Speed Issues

We are available to help diagnose speed issues by phone.  Since slow Internet speeds can be caused by many factors, we recommend you review the list of factors and suggestions below prior to calling our Customer Care group. Please note that many of these steps may only apply to Windows-basedcomputers, and the steps listed may differ depending on the individual operating system (Windows, Apple) you are using.

1. Please be aware of our Traffic Management Policies as it relates to your service. Xplornet has implemented Traffic Management Policies to try to ensure that each Xplornet customer receives fair and consistent access to the Internet.  For some of our platforms, the Traffic Management Policy includes reductions in speeds if you exceed a certain bandwidth allowance.  Our traffic management policies can be viewed at www.xplornet.com/traffic-management. 
2. Sometimes what seems like slow Internet service is really a slow computer problem. Does your computer need some basic maintenance? Run your disk defragmentation utility, and a virus/malware scan, and empty your recycle bin. An unusually slow Internet connection is often the only sign that your computer is infected with viruses or other issues. Never allow the free space on your C: drive to be less than 10% of the total size. Ensure that programs which you no longer use are uninstalled, particularly an old anti-virus or firewall program. A local computer repair store should be able to help you with this kind of maintenance if you require assistance.
3. Optimize your cache or temporary Internet files.These files improve your Internet connection performance by not downloading the same file/webpage over and over again. However over time they can get full and your computer spends too long looking to see if it has been to a page before. In Internet Explorer this can be found under Tools (you may have to press ALT) -> Internet Options -> Browsing history -> Delete. In Firefox, click on Tools (at the top) -> clear private Data. In Safari, click on the gear on the top right -> reset Safari and check off 'clear history.'
4. Ensure that any Peer-to-Peer or Virtual Networking Software is turned off. Sometimes simply closing the program window will still leave it running in the background. For Windows-based computers, in the system tray (lower right corner near the time) you will have small icons for programs running in the background. Hover over each of these and make sure it is something that you want running, such as your anti-virus program or volume control. If you see your VPN or peer-to-peer program listed you can click on it here to close it. Go into the options menu for these programs and make sure that "turn on when Windows starts" is not checked.
5. Reset your home network. Sometimes restarting your home network or your router can increase the speed of your connection.  To do this, turn off your computers and other devices and unplug the power to your router for 30 seconds. Plug the power to your router back in and turn on your computers.
6. If you are using a wireless router, ensure it is not conflicting with a cordless phone, baby monitor or other wireless device. Some wireless routers will slow down if you are using another piece of electronic equipment on the same frequency, (ei. 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz). Normally you would see this where a wireless device is indicating a poor signal strength or slow speed, while a computer which is cabled into your router will appear fine.
   
   Often the owner's manual for your various wireless devices will say what frequency they broadcast at, or an Internet search of the model name and number will give this information. Try unplugging these other devices and see if your wireless signal improves. If you are using one of our Fixed Wireless platforms, these may cause outdoor signal issues also.
7. Bypass your router. Routers can bleed off some speed as they direct traffic between devices. Bypassing a router also ensures that you are testing your speeds with only one device and that another device is not using your bandwidth without your knowledge. To do this, unplug the Ethernet cable which in plugged into the back of your router at the WAN or Internet port and plug the cable into one computer directly, normally at the same port which your router cable plugs into. Power off your router so that a wireless computer will only see the new cabled connection. We will often ask that you bypass your router so that we may run connectivity tests to your modem or radio to check for cabling issues.
8. Check for programs using your connection. For Windows-based computers, to test if other programs are accessing the Internet without your knowing, click Start -> all programs -> accessories -> Command prompt. (For Windows Vista or Windows 7 please right click on Command Prompt and then left click on Run as Administrator.) Type netstat -a. This will list every port which an individual computer has opened currently. Scroll through and take a rough count of how many lines there are. More than 100 may indicate a problem. Using the Netstat -b will give details about what website/program is using a specific port.
   
   A port is like a doorway to the Internet and the more that are open by your computer, the more bandwidth is being used. Too many ports open can ultimately cause you to lose the Internet as when you request a webpage, there is no doorway available to use. Ports eventually time out and close, so this may be a factor if your speed is intermittently slow.
9. Try browsing the Internet or the application at different times of the day. As Xplornet is a shared bandwidth service, time of day and what all of our customers are doing at a given time can have an effect on your performance. Knowing if there is a specific time frame where you experience the problem will help us to diagnosis the problem.