Understanding Your Internet Speed
Find answers to common questions
Check Your Wiring
If you are using an wired connection to go online, as opposed to Wi-Fi, you should check your connection as it could be contributing to slow speeds.
You’ll want to ensure your Ethernet cord, coaxial cable, OR phone network cord is plugged in securely on the back of your modem. If it is not, insert the connection until it clicks in place.
Placement of Modem
Where you put your wireless modem is very important. The wireless signal it emits is only capable of travelling a short distance; even if your computer, tablet, phone, or other device is within “range,” the farther it is from your wireless modem, the slower your Internet connection will be.
Use the proper cable type!
Some older common cables are only capable of 100mbps speeds. So, if subscribed to a plan faster than 100mbps but using one of these cables full speeds cannot be obtained.
| Cat Types: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable Type | Shielding | Maximum Frequency | Max Data Rate | Speed |
| Cat 3 | No | 16Mhz | 10Mbps | |
| Cat 5 | No | 100MHz | 100Mbps | 100Mbps |
| Cat 5e | No | 100MHz | 1,000 Mbps / 1 Gbps | 1Gbps |
| Cat 6 | Sometimes | 250MHz | 1,000 Mbps / 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Cat 6a | Sometimes | 500MHz | 10,000 Mbps / 10 Gbps | 10 Gbps |
| Cat 7 | Yes | 600MHz | 40,000 Mbps / 40 Gbps | 10 Gbps |
| Cat 8 | Yes | 2Ghz | 25 Gbps / 40 Gbps | 40 Gbps |
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