---
title: "What to Do When Your Internet Feels Slow | Smart Systems"
description: "A step-by-step guide to diagnosing whether slow internet is an ISP issue or a network equipment issue."
url: "https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/internet-feels-slow"
---

[Home](https://www.smartsysinc.com/)/[Support](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support)/What to Do When Your Internet Feels Slow

# What to Do When Your Internet Feels Slow

A step-by-step guide to diagnosing whether slow internet is an ISP issue or a network equipment issue.

Network & Wi-Fi

## Diagnosing Slow Internet

Slow internet can be caused by your ISP, your network equipment, or the number of devices using your network. Here is how to narrow it down.

### Step 1: Run a Speed Test

1. Connect your device directly to your router or switch via an Ethernet cable if possible
2. Go to **fast.com** or **speedtest.net** and run a test
3. Compare the result to your ISP plan speed
 If the wired speed matches your plan, the issue is likely Wi-Fi related, not your internet connection.

### Step 2: Check Your Network Load

- Are multiple people streaming 4K video, gaming, or on video calls?
- Smart home devices, cameras, and backups can consume bandwidth in the background

### Step 3: Restart Your Network Equipment

1. Power off your modem (ISP device) for 60 seconds
2. Power off your router/gateway for 30 seconds
3. Turn the modem back on first, wait for all lights to stabilize
4. Turn the router/gateway back on

### When to Call Your ISP vs Smart Systems

- **Call your ISP** if wired speeds are well below your plan speed
- **Call Smart Systems** if wired speeds are fine but Wi-Fi is slow, or if you need help optimizing your network for high-demand usage

## Related articles

- [Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Dead Zones in Your Home](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/troubleshooting-wifi-dead-zones)
- [Reconnecting a Device That Dropped Off Your Wi-Fi](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/reconnecting-dropped-device)
- [How to Restart Your Network Equipment Safely](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/restart-network-equipment)
- [Setting Up and Managing Your Guest Wi-Fi Network](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/guest-wifi-network)
- [Slow Internet Speeds](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support/slow-internet-speeds)

## Still stuck?

Submit a ticket or talk to our support assistant, and we’ll take it from here.

[Submit a Ticket](https://www.smartsysinc.com/support?tab=ticket)[(423) 877-8195](tel:+14238778195)