Cable Internet Speed (or how 200 became 2.0 and back again)

Recently,  my cable internet speed was noticeably slowing .  I didn't have any idea what the speed should be so I checked my cable account and discovered that I was paying for 200 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload.  I went to www.speedtest.net  to check the current download and upload speed.  The test confirmed my fears.  I had a  download   speed of 2.1 Mbps and an upload speed of 2.2 Mbps.  I did all the usual things (unplug and re-plug in the modem and router) to see if I could increase the speed.  Nothing worked.  I was still stuck in the single digits for up and download speeds.  I contacted the  cable company through the online chat app.  I chatted with one tech/agent and as soon as he (based on agent's chat name) found out I had already done just about everything in his prepared script, he transferred me to a higher level tech/agent .  this tech/agent (also male sounding chat name) sent me to the cable company's speed test link and I ran the test again with the same results.  I copied a link in to the chat window so the tech/agent could see the results.  Long story short.  I had to directly connect the computer to the cable modem (bypassing the router.)  the tech/agent did whatever he could on his end and another speed test was performed.  The result was much better (115 Mbps download and 8 Mbps upload),  but  still not the speed listed on my account.  The tech/agent informed me that according to their records my cable modem and router were at their end of life based on upgrades to the internet service.  He sent me a link to see what cable modems were now recommended.  Talk about planned obsolescence.  The cable modem and router were only 6 to 8 years old.  I would have never thought about replacing them, but I took his advice and purchased a new cable modem and router.  It was worth it.  The result of the speed test I just ran 10 minutes ago was 240 Mbps download and 12 Mbps upload (I realize these are just estimates and your mileage may vary), but it sure beats the heck out of what I was getting last week.

If your cable modem and/or router is over 4 years old, I suggest:

  1. Check your internet service provider(ISP) account to see what speed you're paying for
  2. Check your current internet speeds at  www.speedtest.net.
  3. Determine if you would benefit from purchasing new equipment

If you are renting your equipment from your ISP (Cable company or DSL Provider), I suggest you contact them for an equipment upgrade.  If you own your own equipment  or want to discontinue renting the equipment and you live within Brookside Computer's area of coverage (see About Page), I am available to help you decide what equipment  meets your needs  and provide  installation (including security setup and WiFi connection of laptops, tablets,  phones and streaming devices [Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV  or Amazon Fire TV].)