Why Is ATT Internet So Slow? [10 Easy Solutions To Try]

Have you ever been frustrated by a slow internet connection right when you need it? You are not, however, alone. I had a similar problem with my home network, where I couldn’t watch my favorite online shows because of frequent buffering.

Finally fed up, I took matters into my own hands and attempted to unravel the underlying causes of why is ATT internet so slow. In my case, I had several devices connected to the network throughout the house, which caused it to slow down.

This article investigates the underlying causes of poor network connectivity and offers readers practical advice on troubleshooting such issues.

To resolve your AT&T Internet Slowness, first try rebooting your router and disconnecting any unnecessary devices. You can also try connecting via ethernet, scanning your computer for malware, relocating your router, updating your system drivers, disabling VPN services, and using a Wi-Fi extender.

REASONS FOR SLOW AT&T INTERNET:

Some of the well-known causes of slow AT&T internet include router issues, running background apps, using low-performance devices, or selecting an Internet plan that is not fast enough to support daily tasks.

1. Bandwidth Restriction

 AT&T can reduce the bandwidth deliberately due to the following reasons.

• If you exceed the plan’s bandwidth limit, the service provider may limit your bandwidth by slowing down your internet connection. For example, if you chose a 10Mbps plan and your usage exceeded the data limit, AT&T may reduce the allotted bandwidth, resulting in slow internet.

• AT&T may also impose restrictions due to network congestion during peak hours. This may appear to be unfair, but service providers resort to such practices in order to keep everyone connected and relieve strain on their network.

2. Too Many Devices Connected

Too many devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network is one of the most common causes of poor connectivity. For example, if a laptop and a mobile device are both connected to a 4 Mbps network, the bandwidth will be distributed equally between the two devices.

In this case, the laptop and mobile will each have 2 Mbps. This has a significant impact on Wi-Fi performance. To experience good internet connectivity, I strongly advise the reader to connect and use only one device at a time, especially when performing tasks that require a large amount of data.

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3. Multitasking

I personally experimented by performing various tasks in my home network and discovered that multitasking significantly increases network congestion, lowering internet performance. I used my laptop to do a variety of tasks, including watching YouTube (but not playing it) and downloading a large file from my email; at the same time, I used my handset to make video calls.

As it turned out, my video call was pixelated due to a lack of data, but I was able to completely eliminate the pixilation from my video call by disconnecting the laptop and all of its tasks from the network.

4. Faulty Router

If you experience intermittent internet disconnections, it could be due to a faulty router. I recommend connecting a backup router to see if the connection problems persist.

If replacing the existing router with a new one resolves the network problem, it is reasonable to conclude that the issue was caused by a router malfunction.

If you’re constantly having router problems and wondering, “Does the Netgear Nighthawk work with AT&T?”” Alternatively, “Does Google Nest WiFi Work on AT&T?” If the words “pop into your head,” the answer is yes.

5. Interferences in the Environment

The presence of obstacles and external interferences is the most overlooked factor in addressing slow internet speeds.

According to my observations, Wi-Fi signals are easily dissipated or weakened in the presence of wireless devices or other similar devices operating in the microwave frequency range, such as an oven, cordless phone, and other radio devices such as a walkie-talkie, and so on.

I was also surprised to discover that a Wi-Fi signal from my next-door neighbors can influence and weaken the wireless network at my house.

6. AT&T Internet Outage

The ISP Internet outage is beyond anyone’s control, and all that can be done is wait until the service provider’s end of the problem is resolved.

Some of the causes of internet outages include AT&T’s equipment upgrades and other maintenance activities, network congestion, disruption of optic fiber cables due to digging and road work, and natural disasters that could damage network infrastructure.

ATT INTERNET SO SLOW: HOW TO FIX?

If you live by the motto “Do-it-Yourself” and prefer to solve problems on your own, here are some tried-and-true methods for increasing the speed of your home Wi-Fi connection.

