How to Make CenturyLink Internet Faster
We live in an incredibly connected world, and slow speeds, for some, bring anxiety. It means being away from people and things you love, albeit for a few minutes. A loading screen and frozen windows are a frustrating affair; that’s why making internet connections faster is a top priority for most people.
There are ways you can make CenturyLink internet faster, the first being rebooting the router. Once you’ve done so, reduce the number of connections to the network, particularly those that aren’t necessary. Otherwise, if the network is slow, the further you get from the router, get a Wi-Fi extender or Wi-Fi mesh to make the signal stronger and faster.
Table of Contents
Why is it slow in the first place, and what can I do?
Well, there is no one reason for slow internet speeds, and that cuts across the board and not merely withCenturyLink. There could be something wrong on your end or the ISP end; let’s look at a few explanations for slow internet.
CenturyLink requires troubleshooting
When there’s an issue with devices, the recommended solution is restarting them. That reboots it, troubleshooting and refreshing the processes. Often when you do that, whatever the issue was tends to resolve itself since it’s usually a software problem.
Solution: Unplug your modem and leave it disconnected for more than a minute. Plug the cable back in and wait for the lights to stabilize, indicating that reconnection has been established.
Router placement
Where have you placed your Wi-Fi does play a part in your CenturyLinkinternet speeds, and that’s not something many are aware of. It’s not uncommon to find people placing their routers next to other electronics or within a furniture cabinet. Thick walls also play a part in your internet speeds. That’s why you find the further you move away from the box, the weaker the signal becomes.
Solution:Your router or modem should always be in the open. Walls, furniture, and other appliances are notorious for slowing down internet speeds. If the box is tucked away somewhere, change the location.
If that’s not working, you can get a Wi-Fi mesh or Wi-Fi extender to improve the overall connection. They are similar in purpose forincreasing the Wi-Fi coverage in the house and removing blind spots. The difference with the mesh is you place nodes around the home that keep you connected to one connection, while for the extender, you’ll get a signal from both it and the router.
Too many devices connected
In households where each person has more than two devices connected will mean that everyone, at some point, will suffer from slow net speeds. If one person is gaming, another on a zoom call, another downloading software required for a course, while another is on Netflix- your CenturyLinkinternet will slow down. If you have smart appliances or home systems and cameras, there’s more strain on the bandwidth.
Solution: All the devices connected to the router or modem share the same bandwidth. Based on all the activities taking place, there will be a strain, causing lagging or disconnection of specific devices. Therefore, make it the norm to disconnect devices you’re not using from the internet. You can also create a family schedule where you don’t use the internet unnecessarily when someone elseis doingsomething important.
Alternatively, if you have gadgets and appliances that need to be connected round the clock or there’s no way around it, then you might have to upgrade your CenturyLink so you can increase your bandwidth. That way, everyone can do as they please in their own time.
Someone is piggybacking on your Wi-Fi
Cyber-attacks are commonplace. Tech-savvy persons hack into your system and take your personal information, and your Wi-Fi password is not spared. Those who have a more challenging time tend to be those living in apartment complexes or communities where houses are closely built. Once someone sees your connection’s name, they can use software that steals your Wi-Fi password. Even if you’ve been generous with it, the other person could be downloading heavy files.
Solution:Change your Wi-Fi password frequently.
Broadband outage
When this happens, it means the issue lies with CenturyLink. It doesn’t mean that all their customers are sharing the same problem; that’s quite rare. It often implies an internet issue in your area, and you’re not the only one suffering slow speeds. Something to keep in mind is that weather does play a role in the quality of internet speeds.
Solution:You can contact customer service to alert them about the broadband outage so they work to restore it. If the weather is looking grumpy, you might have to wait it out, as making the internet faster might be challenging, especially if the infrastructure is affected.
Slow CenturyLink internet and how to make it faster
Problem |
Solution |
|
1 |
CenturyLink requires troubleshooting |
– reboot the router by unplugging the power cable for a minute |
2 |
Router placement |
– Change the router’s location to an open place
– Get a Wi-Fi extender or Wi-Fi mesh to increase connection in larger homes |
3 |
Too many devices connected |
– Disconnect devices from the Wi-Fi when not in use
– Schedule internet use with those you live with – Increase your CenturyLink bandwidth |
4 |
Someone is piggybacking on your Wi-Fi |
– Change the password frequently |
5 |
Broadband outage |
– Reach out to customer service
– Consider the weather |
Final thoughts
The internet connection will fail us one time or another, but it helps to have solutions. With these suggestions, you ought to be on your way to enjoying faster CenturyLink internet. However, if all fails, then reach out to the customer service center to help solve it.
FAQs
How do I check the internet speeds?
A quick browser for “speed test” will offer various sites to use. Those commonly used include Fast.com and Speedtest.com.
Can a device cause slower speeds?
If you notice that the internet is faster on one device and not the other, then it’s time to update it. Check for new updates and install them for optimum productivity.