I Fixed My Laggy Internet With 4 Simple Tricks
With speeds as fast as 1,000 megabits per second, I was confused as to why I was experiencing internet trouble. Considering that more than half of the US population has access to gigabit internet, it's important to make sure that you're getting the speeds you're paying for, especially for gigabit service. While sometimes your internet provider is to blame, in other cases, there could be other minor issues that could be easily resolved in a few simple steps. Ever since joining the CNET broadband team last year, I've realized the value of a good internet connection and that troubleshooting your speeds doesn't have to be complicated. Here's what I learned.
'Enough is enough'
The red flags are there for a reason, so don't ignore them: the buffering, the slow downloads and the interrupted Zoom calls. I wouldn't usually have paid attention to these signs, since I had never had a problem with my internet before. A solid internet connection has become vital since I started working from home.
My family and I also noticed that streaming our favorite shows, like the newest season of Squid Game,, like the newest season of Black Mirror, had become a pain due to our fluctuating speeds. I finally gave in, said enough is enough and contacted my internet service provider, Verizon Fios. The Fios agent was shocked that I was experiencing internet issues since I was on the company's second-fastest tier, the gigabit plan.
"You shouldn't even be experiencing fluctuating speeds with your plan," the Verizon Fios agent said over the phone. I was stumped.
I didn't want to make a hasty decisionswitching out my current provider or buying a new router. So I turned to CNET's advice for help.
Locating local internet providers
What is gigabit internet?
Your internet speed is measured in megabits per second. In other words, your speed is measured by how much data can be processed over a network in a second. Gigabit internet refers to 1,000 megabits. The more data processed over your network, the better your connection performs.
As of June 2024, data from the Federal Communications Commission show that over half of the US population has access to gigabit speeds. Service typically ranges anywhere between $40 to $90 monthly. You can find gigabit service from internet providers such as Frontier Fiber, Google Fiber, Optimum, , AT&T and more. Though cable providers like Spectrum and Astound Broadband's gigabit plans are more widely available nationwide than other ISPs, but might be pricier down the line. You could end up paying double your initial price after a year, since most cable providers are notorious for hiking up their prices after a year.
Depending on the connection type available at your address, most fiber ISPs like AT&T and Google Fiber won't increase your prices after a year and can offer symmetrical download and upload speeds of 1,000Mbps, whereas a cable connection may only top out at 35 to 50Mbps. To learn more about where you can sign up for gigabit service, read our review on gigabit internet and the best fiber internet providers for May 2025.
4 ways to boost your internet
At the start of this journey, I felt like a kid riding their first bike. It felt daunting because I didn't know where to start. Thankfully, one of our pages details how to boost your Wi-Fi connection in four simple steps. Here's how it went.
1. Take a speed test
These speeds are well below what I expect from my gigabit connection. Something's awry.
Ookla screenshot by Trisha Jandoc/CNET
Before you do anything else, conduct an internet speed test. I chose Ookla's speed test because this is the format I am most familiar with. CNET recommends Ookla for its consistency, and it also shows you your speed test history once you create an account. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
This step was fairly easy. I conducted a few speed tests online. The image above is a test I took near my workspace. Speeds of 248 to 275Mbps aren't bad, being on a gigabit plan supported by a fiber connection makes them surprising (and disappointing). I took it a step further and went to an area of my home where we experienced the most internet trouble.
A significant speed drop was shown when I conducted a speed test in my basement.
Ookla screenshot by Trisha Jandoc/CNET
I avoid working in the basement most days because the internet is inconsistent. After conducting a speed test, I found our speed dipped to 76Mbps in downloads and 19Mbps in uploads. This area is the farthest from my router, so it only makes sense that the signal is weaker. According to the FCC, the minimum mark for broadband speeds is 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. My speeds were missing that mark.
