Whether you are working in an office for a company or at home as a freelancer, having a bad network connection is one of the most frustrating problems that you can deal with. Here are 10 reasons why your network might not be performing to its full potential:
1. Speed Mismatch
This occurs when multiple users try to make use of the same server. In result, this causes a digital bottleneck which slows down the network’s speed.
2. Old Equipment
Sometimes the problem is that you are using old equipment to run new programs that require more power and processing capacities than the old equipment can handle.
3. Malware
Unless you have an effective antivirus in operation that is protecting the network, you face a strong possibility of some virus or malware entering the system and causing damage. This is what will result in slower speeds.
4. Imperfect Design
When designing a network, make sure to take the amount of traffic it will need to handle on a regular basis into account. If the servers cannot process the amount of data passing through the system, then there will be a general slowdown of speed on all of the servers.
5. Misuse of Data Package
One thing that network users must remember is that the amount of data available to them every month has a limit. Using the internet for non-work related purposes, such as browsing Youtube or downloading internet content, will result in data getting consumed and server speeds being slowed.
6. Malfunctioning Equipment
A network adapter is responsible for communicating with other computers through the network. If the adapter starts malfunctioning, then it can cause trouble for the entire network (by broadcasting junk data packets). In the worst case scenario, it can bring down the entire network.
7. Poor Cable Choice
Cables are often overlooked when it comes to tracking network problems, because people assume that their simple design rules will out the possibility of them not working properly. However, even if the cable has not been cut or damaged, it can still cause problems, if the cable is not large enough to handle higher network speeds.
8. Junk Software
These types of software are not considered to be malware, because they do not cause actual harm to the network. However, they do pose a different kind of problem by using up precious amounts of data for performing background activities that serve no useful purpose (which results in slowing speeds).
9. Low Bandwidth
If you choose a low bandwidth in the beginning, but your online work increases over time, then your old bandwidth will be unable to handle the new demand and cause a systems slowdown.
10. Network Configuration
In some cases, the settings for network connections on individual computers might be causing problems for the entire network. This is due to blocking certain types of data usage options.
While these are some of the most common issues that can lead to poor network performance there are other, more serious, problems that can be causing trouble as well. This is why you want to contact an IT professional as soon as you notice and problem.
