Q. I've noticed that my home network has been running slow lately. I thought the problems were changes made by the cable company. I also thought there could be issues with my older computer. However, I experienced a similar problem with another computer on the network. I replaced the router, but that didn't fix things. Could it be my cable modem? It is nine years old.
A. There could be a few different things going on here, Jonathan. You jumped the gun with the router. So, let's take a more methodical approach this time.
First, you need to scan all of the computers connected to the network. Check for spyware, adware and other malware. These programs can really slow down your Internet connection.
In addition to computers, scan any external drives you may have connected. Malware could be hiding on them. It is important that you scan everything.
Malware can hide in storage and reinstall itself. Because of this, I often recommend disabling AutoPlay. Don't miss my tip on AutoPlay . It will explain the problem with AutoPlay—and help you disable it.
Malware can also spread over networks. So, a slow connection on two computers doesn't mean there's a problem with your gear.
If you don't have security software, hit my Security Center . You'll find all the free security tools you need.
After you scan for malware, do some cleaning up on your computers. Over time, garbage accumulates on computers. This can slow down everything on the machine, including browsing. My handy tip will help you get your machine spick and span .
These steps should rule out software problems with your machines. Now we can begin looking at hardware.
First, check your modem's firmware. It is very likely that, in nine years, there have been firmware updates.
Check the manufacturer's site for the most current firmware. It should also provide updating instructions. Make sure you follow the instructions closely. Otherwise, you could ruin your modem.
You already replaced the router. That pretty much eliminates it as the source of the slowdown. That is, provided you have your router locked down.
If your network is open, you could have visitors on it. This will definitely slow down your connection. If you haven't encrypted your network, do so now! My tip will help .
Let's eliminate the router from the equation for now. Disconnect the router from the network. Connect your computer directly to the modem. You can do this with an Ethernet cable. Connect your computer to the jack where the router was connected.
While you're back there, check the cable connections to the modem. Unscrew the coaxial cable from the wall and the modem. Make sure there is no dust or debris on the plugs and jacks. Then, reattach the cable securely.
Now, go online for a speed test. The speed test will check the time it takes to upload and download files. It will give you a pretty good idea of your Internet speeds. How do you test your Internet speed? The answer is in my must-read tip !
You won't get the speeds promised by your service provider. But, you should come close.
If speeds are significantly slower than promised, do a few more speed tests. However, do them at different times of day.
With cable broadband, your neighbors can affect your traffic. If a lot are signed on at once, your speeds will be slower. That's because there's limited capacity.
Doing multiple tests will show if there are fluctuations in speed. If so, the problem is likely due to your neighbors.
Of course, you need to remember that computers inside your house could be causing the slowdown. They must all share your allotted capacity. If one machine is downloading large files, it will slow down other machines.
It is also possible that the cable company is throttling your traffic. Broadband companies have been known to do this to heavy downloaders. So, if you download a lot, throttling is a distinct possibility.
The next step is to call the cable company. There could be problems with the cable lines.
For example, you may need the signal amplified. As more connectors and splitters are added, line noise increases. Line noise can slow or interrupt Web traffic. The cable company will be able to check the signal coming in to the modem.