Canada is speeding up! Canada’s broadband speeds increased by 27% in 2021 alone, with the median download speed approaching 100 Mbps.
But not all Canadians are benefitting from these fast speeds. One reason is internet speed myths. Many Canadians don’t know why their internet is so slow, and they take action based on myths that make their internet even slower.
Get the facts, and you can have high-speed internet in Canada for years. Here are some common internet speed myths in Canada and strategies for fast speed.
Related: What Is a Good Download and Upload Speed?
More People Online Causes Congestion
This myth can be true under certain circumstances. During the days of dial-up internet, many people online simultaneously could cause slower internet speeds for everyone. Even today, you may encounter slower speeds if you use a router many people use or a low-end internet provider.
However, you should avoid encountering congestion if you are using modern technology. Routers can handle numerous devices at once without creating congestion.
Your internet speed may slow down if you have a data cap and you exceed that cap. You should limit the data you use by switching to standard-definition videos and refraining from downloading many images simultaneously.
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Weather Affects Internet Speeds
This is another myth that is somewhat true but misleading. The weather can affect your speed if you use a 4G or 5G connection because 4G and 5G connections do not penetrate through atmospheric moisture. During a rainy or snowy day, your internet speed may slow down.
You can also lose a signal if it is incredibly humid or foggy. You may lose internet entirely if lightning strikes the transmitter or cellular tower. However, cellular towers are rarely struck by lightning, and you may not notice any problems on rainy, snowy, or foggy days if you live close enough to the transmitter.
Broadband and landline connections do not experience problems during bad weather. Precipitation or moisture in the air will not affect your internet. A strong wind can damage your cables or poles, but you can fix your cables even during a storm. fibre optic cables are more resistant to weather conditions than other cables, so you should install those if you live in an area with severe weather.
The Closer You Are to the Server, the Faster Your Speeds Are
Several factors impact your internet speed. Proximity to your server is one factor. 5G connections have a range of roughly 1,500 feet (457 meters). If you’re on the outer limits of this range, your speed will be extremely slow. If you’re outside this range, you will not receive any connection.
However, being close to your server is insufficient to receive high speeds. Your wiring and connection ports need to be modern, high-quality products. The type of network you have can affect your speed. 3G networks have a larger range than 4G networks, but their maximum speeds are lower. As mentioned, the number of users can affect speeds, especially while using an older network or a public Wi-Fi hotspot.
If you use a public network, you should figure out where the server is and position yourself as close to it as possible. But you must take into account other factors.
Getting a New Router Will Increase Your Speed
Technology experts recommend that you update your router once every five years. You may want to update your router sooner if you install smart gadgets or new internet infrastructure in your home. If you’re happy with your router, you can keep it for a little longer than five years, but you will experience slower speeds as time passes. You should reset your Wi-Fi router to improve your network performance at least once a year.
Updating your router can increase your speed, but you may need to buy additional technology, like fibre optic cables. Updating your internet package to a higher speed or data cap may be more helpful. While updating your package is more expensive than buying a router, you may save money over time, as you’re not experiencing delays with your connection.
Related: How Long Does a Router Last?
Fibre Optics Are Fragile
Optical fibres are glass fibres that carry fibre internet signals without electromagnetic interference or signal loss. However, many people assume that optics are fragile because glass can break.
In reality, optical fibres are very strong. Most cables are stronger than copper wires; you can even immerse them in water or bury them underground.
You should still follow basic precautions with fibre optic cables. They are flexible to a small degree, but you don’t want to bend them too much. The cables should have sturdy and thick sheaths to keep anything from cutting into the cable. Do not perform fibre optic installation by yourself. Ask a fibre optics professional to come in and install your cables for you, and get instructions from them on maintaining your system.
Are you looking for a friendly, intelligent professional for your fibre optics system? Contact VMedia, and we’ll help you set up a great high-speed system today!
Clearing Your Cache Helps Your Computer’s Performance
Your cache stores data on your computer, reducing your data retrieval time. If your cache contains too much data, your computer can slow down slightly, and your applications may have difficulty running. You should clear your cache if you notice websites are not loading properly or if you’re running out of storage space on your computer.
However, clearing your cache will not improve your internet connection or speed. If every website you visit loads slowly, you need other strategies to increase your speed. You should not clear your cache if you’re worried about forgetting your passwords or other important details.
Related: Slow Internet Speed Driving You Crazy? Try These Solutions
Internet speed Myths – Final Thoughts
Debunking common internet speed myths in Canada is crucial for ensuring a fast and reliable internet connection.
While factors like the number of users and weather conditions can affect speeds to some extent, modern technology, like routers and broadband connections, is designed to handle such challenges efficiently. Proximity to a server is important, but it’s not the sole determinant of high-speed internet; the quality of your wiring and network type also play vital roles.
Moreover, while upgrading your router can help, considering options like fibre optic cables or higher-speed internet packages may ultimately provide better results and ensure a consistently fast internet experience.