It should be noted that Ookla is not the only speed test you can try. Just recently, CNET broadband expert Cierra Noffke tested out the Orb internet speed test. Noffke writes that it doesn't just test your download and upload speeds. Orb, which was developed by the same creators of Ookla, measures the overall health of your home network using multiple metrics and continuous speed tests. On the other hand, if your household uses mostly streaming services, Fast.com is a solid option, as it measures your internet's capacity to stream Netflix. M-Lab is also at the top of my list, as it has an easy-to-use program. You can always keep it simple as well by turning to resources from your provider. My provider (and many other ISPs) also offers its own Verizon Fios speed test.
2. Move your router or your workspace
This next step requires you to experiment a bit with your router's location or your workspace. It wasn't easy to uproot my entire workspace, so I moved my router closer to my existing workspace area instead. This step wasn't a significant change because the router was already placed across the room from my workspace. You should ideally move your router to a central location. Using an Ethernet cable might be helpful, especially if the new location of your router is far from the modem.
In any case, moving your router too far from the modem might prove troublesome. You can try to raise your router instead and mount it to the wall, if possible. That way, you don't need to jump through all these hoops to install an Ethernet cable.
3. Seek out a Wi-Fi extender
If moving your router is not an option, try contacting your internet provider for additional equipment. After contacting my ISP, I discovered that a Fios Wi-Fi extender came with my plan at no extra cost to my monthly service bill. The extender came with a small guide, and at first glance, it seemed pretty simple.
Obtaining equipment from your ISP is not the only option — many Wi-Fi extenders currently on the market support Wi-Fi 6. CNET previously named the TP-Link RE605X as the top pick for the best Wi-Fi extender due to its affordability and easy-to-use controls. Note: TP-Link routers could be banned sometime this year due to a recent government investigation. That said, the next best thing is the Linksys RE7310, currently priced at $90, which tied in performance with the TP-Link RE605X when we tested them. Check out our other top picks for the best Wi-Fi Extenders.
Pair your extender to the router
The extender came with a coax cable, a coax splitter and a small set-up guide that outlined four steps: confirm the internet connection, plug it in, pair it and finally move the extender to a designated spot in your home. Seems simple enough, right? I went through the first three steps without running into any issues. I paired my extender to my router using the coax cable.
Placing your extender
Things took a turn with the final step. After pairing, I unplugged my extender and moved it to the basement, where the signal was weaker. The light from the extender wasn't the solid white it should have been. Instead, it was a yellow color, meaning the extender was disconnected from the router. Solving this problem took some time as I went back through the set-up guide and covered my bases again.
During this process, I also discovered Verizon Fios' complete Wi-Fi extender set-up guide online. Some ISPs offer customers the option of self-installation.
Here are some of the top internet providers nationwide that have how-to pages and guides dedicated to installing devices that boost your internet:
The complete set-up guide mentioned an Ethernet cable, but I was not provided one, so I wondered if that prevented my extender from connecting to the router. I contacted Verizon Fios to make sure I was not missing any parts. Per our conversation, Verizon Fios confirmed that an Ethernet cable is recommended but not necessary. The coax cable works just as well.
Ethernet offers a wired connection through cables, which you can plug directly into the router, and should provide faster speeds than Wi-Fi. CNET's own Hallie Seltzer tested this at her home.
After pairing, place your extender in an area that is not too far from the router.
Trisha Jandoc/CNET
I decided to pivot my approach and placed the extender a bit closer to the router, near my workspace. After a few minutes, I saw a solid white color -- the sign of success.
4. Prioritize your traffic
You can manage your work traffic at home by changing your router settings.
CNET/Trisha Jandoc
After installing the extender, my internet speeds surged, making this step optional for me. If you cannot obtain a Wi-Fi extender, you can try managing how much bandwidth your household consumes through your router settings. For instance, Verizon Fios allows customers to set up parental controls, which can eliminate access to certain websites. Other routers can even schedule access to the network for certain devices. This process will look different depending on your internet provider and your equipment.
How much speed do you need for your home?
High-speed internet may be enticing, but you may not even need it. According to OpenVault's first quarter 2024 report, over a third of Americans use the internet at gigabit speeds, a 20% increase from 2023. In addition, its fourth quarter 2024 report shows that the average American household uses 569Mbps in downstream speeds and 32Mbps in upstream. In other words, if you can access gigabit speeds, it should be plenty fast for your household. Finding the right speed will also boil down to your household's activities. Check out our speed recommendations below.
