Slow Internet

Some of the larger Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Canada (Sympatico to name one) use DSL technology to deliver their high speed internet access. DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line.

Its important to note that in Canada all residential DSL service is actually Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL). What that means is that your internet service is set up so you can achieve fast download speeds. But if you are uploading content from your computer you will experience slow internet access. The ISP do not want you using your home computer has some ultra fast hosting machine so they restrict your ability to provide fast transfers from your home machine.

But your DSL connection should be delivering some pretty decent speeds. We have all seen the ads talking about ultra fast downloads and other benefits. So what is happening when you have a slow internet connection.

Some DSL slow internet fixes

Because DSL service uses your copper phone lines to deliver access you need to check a few things when your connection speed slows down. Your ISP likely provided you with filters for all your home phone jacks when you had the internet installed. Make sure they are still connected. You can also check to make sure nothing has happened to your actual phone line. Cuts in the line could affect your speed

One quick fix is based around how your DSL modem works. It actually acts like a small computer in that its saves some information in its cache. Sometimes the cache of information slows down your internet speed so the cache needs to be cleared. While this sounds complicated its a simple solution called power cycling your modem. Turn off your computer. Unplug your modems power supply for around two minutes. Plug it back (turning it on). Wait about two minutes after you have plugged your modem back in. Turn on your computer. That solution has solved our slow internet connection about 20 times.

The other potential issue if you not experiencing those ultra fast speeds promised by your ISP is distance. The way DSL works means that is distance senstive. If your home is located to far away from the ISP “central office” you might not be able to connect at ultra fast speeds. DSL works by connecting your home to a central access point called the central office by some tech folks. If the distance is to great DSL speeds slowdown. Anything over 18,000 feet can cause problems and even being over 10,000 feet away can mean that you would not get those ultra fast downloads. Unfortunately you likely do not know where your “central office” location is but its important to ask if your location might be to far awy for ultra fast internet speeds

Another simple solution might be your friendly local phone company employee. We have suffered slow internet speeds after an employee did some work at our local phone box. Unfortunately the tech support folks did not know we was in the area and it was not until a stroll in our neighbourhood that we saw the employee working on “improving” access for everyone.