1. Reboot Your Router

The first and most important step is to hard-boot the router, which entails manually turning off and on the router. The logic behind this method is that it clears all of the device’s short-term memory (also known as power-cycling), particularly the temporary IP addresses provided by the service provider.

When the router reboots, it resets the network adapter and starts a new transmission of data packets received from the ISP, providing the user with more bandwidth. In fact, most users and even computer technicians recommend this as a solution or as a first step in troubleshooting bandwidth and speed issues on the internet.

2. Other Connected Devices Must Be Disconnected

According to my findings, limiting the number of devices that use the home Wi-Fi network can significantly improve internet speed. If you live as a family or in a group, make sure there is enough bandwidth to accommodate the data usage of each member of the family.

I’ve had sluggish Wi-Fi at home when both my parents and siblings are online, but my home network is really fast when used in the early hours when fewer people are online; in other words, the fewer devices connected, the faster the internet connection.

3. Employ An Ethernet Connection

When compared to Ethernet cables, wireless networks have higher packet losses. I noticed a difference when I switched to an ethernet connection because there was less interference and more stability, resulting in faster internet speeds.

Furthermore, I was able to watch my favorite sports live without experiencing any lags or buffering. Because of the benefits mentioned above, using a wired connection is recommended for those who perform bulky tasks such as file transfer, high definition video, and so on.

If your ethernet connection is slower than Wi-Fi, it could be due to damaged cables or out-of-date drivers.

4. Scan Your Computer For Malware

Infected computer devices can consume your bandwidth by running unwanted apps in the background without the user’s knowledge. As a result, it is advised to scan and protect the PC with antivirus software.

5. Change Your Router Location

Bandwidth issues caused by external barriers can be resolved by relocating the Wi-Fi router closer to your work area or in open areas. In addition, make sure that no obstacles, such as walls, or appliances, such as ovens, interfere with the Wi-Fi signal.

Furthermore, you should look for the best mesh routers for AT&T Fiber or Uverse, depending on which one you have as mesh routers, to significantly improve your internet’s connectivity throughout the house.

6. Update Your System

It is common knowledge that newer devices include updated drivers that are faster at processing data and more efficient at connecting to high-speed internet. Using updated network drivers on the PC is one method of resolving slow Wi-Fi connectivity.

Using outdated drivers can cause the computer to frequently hang, and the user misses out on minor bug fixes that are addressed in the updated version.

7. Reset Your Router

Resetting the router can help clear all customized settings, allowing the user to begin setting up connectivity from scratch.

I found that resetting the router was useful in resolving issues with its firmware that could not be resolved by restarting. Internet problems caused by router firmware can be resolved by resetting the router.

8. Disable VPN Services

VPN uses proxy servers and encryption to protect the user’s data related to connectivity, privacy, and accessibility. However, the encryption process and data routing through proxy servers consume more internet, which can degrade internet performance.

Disabling VPN services allows the user to free up data, which results in faster internet speeds. This solution also addresses the issue of slow upload speeds.

9. Make Use Of A Wi-Fi Extender

Using an extender is one way to improve Wi-Fi connectivity. The Wi-Fi extender functions as an amplifier, picking up the existing Wi-Fi signal and amplifying it to improve connectivity in areas with weaker Wi-Fi signal strength.

10. Contact Support

If none of the above methods work, you can contact AT&T customer service and file a complaint or request technical assistance in restoring internet speed. AT&T will then investigate any issues at their end or dispatch a technical team to investigate any issues at the user’s end.

CONCLUSION

As previously stated, the guidelines are tried and tested methods that can be used whenever you experience frustrating Wi-Fi connectivity at home.

Furthermore, the resolution steps are simple, and no prior knowledge of computers, networks, or internet topology is required to address a slow internet connection. If AT&T suspects malicious activity, they can restrict data or block specific ports to protect the user, resulting in slow internet speeds over time.

One thing to keep in mind when resetting your router is that it will erase all of your settings and restore it to its original state, requiring you to set it up all over again. So only rest your router if absolutely necessary, and remember to make a note of your settings before you do so.

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