Our speed recommendations
1Mbps: Sending emails
Sending emails 5 to 10Mbps: Web browsing
Web browsing 10Mbps: Using social media
Using social media 10 to 20Mbps (or 35Mbps in 4K): Streaming in HD
Streaming in HD 25 to 35Mbps: Online gaming
For more information, read our comprehensive internet speed guide.
Even if you are on your provider's fastest plan, there is no guarantee you will see the exact speeds promised. What's advertised by your ISP may not be the actual speeds you get. Many conditions can impact your internet speeds. According to AT&T's website, certain materials, dense walls and even furniture can obstruct your Wi-Fi signal. Other common factors contributing to a weaker signal include outdated equipment, poor router settings, bad weather and extreme cases like hacking or malware. In addition, finding the right Wi-Fi band for your router can also help optimize your internet connection at home. To ensure you're making the most of your internet, read our guides on how to weatherproof your internet and secure your connection from hackers.
My main takeaways
My speeds in the basement increased after installing the extender.
Ookla screenshot by Trisha Jandoc/CNET
Once I successfully installed my extender, I conducted another speed test in my basement and I saw a surge in my internet connection, coming in at 598Mbps in download and 187Mbps in upload.
Here's what I discovered when optimizing my speeds at home:
Router and Wi-Fi extender placement are key . The location of your router and extender is directly proportional to optimizing your speeds. Give it a few tries and place your extender in different areas of your home. Ensure you don't place the extender too far or close to the router.
. The location of your router and extender is directly proportional to optimizing your speeds. Give it a few tries and place your extender in different areas of your home. Ensure you don't place the extender too far or close to the router. Conduct a series of speed tests after every step , monitoring any changes in your internet connection.
, monitoring any changes in your internet connection. Seek out self-installation guides . Many ISPs, including AT&T Cox Spectrum Xfinity
. Many ISPs, including Consider buying a Wi-Fi extender. While your ISP might recommend using its equipment, many Wi-Fi extenders support Wi-Fi 6 and should do the trick. Check out our top picks for the best Wi-Fi extenders
While your ISP might recommend using its equipment, many Wi-Fi extenders support Wi-Fi 6 and should do the trick. A coax cable works just as well as an ethernet cable . Your ISP might recommend an Ethernet cable for pairing your extender to the router, but a coax cable also works.
. Your ISP might recommend an Ethernet cable for pairing your extender to the router, but a coax cable also works. When in doubt, contact your ISP for support and discuss your options. You can also try
negotiating with your ISP
What's the bottom line?
Since completing this experiment, I've seen a drastic change in my internet connection. My family and I can stream our shows without problems and my Zoom calls are running more smoothly than ever. I outlined four steps on this page, but you might need to do a few extra steps to ensure you cover all your bases. Fixing your internet doesn't have to be complex. This is my first time experimenting with this, and I've discovered a new comfort level with my internet connection and how it works.
Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking
Click to unmute
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Skip Backward
Skip Forward
Next playlist item
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
0:45
Loaded :
26.33%
0:00
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:45
Share
Fullscreen
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text
Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background
Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background
Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Close Modal Dialog
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.
Close Modal Dialog
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.
Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking
Boosting your gigabit speeds FAQs
How can I boost my internet speeds at home?
Our Four Expert Tips to Help Boost Your Internet Speeds page outlines the four simple steps I cover on this page: conduct a few internet speed tests, move your workspace or router, get a Wi-Fi extender (or upgrade your router) and prioritize your work traffic.
It's worth noting that many factors, such as certain materials, dense walls and even furniture, and the type of Wi-Fi band you have, can affect your internet connection. You can look into investing in an extender or mesh system to optimize your connection. If all else fails, you can contact your provider to explore your options.
What is the best speed test?
