Verify you're getting the internet speed you're paying for
Understanding your modem's role in your network
A modem is what translates the signal from your ISP into a signal your network understands. It is not a router (although there are some devices that are both modems and routers).
Cable Modem
RJ45 Cable
Coaxial (Coax) Cable
Cable Splitter
What you'll need to check your internet speed at the modem
A laptop or computer that can connect with a network cable
Most modems come with them
Usually located near cable entry point
Modems can get dusty!
Follow these steps to test your modem's performance
Power off your modem for 5 minutes. This allows the modem to fully reset and release any cached configurations.
Connect your laptop to your modem using the RJ45 cable. Make sure the connection is secure.
Turn on your modem and watch the lights on it to ensure it signals that it is connected. This may take several minutes.
Open a browser on your laptop and navigate to https://www.speedtest.net (or a similar speed testing site) and run a speed test.
If you're unable to connect after following the steps above, try these troubleshooting commands:
cmd and press Enteripconfig /renew
If you're running Linux, you probably don't need our help... but here are the commands anyway!
sudo dhclient -r
sudo dhclient
Steps to diagnose and fix slow internet speeds
With ISP speeds increasing drastically in recent years, it's possible you won't get the advertised speed due to your hardware's inability to accommodate it. For example, if you're using an older network cable, it may not be able to handle the speeds provided by your ISP.
Common bottlenecks include:
Learn More: Network Cable Speed Capacities Guide →
Find where your ISP's service enters the house. This will be either the coaxial cable if you use a cable company or a telephone cable if you use a telephone company.
If your service is from your cable company, this will require locating any cable splitters and temporarily disconnecting them so you can perform the test. Often they are just finger-tight connections but sometimes you'll need pliers to loosen the connection.
If this test fixes the speed issue, then what's happening is either the cable splitter is bad or the feed coming into your home from the ISP is not strong enough.
Try these options to improve your connection
Ensure all your cable connections are tight and secure.
Make sure any splitters or connectors in your feed are high quality.
Remove any cable splits that aren't needed.
Have them check signal strength coming into your house.
Use a newer laptop to perform the tests. Sometimes the speed being delivered is correct but your devices are too old to handle it.
If this is all just too much, we're here to help. Contact us and we'd be glad to offer our services to help you out.
Contact Us for HelpIf you're getting value from this information, consider buying us a cup of coffee. Your support helps us continue providing free resources like this!
Thank you for your support!