Slow internet connection?

It's helpful to find out whether the slowdown is happening with your core service line, or whether it's a WiFi or device problem. To do this, follow the steps below. 

Check your modem connection status

Have you tried rebooting your modem?

Modems can slow down after running for a while. Often, a poor connection can be fixed by restarting your modem/router. This clears the memory and resets the connection. Rebooting also gives you the best WiFi signal by allowing the modem to select the channel with the least interference. If you're needing to reboot your modem often, it's probably time to replace it!

Is your WiFi network secure?

If you don’t have a strong password securing your network, anyone close to your home could access your WiFi network and slow it down by "piggybacking." Maximize performance with a secure personal network.

Is your modem firmware up to date?

CenturyLink modems update their firmware automatically through the network, so typically you don't have to do anything. However, if you're having connection issues, it's worth checking for firmware updates in the modem settings. This is key to making sure your equipment keeps running as efficiently as possible.

If you have fiber internet, do you have the right equipment?

Fiber internet has specific equipment requirements to work with the fiber-optic technology. With faster speeds, you need to make sure your modem can keep up. 

What feels like "slow internet" is often a weak WiFi signal. It's good to remember that wireless speeds are almost always slower than wired speeds over the same network, due to interference and signal loss. 

Try refreshing your WiFi connection

The easiest way to do this is to disable wireless in your modem settings, wait a few minutes, then enable it again.

Is your router in the best spot?

Location matters! You might be surprised by how much your internet speed can be impacted by where your router (modem) is placed. Find a spot up off the floor and centrally located in your home, or in the area closest to most of your connected devices.

Are other electronics causing interference?

All kinds of electronic devices in your home can slow down your WiFi connection, including microwaves, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, TVs, security systems, baby monitors, and more. If you have a newer modem, opt for a 5 GHz frequency signal to get a stronger connection and avoid some of the congestion from surrounding devices that use the 2.4 GHz band.

Are physical barriers blocking your signal?

Physical obstacles can also slow down your WiFi speed. Look out for any of these things standing between your router and your connected devices:

• Brick or concrete walls or floors
• Large doors, windows, or mirrors
• Large containers of water (such as fish tanks) 
• Large appliances like refrigerators
• Ceramic tiles or plaster

Do your best to move the router so that these things are not blocking the path between it and your main connected devices.

Do you need a WiFi extender?

If your signal is weak in specific areas farther from your router, a WiFi extender can increase coverage. It's important to place any extenders close enough to the modem/router to receive a strong signal, as this same signal will then be repeated to the more distant devices.

Your internet connection and your WiFi are only part of the speed equation. Your devices also play a big role. 

Are any of your devices dragging speeds down?

You can also compare speed results on different devices to determine if there's a slowdown on one particular device. Slower devices may need to be replaced if they're causing performance issues.

Are devices updating in the background?

Many connected devices are "always on" and may run updates in the background. This can slow your download speed considerably. Check device settings to make sure backups are scheduled for off-peak hours in your household. Whenever possible, power off or disconnect devices that you aren't using.

Do you have good antivirus software in place?

Viruses and malware can slow down your whole system. Make sure every device is protected. Install well-rated security software, keep it updated, and run security scans at least weekly. CenturyLink internet subscribers can get McAfee protection for free on up to five devices.

Is your web browser up to date?

Your web browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox, etc.) plays a role as well. Make sure to keep your browser up to date, as well as all browser plug-ins and extensions. You may also want to clear your browser cache on a regular basis. 

More tips to optimize devices

Sometimes the simplest solution is one that people skip. It's worth taking a few minutes to make sure your physical connections are good.

Are any cords damaged?

Check all cords and cables closely. Children, pets, and furniture can cause wires to be crimped or cut. If you do discover any damaged wiring, learn how to get it fixed. 

Is everything plugged in fully?

Check to make sure both ends of all cords are firmly plugged in. You might be surprised at how many times an issue is caused by a loose wire. 

Check for a signal at the network box (NID)