why is internet so slow ?

kwikbreaks

Start point would be to do a speedtest and find out what the PC you are complaining about reports it to be. If that was over WiFi try again wired if possible.

If it is VM that is slowing things down the most likely culprit would be that the power level is wrong or that there is massive congestion - both not especially rare problems with cable.

This sticky over on cable forum will tell you how to check the power levels and what they should be - http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/12/26006-cable-modem-signal-levels.html If they are wrong it will require a VM callout to fix them.

pappa_golf

thescouselander wrote: »

A lot of ISPs have terrible DNS servers - honestly. Virgin were amongst the worst when I was with them. It's well worth checking the performance and configuring your connection to the best server. Thers's an app called namebench than can help with this.

cheers that worked now running 8.8.8.8 / 62.24.128.18 as suggested , not a lot of difference on Ethernet but on 5g , vast increase in speed




just tried my little amd thing , this has got a "cheap" ebay usb wifi dongle http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181116637938?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT


running thinkbroadband speed test


was:


24.5 down
12.9 up


now:
42.8 down
18.6 up

forgotmyname

Dont use AOL to browse the internet, use firefox instead.

The AOL software was always bloated, it must be almost 99.9% adverts by now?

thescouselander

That's strange. Changing the DNS server shouldn't affect bandwidth up and down. If you're using 5ghz that's really only good for short distances. From the router. You might be better using 2.4 ghz, especially if you're using a cheap dongle.

Also, don't let the super hub select the WiFi channel automatically - find a clear channel and set it manually.

kwikbreaks

DNS will have no impact on speed tests and little on browsing either IME. If the speeds are varying a lot then the reason will most likely be congestion - either on the ISP link or because the WiFi has other competing users on the same channel. The only way to rule out the wireless is to see how things pan out on a wired connection.

datlex

OP have you checked what channel you are using for Wifi connection? If a lot of people in your area are using the same channel it can slow down internet speed particularly at peak times. If you go on to your internet home page you can check which channel you are using. To find out how busy the channels are in your area you can use an Android App.

Bollotom

Make sure VM haven't farmed you out to TalkTalk. :cool: