Why Is My Shaw Internet So Slow

Welcome, internet-sufferer. It’s a frustrating question, isn’t it? Why, oh why, is my Shaw internet crawling at a snail’s pace? Whether you’re trying to stream your favorite show or just load up your emails, a sluggish connection can be the bane of modern life. Fear not! We’re diving deep into the potential culprits and solutions for this ever-annoying issue.

The Many Faces of Slow Internet

Modem/Router Issues

Your personal gateway to the internet.

• Old Hardware: Older modems or routers might not support the faster speeds available today.
• Software Glitches: Sometimes, modems and routers just… glitch. They need a reset now and then.

Local Network Congestion

Imagine your local internet as a highway.

• Peak Times: Just as roads can get congested during rush hour, so can local networks.
• Shared Networks: Living in apartments or condos? Your connection may be split among many residents.

Wi-Fi Woes

Invisible yet so, so important.

• Distance: Being too far from your router can cause signal drops.
• Interference: Other devices can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal.
• Overcrowded Channels: Your neighbors might be clogging up the same Wi-Fi channel.

Too Many Connected Devices

Every device sips a little from the bandwidth pool.

• Streaming and Gaming: These are the heavy drinkers of bandwidth.
• Background Updates: Even when you’re not actively using them, devices can eat up speed.

Shaw’s Own Issues

Sometimes, it’s not you; it’s them.

• Service Interruptions: These can occur due to maintenance or unexpected issues.
• Network Overload: Especially during extraordinary events or circumstances.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Boosting Your Speed

1. Reset your Modem/Router:
   • Unplug it from the power source.
   • Wait for about 30 seconds.
   • Plug it back in.
   • Wait for it to fully restart.
2. Switch to a Wired Connection:
   • If possible, connect your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable.
3. Relocate Your Router:
   • Move it to a central location.
   • Avoid placing it near other electronic devices.
4. Limit Device Connections:
   • Disconnect devices you’re not using.
   • Prioritize tasks. If streaming, pause other bandwidth-heavy activities.
5. Contact Shaw:
   • Sometimes, the issue is on their end. It’s always good to check.

But Why? A Deep Dive into the Culprits

• Modem/Router: Think of these as the gates to your internet kingdom. Old gates might be rusty and slow, while newer gates are swift and efficient. Sometimes, these gates get stuck (i.e., software glitches) and just need a nudge (i.e., a reset) to work smoothly.
• Local Network Congestion: Picture your local network as roads leading to the internet. Sometimes, traffic just piles up. This is especially true if you’re sharing those roads with many neighbors.
• Wi-Fi Woes: Radio waves can be finicky. They get weaker over distances, can get blocked by walls, and sometimes they just… interfere with each other. Switching channels might help, as can getting closer to your router.
• Devices: Every connected device is like a person taking a sip from your home’s bandwidth pool. Some, like those streaming 4K or gaming, are taking big gulps.
• Shaw’s Own Issues: Sometimes the problem lies with Shaw. Networks can get overloaded or need maintenance.

The Lesser-known Culprits of Slow Internet

Let’s delve deeper into some of the intricacies that might not often make the cut when people discuss sluggish internet speeds.

Quality of Hardware and Cables

Internal Wiring:
The quality of the cables inside your home can be a significant factor.

• Ageing Cables: Older cables may not support higher speeds.
• Damage: Cables that have experienced wear, bends, or any other damage can impede connection speeds.

Router Positioning:

• Elevation: Routers tend to spread signals downwards. Placing it on a higher shelf can lead to a better spread of signal.
• Avoid Physical Barriers: Walls, especially thicker ones or those made of certain materials, can disrupt Wi-Fi signals. Open spaces are your router’s best friend.

Software and Firmware

Firmware Updates:
Modern routers have software (firmware) that occasionally needs updating.

• Performance Boost: New updates often provide performance improvements.
• Security: Keeping your router’s firmware updated also ensures you’re protected against any known vulnerabilities.

Background Applications:
Many programs on your devices run in the background and might use the internet without you realizing.

• Automatic Updates: Some devices auto-update apps or software.
• Sync Services: Cloud services often sync data in the background.

External Factors and Environmental Interference

Other Electronic Devices:
Other gadgets can interfere with Wi-Fi signals.

• Microwaves & Cordless Phones: Believe it or not, your microwave or old-school cordless phone can interfere with your Wi-Fi!
• Bluetooth Devices: These operate on the same frequency as Wi-Fi, which can sometimes cause interference.

Neighboring Wi-Fi Networks:
In areas with many networks (like apartment complexes), the airwaves can get congested.

• Channel Overlap: Wi-Fi channels that overlap with each other can cause interference. Tools like Wi-Fi Analyzer can help identify the best channel for your network.

Customizing Router Settings

QoS (Quality of Service) Settings:

• Prioritization: You can set priority for certain types of traffic. For instance, if you’re working from home, you might prioritize video conferencing.

Band Steering:
Modern routers often operate on two bands: 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

• Device Allocation: Allocating devices wisely between these can optimize speeds. 5GHz is faster but has a shorter range, while 2.4GHz offers more coverage but at potentially slower speeds.

The Reality of Advertised Speeds

Here’s a little secret: I recommend always reading the fine print. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Shaw usually advertise speeds “up to” a certain number.

• Shared Bandwidth: Especially in peak times or high-density areas, you might get speeds less than the advertised maximum.
• Wired vs. Wireless: Advertised speeds often refer to wired connections, which are typically faster and more stable than Wi-Fi.

Taking Matters into Your Own Hands

If you’ve exhausted all the above steps and still find yourself wanting for speed, there are some advanced routes you can take.

VPN:
While VPNs can provide a layer of security, they can sometimes slow down your connection due to the encryption process. If you’re using one, try disabling it temporarily to see if it affects your speed.

Third-party Firmware:
Advanced users might consider third-party firmware options like DD-WRT or Tomato. They can potentially unlock more features on your router and optimize performance.

Consider Upgrading:
If all else fails and you’re still stuck in the slow lane, it might be time to consider an upgrade. Whether that’s a higher-tier plan from Shaw or a state-of-the-art modem/router combo, sometimes spending a little can translate to a significant quality-of-life improvement.

Conclusion

Understanding the culprits behind slow internet is the first step towards resolving the issue. With Shaw, as with all ISPs, there’s a myriad of potential factors.

It could be an issue at home, with your hardware, or even a Shaw-side hiccup. Thankfully, most issues have solutions, whether that’s an equipment update or just a strategic router placement.

FAQ

How often should I reset my modem/router?

I recommend resetting your modem/router once every few weeks. But if you notice consistent issues, try resetting it more frequently.

Is a wired connection always faster than Wi-Fi?

Typically, yes. Ethernet cables provide a direct line, reducing potential interference or signal loss.

How do I switch Wi-Fi channels?

Log into your router’s settings. There should be an option to change the channel. Some routers even auto-select the best channel for you.