step 7: Consider Your Modem's Age

If you're renting a modem from your ISP, ask when it was last updated. If you own your modem, check whether it's still certified for your ISP's current network speeds. A DOCSIS 3.0 modem, for example, will struggle to deliver gigabit cable speeds — you'd need DOCSIS 3.1 or newer.

When to Call Your ISP

Contact your ISP if:

  • Your wired speed test directly from the modem is far below your plan speed.
  • Speed has degraded gradually over weeks or months without any change in your equipment.
  • You experience frequent disconnections or packet loss.
  • A technician visit found no issues inside your home (the problem may be with the line outside).

Keep records of your speed test results with dates and times. This documentation makes support calls much more productive and provides evidence if you need to escalate or seek a service credit.