Why does download speed vary in a big file?

Make sure you check that first. If your cable is in good repair and firmly connected, check to see if there are any coaxial cable splitters attached. Cheaper, lower quality options will typically degrade your internet connection more than the higher-end versions.

Download speed fluctuation can happen when applications are running in the background of your computer as well. Sometimes, you may not even be aware of how many programs are trying to connect to the internet from your device. Just like with software, viruses can run in the background of your computer, slowing things down without you realizing it.

Anti-virus software and firewalls can help. Have you ever noticed that your download speed suddenly slows down right around the time your neighbor gets home from work? It might not be your imagination. Though we pay for certain internet speeds, in reality, we all share a network with everyone else in our geographic vicinity. The same is true at around three pm when children get home from school and at about nine am when people are starting their workday.

It could also be that your ISP has oversold its capacity, especially at peak times. If you notice your Wi-Fi download speed fluctuates, it could be your software, a virus, or internet congestion, like we talked about above. Sometimes, even a newer Wi-Fi router can end up bogged down and slow. To do this, connect the Ethernet from your modem to your device. If the cable is too long or if it is outdated, try upgrading to a higher-quality, shorter cable.

Sometimes this slight change can make all the difference. Viruses on your device can cause a multitude of issues. These viruses can run in the background, using your internet and increasing your bandwidth usage, which results in slow download speed. To prevent this, consider installing antivirus software to protect yourself from viruses, malware, and other online threats. Aside from installing virus scanners, you may also want to limit how much bandwidth is being used on your device.

Bandwidth is a measurement that refers to the amount of data that can be transferred within a network. All of the applications, downloads, and updates that happen on our network can take up our bandwidth, causing download speed to suddenly slow down. You can also manually limit how much bandwidth is being used by updating your device settings.

Cache is what stores your internet data to help website browsers and apps load faster. Sometimes your browser cache will become full and can cause download speeds to run slower. While you may not want to clear your cache completely, you can choose what data to clear. You can clear your browsing history, computer cookies , and cached images and files.

Over time, the software performance can start to decline, making it important to update regularly. Once you are logged in, update the current settings and you may be able to fix any issues associated with download speeds. When logging into your internet service providers account to update the firmware, you can also check on the different settings. The default settings that are set on your router are often not the best. Always keep your internet speeds up to par and make sure your devices are compatible with your current ISP package.

With the tips and tricks mentioned in this article, you should be able to fix whatever is causing your slow download speed in no time. All rights reserved. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Why do Download Speeds vary. Internet — 17 July Related Articles. Why do Institution Block Websites November 17, Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Find Your Answer. Let us know!

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By David Murphy. Photo: Shutterstock Shutterstock. Screenshot: Jon Meleshenko.