With conducting work and meeting virtually more than ever, it’s important to have a reliable internet connection. However, there are moments when sometimes our experiences online get interfered by a spotty connection. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you when dealing with internet connection issues:

• Conduct a Speed Test
  Find out how fast your internet connection is currently running by using a free tool called Speed Test. The test will show your internet’s download and upload speeds and determine if your internet connection is running as fast as it should be.
   
• Test Your Network on a Different Device
  Test the internet connection through another device to see if it is working and running at a good speed. This can help determine if your network is running slowly, or if the device you are on is having trouble connecting.
   
• Move Closer to your Router or Reposition It
  To help boost your internet connection, try moving closer to your router or reposition it so that it is closer to you. It is best when you have the router located in the same room you are working in so you can keep an eye on how it is connecting. Sometimes obstacles such as walls and floors can interfere with your connection strength.
   
• Purchase a Wi-Fi Extender or Mesh Network
  If you can’t always be in the same room as the router, consider investing in a Wi-Fi extender or Mesh network. Wi-Fi extenders pick-up the wireless connection from your router and extend it to reach further points in your home, while Mesh networks are made up of several routers placed around your home to amplify your Wi-Fi signal.
   
• Reboot Your Modem and Router
  If you notice that your connection has been disrupted, sometimes doing a quick reboot of your modem and router by turning them off and then on again can help you reconnect. To reboot a router and modem:

1. Unplug both the router and modem.
2. Wait a minute, then plug the modem back in.
3. Wait another minute, then plug the router back in.
4. Wait at least several minutes for the connection to get back. On some routers, the router light will pulse while it reconnects and then finally turn solid when finished.

• Clear Cache
  If your modem or router doesn’t appear to be the cause of a slow internet connection, try clearing the cache on your web browser. Cache (pronounced cash) is a holding area where your computer temporarily places web pages that you've viewed. This is done so when you view the pages again, the browser can quickly reload the page data and elements, such as logos and images, without having to download them. However, as the cache fills up, it slows down your browser’s performance.
   
• Update Your Web Browser
  In addition to clearing cache, make sure the browser you are using is updated to the current version. To do so, follow the instructions for the browser you use:
  • Chrome
  • Firefox
  • Internet Explorer
  • Microsoft Edge
     
• Check Hardware Storage
  If your modem, router and web browser don’t seem to be the issue, see if your computer’s hardware storage is full. When our devices are filled with files and software, our computers can run slower and appear to have a slower internet connection. To free up space, upload the files you would like to keep to either your Temple OneDrive or Google Drive account, then delete it on your device.
   
• Update your Device’s Operating System
  As with internet browsers, it’s also important to update your device’s operating system(OS) to the latest version when available. In addition to keeping your system up to date and running efficiently, OS updates also ensure that your computer has the latest security patches to keep your device secure from harmful malware attacks that may slow down your connection and device.
   
• Check your Computer for Malware
  Unfortunately, malware may be a culprit that slows down your internet connection. MalwareBytes, checks for malware and viruses that may be slowing down your computer and provides a free version for Windows. For Macs, an application called First Aid comes with macOS and is a good utility to help resolve issues that may be making your Mac run slower.