Bundle offers from internet service providers can include cable TV and phone lines as well. As the prices for bundles are usually a bargain, more people tend to get them. They can be a great option for households and offices alike. Usually, you can get Spectrum internet which can turn out to great value for money. And you can also get add-ons and special offers to go with it.
However, you might experience a slow internet connection when on a bundle offer. So, it is a reasonable question to ask yourself. Is your cable TV slowing down your internet connection? If you’re looking for the answer, you have come to the right place. This article will talk about the different reasons why you may have a slow internet connection.
The Internet and Cable TV
Most people get cable TV and internet connections from local cable operators. As the internet and cable TV both use underground coaxial cables, it can be a great deal. But depending upon the same cables for both services also has its disadvantages. So, if the equipment malfunctions, your connection can get terribly affected. It can be a nightmare if both services are down at the same time. So, you can only hope for the cable operator to fix it in time for you. While this may be one of the biggest downsides of a bundle package, the price point can still attract many towards it.
Moreover, most people can suffer from a slow internet connection if they use On-Demand TV features. It is more or less like internet data. So, cable TV operators can use your internet bandwidth to provide On-Demand TV. As a result, it can slow down your internet connection. However, if the equipment is alright, and you don’t use On-Demand TV, you shouldn’t worry. Usually, the cable TV box has a separate modem and dedicated bandwidth. So, there is no reason to believe that broadcast TV is slowing down your internet.
Why Is Your Internet Connection Slow?
So, if cable TV isn’t a reason, then why is your internet still down? There could be many different explanations for it. Most of the time, it is a router or bandwidth issue that has nothing to do with cable TV. So, here are some of the things that you should check out:
Router Placement
Many times, people complain of getting slower speeds in one corner of the house. If that is the case, then you might need to change your router’s position. The Wi-Fi signals cannot penetrate through solid objects like walls or ceilings. So, you might want to check for obstructions in the signal’s way. You can place your router in the area where your family spends most of their time. Moreover, your router should ideally have a central position in the house. As a result, you can get signals in all the corners.
Data Throttling
Internet providers limit users to a certain bandwidth according to the package they choose. So, if you go over that limit, the ISP can throttle your data speeds. You should check with your cable internet provider for data throttling limits and warnings. You may also use bandwidth monitoring software to measure the actual bandwidth available in your local system. Moreover, if you are always going over the limit, you should upgrade your internet connection.
Malware
There could be something fishy if the speed issue is only on one or two devices. So, you should check your device for malware intrusion. Many viruses can slow down the speed of your system and any subsequent connections it makes. So, you should always be prepared for malware and install anti-virus software on all devices. It isn’t safe because one affected device can put the entire connection at risk. And you don’t want to be a victim of a data leak or ransomware.
Outdated Router Firmware
Routers usually get a firmware update now and then. So, updated firmware is probably going to give you the most optimum performance. You can check for updates through the router app on newer models. You can access admin panels online for most older models as well. If there is an update, make sure that you install it. It can fix a lot of underlying issues with your internet router.
Router Malfunction
One of the most obvious yet overlooked problems could be a router malfunction. So, you need to make sure that your router is working correctly first. To do this, you will need an ethernet cable. Then, connect your router directly to your laptop through the ethernet. If the internet is working, the chances are that your router is also fine. If not, then you may need to call your operator to get a new router.
Conclusion
So, it is unlikely that your cable TV is causing your slow internet. However, you cannot deny the possibility. So, you should check for other reasons why your internet is slow. When you narrow the problem down, the fix could be as easy as pie.
