Broadband internet allows high-speed browsing without interrupting phone lines. Slow speeds may be caused by malware, network cables, peer-to-peer file sharing, or proximity to the provider. Malware can be detected and removed with anti-virus software. Peer-to-peer file sharing uses a lot of bandwidth and slows down broadband.
Broadband Internet is a high-speed connection that allows users to browse the Internet without interrupting the use of the telephone line. When internet speed is reduced, users may experience symptoms such as long download and upload times or choppy and interrupted streaming. Broadband speed can also be affected by the number of users nearby or proximity to the provider. Some other common causes of slow broadband are malicious software (malware), peer-to-peer file sharing, and bad or poorly connected network cables.
Computers with a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) connection may experience a weak signal if they are not in close proximity to the central office. Similarly, the speed of cable Internet service can decrease as the number of users in the immediate area increases. Bit rate is the rate at which bits of information are transferred from one location to another. Dial-up Internet service provides transfer speeds of less than 56 kilobits per second (Kbps), while broadband dramatically increases it to 768 Kbps or more. While even slow broadband offers a high-speed advantage over a dial-up connection, workflow is compromised when websites fail to load or download speeds are slowed.
Speed problems can also indicate a problem in your computer that needs to be fixed. Malware is a major internal cause of slow broadband. It can infiltrate your computer to cause damage, collect information without your knowledge and disrupt your computer performance. Types of malware include computer viruses, worms, adware, and spyware. Using a firewall and running anti-virus and anti-malware programs to detect and remove malicious software are some important ways to protect a computer from attacks that slow down your broadband.
Another potential cause of slow speed is a problem with your network cables. Network cables are used with your computer to transfer data over the network. A loose, damaged, or deteriorated cable over time can cause your broadband speed to deteriorate. In this scenario, replacing or tightening the cables can improve the quality and speed of the Internet connection.
Slow broadband isn’t always caused by a physical problem with the equipment. The type of broadband usage can also lead to slow performance. Peer-to-peer file sharing is a setup where individuals make a portion of their system available to other users within the network. Constant file transfers in a peer-to-peer network use a large amount of bandwidth, resulting in slow speed across your broadband connection.
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