The internet problem hiding in in front of you

Since we’ve been talking about the common misconceptions about bandwidth, we have to cover one of the biggest culprits of slow speeds that could be hiding in plain sight in your home or business right now.

You may have a drawer, a box, or a shelf that houses orphaned plugs, cords, and electronics that will likely never be used again.

(Side note: Check with us about recycling your old electronics - totally free!)

Some of you are taking this one step further and keeping your antiquated equipment in rotation. we’re all for longevity, but when it comes to bandwidth, this could be causing a not so small problem.

We call this, The Equipment Equation.

Here’s what happens:

Let’s say Sarah gets frustrated with her internet speed. She tries everything she can think of and then calls us. More often than not, aging hardware (think computers, routers, and cables) is creating a major bottleneck and impeding her current bandwidth.

Equipment is manufactured for the technology standards at the time. Hence a router from 1999 is only going to give you 1999 bandwidth capabilities. In other words, your equipment can only take advantage of the bandwidth speeds it was designed for at the time.

Here are a few important equations to remember:

• We recommend replacing computers every 6 to 7 years, which is the typical threshold for significant technological changes. 

• Phones, tablets, and other mobile devices need to be replaced more frequently - every 2 to 3 years since mobile technology evolves faster.

If you start noticing issues with your bandwidth, check your equipment! Remember, outdated equipment is no longer supported by the manufacturer either, which often means no tech support from them.

For the best bandwidth capabilities, retire the old equipment (or recycle it with us!) and invest in new technology. You’ll be glad you did.

Remember, we’re here to help! If there’s anything we can do to make your internet or managed services experience easier, please let us know!