Ookla's speed test is known for its consistency and accuracy. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Unlike other speed tests, Ookla allows you to access your speed test history when you create an account. In addition, Android and iOS users can conduct speed tests from their mobile devices.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Barclays Initiates BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (BMRN) with a Buy Rating
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) is among the 11 Best Genomics Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Gena Wang of Barclays kept BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) at a Buy rating with a price target of $86.00 in a report published on June 10. A pharmaceutical plant manufacturing a proprietary synthetic oral form of a C-type natriuretic peptide. According to BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN)'s most recent earnings report, the firm made $745.15 million in revenue and $185.69 million in net profit for the quarter that ended on March 31. The company's sales were $648.83 million, and its net profit was $88.66 million last year. It is challenging to avoid past comparisons with Genzyme (bought by Sanofi) as BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) builds a portfolio of genetic-disease therapies. Despite having several authorized treatments, the firm spent years in the red due to commercialization and R&D costs, but analysts are optimistic about the long-term, profitable potential of its present portfolio. It is in a strong position because of its extensive internal pipeline and capacity to add expansion through strategic acquisitions. While we acknowledge the potential of BMRN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 High-Growth EV Stocks to Invest In and 13 Best Car Stocks to Buy in 2025. Disclosure. None.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Steam's store now lets you search for games by accessibility features like 'narrated game menus' and 'adjustable difficulty', and more than 5,000 games have already added their accessibility details to the database
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Back in April, Valve announced the Steam store would start highlighting accessibility features on games' store pages. And now, it has. Not only can you see them in the sidebar beneath the controller support section for selected games, you can also search the store by individual accessibility features. "This update comes after gathering valuable feedback from developers as well as players with disabilities," Valve says in its blog post announcing the news, "and over 5,000 applications have added details about their accessibility support (with more developers updating their games each day)." On Steam's search page you can select "narrow by accessibility feature" to bring up a bunch of toggles like "playable without timed input" and "color alternatives". If you know anyone who has ever bought a puzzle game and had to refund it because the puzzles demand you can tell colors apart but won't let you tweak what those colors are, you'll know why the latter's important. Some accessibility features, like "save anytime" and "adjustable text size" are good for everyone to know in advance—they're just nice things to have. A variety of games, mostly newer ones, have already added accessibility features to their store page. Baldur's Gate 3, for instance, boasts 10 of them, from "adjustable difficulty" to "playable without timed input". Here's a full list of the options, with explanations of exactly what they mean. Gameplay Adjustable Difficulty: Players can adjust gameplay difficulty. Save Anytime: Players can save gameplay using both automatic and manual saves. Saving can be performed at any point in the game. Visual Adjustable Text Size: Players can adjust text size. (In-game text, menu text, character dialog text, subtitle text) Subtitle Options: Players have options to customize the display of subtitles for all spoken content and essential audio information. Color Alternatives: Gameplay doesn't rely on colors to communicate important information, or players have an option to adjust colors used for distinguishing information. Camera Comfort: Players have an option to adjust or disable uncomfortable camera movement such as screen shaking, camera bob, or motion blur, or the game doesn't feature these effects. Audio Custom Volume Controls: Players can adjust the volume of the audio. Different types of audio can be muted independently from each other. Narrated Game Menus: Players can listen to game menus with narrated audio. Stereo Sound: Players can identify how far to the left or right sounds are coming from. Surround Sound: Players can identify how far in any direction sounds are coming from. Input Keyboard Only Option: Players can play the game with just a keyboard and no other additional input mechanisms such as a mouse or controller. Mouse Only Option: Players can play the game with just a mouse and no other additional input mechanisms such as a keyboard or controller. Touch Only Option: Players can play the game with just touch controls and no other additional input mechanisms such as a mouse, keyboard or controller. Playable without Timed Input: Players have an option to adjust gameplay to not require precisely timed button presses ("quick time events") or gameplay does not require such button presses. Text-to-speech: Text chat can be narrated out loud in real time. Speech-to-text communications: Voice chat can be read as a text transcript in real time. Baldur's Gate 3 romance: Who to pursueBaldur's Gate 3 multiplayer: How co-op worksBaldur's Gate 3 endings: For better or worseBaldur's Gate 3 multiclass builds: Coolest combosBest RPGs: The greatest you can play now
