Dealing with slow internet can feel as frustrating as being stuck in a traffic jam when you’re already late. Every attempt to load a page feels like inching forward in bumper-to-bumper traffic, testing your patience with each passing second.
Before you start blaming your internet service provider, it’s important to remember that various factors can influence your internet connectivity. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the key factors affecting your internet speed.

Connection type
There are several types of internet connections, each with unique characteristics that can affect your internet connectivity in various ways. Here’s a brief overview of the different connection types:
- DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Utilises copper telephone lines to provide high-speed internet. It’s a common option in South Africa, often more affordable than other broadband solutions. However, DSL speeds can fluctuate based on your proximity to the telephone exchange, and it typically offers the slowest broadband speeds.
- Cable: Uses coaxial cables to deliver high-speed internet. This type of connection is widely accessible in South Africa, offering speeds that rival DSL. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a fast and dependable internet connection.
- Fibre Optic: The pinnacle of broadband technology, optical fibres are made of extremely pure optical glass that transmits data at lightning-fast speeds, representing the fastest broadband connection available.
- Dial-up connection: Utilises a standard telephone line to connect to the internet. Despite the availability of more advanced technologies, a notable portion of South Africa’s population still uses dial-up, primarily due to its availability in areas lacking cellular, wireless, and fixed-line broadband services.
- Satellite: Provides internet access via communication satellites. While it’s a viable option for remote areas lacking fibre access, satellite broadband can suffer from high latency and reduced speeds.
- Mobile internet: Delivers internet to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets via a cellular network. Although widely used in South Africa, mobile data can be expensive and may face connectivity issues in poorly serviced areas.

Your router
Think of your router as a mini-computer that runs its own software, equipped with a processor. Like any computer, it can become sluggish or encounter problems. A simple reboot—turning it off and then on again—can often resolve these issues. If problems persist, consider logging into your router to update its firmware, or replace the router altogether if it’s outdated and requires frequent resets.

Device overload
The issue might not be with your internet connection per se, but rather with the router’s inability to handle multiple devices seeking network access simultaneously. Older routers manage connections sequentially, while newer models use Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology for more efficient data handling. If your home is filled with smart devices and you’re using an older router, upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router could significantly improve your internet connectivity.

High latency
If video calls or online gaming are problematic, yet streaming services like Netflix work flawlessly, latency could be the culprit. Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your device to its destination and back. High latency affects real-time online activities. Running an internet speed test can help determine if latency is impacting your connection.

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Wireless vs wired connections
Wireless connections, such as Wi-Fi, are generally slower than wired connections. Obstacles like concrete walls or metal structures can impede Wi-Fi signals. Additionally, unauthorised access by neighbours could slow down your connection. To solve this issue, you can connect your computer to your router via a wired connection. Also, make sure to update your password every once in a while to kick off any connection hitchhikers.

Your plan
Your current internet plan may no longer suffice, especially if you’ve added more devices or your internet usage has increased since you first subscribed. You might experience throttling as you approach your data cap each month. If you’re consistently facing connectivity issues, it’s time to review and possibly upgrade your internet plan to better match your needs.

Intrasurf solves your internet connectivity issues
Intrasurf is your solution to internet connectivity challenges. With Intrasurf, you can enjoy the fastest internet connections, thanks to our high-quality, uncapped, unshaped, and unthrottled fibre plans. These features ensure that all your internet woes are a thing of the past. Plus, we provide you with a complimentary, dependable router and offer the flexibility to upgrade or downgrade your package anytime, making your internet experience completely hassle-free. With Intrasurf, it’s like cruising on a highway with no traffic.
At Intrasurf, we pride ourselves on being readily available to address any questions or concerns, boasting swift response times. Reach out to us today for any inquiries or to get started with one of our top-tier packages.
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