If you’re like most businesses, you rely on the internet for many things. It’s how you communicate, create, interact with customers, and research. Slow business internet speeds can be a constant roadblock, and the first step toward addressing it is identifying the cause. Here's a look at the most common culprits.

Why Has Your Office Internet Slowed Down?

1. Too Many Devices

Internet speeds relate to how much data can be sent (uploaded) and received (downloaded) from your office at one time. The more active devices on your network, the more data that’s coming and going. If you’re recently grown and haven’t scaled your business internet services to keep up, it’s no surprise to see a dip in speeds. You need to either remove unused devices from the network and connect them only when needed or upgrade your plan to accommodate larger data transfers.

2. Outdated Equipment

You can purchase the fastest business internet speed package, but if your hardware is outdated, it’s not going to transmit the signals you need. When purchasing a plan, ask the service provider about the preferred routers. 

These are designed to transmit Wi-Fi signals across large offices while handling large data transfers. Remember to also update firmware regularly because it fixes many software bugs that could be slowing down the internet.

3. Bandwidth Issues

Think of bandwidth as a pipe that all your data passes through. The larger the data, the more difficult it is to squeeze through, resulting in slower business internet speeds. 

Video streaming, especially 4K, and video conferencing take up massive amounts of bandwidth. The same goes for peer-to-peer file sharing and cloud applications. Increasing bandwidth makes the “pipe” wider, boosting speeds and allowing large data to pass easily.

Find business internet and telecom solutions with the professionals at Horizon. Based in Chillicothe, OH, this service provider offers fiber-optic connections for businesses of all sizes. They also offer business phone systems and have proudly worked with local clients for 125 years. Call (740) 772-8200 to discuss pricing or connect on Facebook for more tips. Visit their website to learn more about their services.