A slow internet connection can be incredibly frustrating—whether you’re trying to stream a movie, join a Zoom meeting, or simply browse the web. If you’re constantly battling buffering, dropouts, or sluggish speeds, there could be several reasons why your internet is underperforming.
At Brocky’s Internet Solutions, we’ve helped countless customers across the Sunshine Coast and beyond identify and fix slow internet problems. Here are some of the most common causes—and what you can do to improve your connection.
1. Poor Router Placement
Where your router sits in your home can have a big impact on your Wi-Fi signal. If it’s tucked away in a cupboard, behind a TV, or in one corner of the house, signal strength may drop significantly in other areas.
Solution:
Place your router in a central, elevated location, away from thick walls and electronic devices. For larger homes, consider a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system to improve coverage
2. Outdated Modem or Router
Technology moves fast. If your modem or router is more than five years old, it might not support modern speeds or Wi-Fi standards like 5GHz or Wi-Fi 6.
Solution:
Upgrade your equipment. Brocky’s Internet Solutions can recommend and install high-performance routers designed for Australian homes and NBN connections.
3. Too Many Devices on the Network
With more smart devices than ever—TVs, phones, tablets, laptops, security cameras—it’s easy to overload your connection. Each device takes a share of the available bandwidth.
Solution:
Limit background updates and streaming on multiple devices at once. If you have many users or devices, you may need a higher-speed plan or more advanced networking setup.
4. Interference from Other Electronics
Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, and even thick concrete walls can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, especially if you’re using the 2.4GHz band.
Solution:
Switch to the 5GHz band if your router supports it. This frequency is less congested and often faster, though with shorter range.
5. Internet Plan Isn’t Fast Enough
Sometimes the issue isn’t with your equipment—it’s with your internet plan. Basic or budget NBN plans may not support high-speed streaming, online gaming, or large file downloads.
Solution:
Check the speed of your plan. Brocky’s can help you determine if your current NBN tier meets your household’s internet demands—and suggest better options if needed.
6. Network Congestion During Peak Hours
Your internet speed can slow down during peak usage hours, typically in the evening when everyone is online. This is especially common with some NBN providers.
Solution:
Switching to a provider with lower congestion or higher capacity may help. Also, using Ethernet for high-demand devices (like gaming consoles or smart TVs) can bypass Wi-Fi issues.
7. Background Apps or Software Updates
Many apps run in the background and can use up your bandwidth without you realising it—cloud backups, streaming apps left open, or even Windows updates.
Solution:
Close unused apps, turn off automatic updates during high-use times, and limit cloud syncs to off-peak hours.
8. Faulty Cabling or Connections
Damaged phone lines, coax cables, or even loose wall sockets can severely impact internet speed, especially in older buildings.
Solution:
Have your internal wiring checked. At Brocky’s, we offer professional inspections to identify and repair cabling issues that affect internet performance.
9. Wi-Fi Range Limits
Standard Wi-Fi routers may not cover large homes or multi-storey buildings effectively. If you’re experiencing slow speeds in rooms far from the router, the signal may be too weak.
Solution:
We recommend installing mesh Wi-Fi systems for seamless coverage across all areas of your home. Our team can install and configure these for optimal performance.
10. ISP or NBN Outages
Sometimes the problem is out of your control—temporary outages or maintenance from your internet provider or the NBN network can cause interruptions.
Solution:
Check your provider’s outage page or contact support. If outages are frequent, it may be time to consider a new provider.
Need Help? Brocky’s Can Diagnose & Fix It
Whether it’s a minor router tweak or a full network overhaul, Brocky’s Internet Solutions offers expert troubleshooting and setup services to get your home back online—fast. We serve customers across the Sunshine Coast and offer local, friendly service you can rely on.
Don’t put up with a sluggish connection.
Contact Brocky’s today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward faster, more reliable internet at home.