Nothing is more frustrating than having a weak Internet connection. Whether sending an email or hosting a video conference, the last thing you want to see on your screen is that cursed spinning wheel telling you the Internet is running a bit slow.
Luckily, there are ways to determine why your upload speed is faster than your download speed. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Is My Upload Speed Faster Than My Download Speed?
1. This Is The Plan You Signed Up For
As we mentioned above, many internet service providers (ISPs) give their customers more download bandwidth than upload speed. So, ISPs draw up plans according to these needs, which limit the speed of uploads drastically.
You can use various apps and software to evaluate your Internet speeds in real-time, like Speed.net. Try it once via Wi-Fi, then a second time using an Ethernet cable. Then, compare these numbers with those given to you by your ISP.
2. Wireless Is Slower Than Wired
Wi-Fi is convenient because it’s wireless. Yet, it’s also slower than its wired alternative because a portion of the signal dissipates into the air as it makes its way from the router to your device.
So, if you need a stable, faster, reliable connection, use a wired Ethernet connection. It’s worth noting that Ethernet cables are duplex, which means they receive and transmit data simultaneously via the various wires and pins on the connector.
So, make sure the cable is intact and working properly to enjoy fast download speeds.
3. Multiple Uploads Are Running Simultaneously
Is there a certain time during the day when your upload speeds seem faster than the download speed, like when everyone comes home in the evening and starts streaming videos?
If this sounds familiar, then your problem is low bandwidth.
Think of your Internet bandwidth, which is how ISPs measure Internet speeds, as a road. The wider the road, the more vehicles, aka data, can pass through, and the opposite is true.
The best way to fix this issue is to take turns, so everyone gets a chance to make the most of the bandwidth.
4. Wi-Fi Router Needs An Update
Routers are the Internet’s main connecting mechanism. If anything happens to them, it can negatively affect download speeds.
It could be that the router is old, defective, cheap, or not configured properly. Here are a few ideas to optimize your router and boost Internet speeds.
- Update the firmware on the router
- Perform a factory reset on the router to revert it back to its default settings
- Tweak more configurations on the router
- Buy a new high-quality router
5. You Exceeded Your Monthly Data Cap
Almost all Internet plans have a data limit. If you go over it by streaming movies, shows, and music, your download speeds will reduce significantly until it’s time to renew your monthly bill.
To avoid falling into this pit, monitor your activity to avoid exceeding your monthly data allowance. You can do this via the ISP’s app or website, where they keep track of their user’s data usage.
Other fixes include buying additional data until your next billing cycle. Another idea is to go with a provider that offers no data cap, to begin with. Yet, keep in mind that these data plans are more expensive than those with limited data.
6. The Router Is In the Wrong Place
The distance between your router and device plays a vital role in Internet performance.
So, the best way to boost download speeds is to position the router somewhere in the middle of your home to maximize signal strength. If you can’t move the router, you can try extending the antenna in a different direction.
Your other option is to use a Wi-Fi extender. This can help distribute the signal farther and distribute it at various angles throughout your home.
7. Various Applications Running In The Background
Even if your laptop is in sleep mode or your phone is in idle mode, it can still be using download speeds. Google Play Store and Windows Update are two examples of apps that consume bandwidth even when you’re not using your device.
The best way to stop these background apps from draining your download speeds is to disable them. This way, you’ll free up bandwidth and increase your download speeds.
8. Someone Is Using Your Connection
Many times, we’re so happy just linking our devices to a new router that we don’t bother doing anything after that, like changing the router’s default password, for example. Unfortunately, even if you change the password, anyone with a bit of programming know-how can hack it.
So, the first thing you have to do with a new router is to change the administrative credentials that come with it. Then, switch to a more reliable encryption, such as WPA2-AES, to give you extra protection against unauthorized access.
9. Call Your ISP
If all else fails, it’s time to get your ISP involved.
Sometimes, problems like this can affect the entire region and not just your personal Internet connection. So, they may be already working on fixing it, or be the one to let them know, and your neighbors will thank you for it.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has answered the question: why is my upload speed faster than my download speed? First, test your overall Internet speed, then use our guide to help you look for possible reasons for the slow speed and their quick fixes.