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Global Electronics Association Debuts; New Name Elevates IPC's 70-Year Legacy as Voice of $6 Trillion Electronics Industry
Electronics Ecosystem Electronics Standards and Certifications Leader Unveils New Vision and Mission for Supply Chain Harmonization and Advocacy, Releases Global Trade Flows Study BANNOCKBURN, Ill., June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today begins a new chapter for IPC as it officially becomes the Global Electronics Association, reflecting its role as the voice of the electronics industry. Guided by the vision of 'Better electronics for a better world,' the Global Electronics Association ( is dedicated to enhancing supply chain resilience and promoting accelerated growth through engagement with more than 3,000 member companies, thousands of partners, and dozens of governments across the globe. 'The Board's support and approval of this transformation shows our collective recognition that the electronics industry has fundamentally changed. The Association has expanded well beyond its beginning in printed circuit boards – we're enabling AI, autonomous vehicles, next-generation communications, and much more,' said Tom Edman, board chair of the Global Electronics Association and president and CEO of TTM Technologies. 'As we chart our path forward with our new name, we will continue and elevate our efforts to build partnerships between governments and industries, foster new investment, drive innovation across the industry, and minimize disruptions in the electronics supply chain.' As part of its new mission, the Association is increasing resources to strengthen advocacy, deepen industry insights, and enhance stakeholder communications — all aimed at advancing and elevating the electronics industry. To champion a resilient and growing supply chain, the Association represents the entire ecosystem of diverse subsectors that contribute to this complex industry. 'Electronics today are the backbone of all industries, which makes its supply chain crucial to economies, governments, and everyday life,' said Dr. John W. Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. 'Our new mission and vision position us to work more deeply with industry and our members globally to advocate for the importance of electronics in our continuously changing world.' The Global Electronics Association will retain the IPC brand for the industry's standards and certification programs, which are vital to ensure product reliability and consistency. The IPC Education Foundation is now known as the Electronics Foundation, continuing to focus on solving the talent challenges for the electronics industry. Global Electronics Trade Flows The Global Electronics Association also released a trade flows study of the global electronics industry, which now represents more than $1 in every $5 of global merchandise trade. Key findings include: Electronics supply chains are more globally integrated than any other industry, surpassing even the automotive sector in cross-border complexity. Trade inputs like semiconductors and connectors now exceed trade in finished products such as smartphones and laptops, with global electronics trade totaling $4.5 trillion in 2023, including $2.5 trillion in components alone. Top exporters such as China, Vietnam, and India are among the fastest-growing importers of electronic inputs, underscoring the deep interdependence embedded in global electronics production. This mutual reliance challenges the viability of reshoring and decoupling strategies, as rising export powers depend on components from across the world. Mitchell concluded: 'Our trade flows analysis reinforces that resilience, not self-sufficiency, is the foundation of competitiveness in the electronics age. No single company or country can stand alone. The complexities of the electronics ecosystem require collaboration and partnership with others. The Global Electronics Association is here to help create a vital and thriving global electronics supply chain through industry, government, and stakeholder collaboration.' Global Operations Supporting Entire Value Chain The electronics value chain supported by the Global Electronics Association – from design to final product – encompasses original equipment manufacturers, semiconductors, printed circuit boards, assembly and manufacturing services, harnesses, materials, and equipment suppliers. The Association has operations in Belgium, China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, and the United States, and a presence across dozens more countries to support its members. About the Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association is the voice of the electronics industry, working with thousands of members and partners to build a more resilient supply chain and drive sustainable growth. We advocate for fair trade, smart regulation, and regional manufacturing, and educate on industry practices, actionable intelligence and technical innovations to empower the future. The Association collaborates with governments and companies worldwide to advance a trusted and prosperous electronics industry. Formerly known as IPC, the organization serves a $6 trillion market and operates from offices across Asia-Pacific, Europe and North and South America. Learn more at Contact:Michelle Leff MermelsteinMichellemermelstein@ + 1 202-661-8092 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
