Investigating slow Internet speeds

Description

If your home Internet seems slow, there are several things you can do that will potentially alleviate the problem. 

Environment

PC, Mac, mobile device, web browser

Solution 

First, check the OHIO Status Page to determine if an issue has been identified with the service you are using.

Next, check other Internet sites from your computer to determine if they are slow as well. If so, the issue likely lies with your Internet service provider, your home network consumption, or your computer. We recommend completing the following steps to help resolve the issue:

1. Reboot your computer

2. Reboot your home Internet router and modem

3. Contact your Internet Service Provider to see if they are experiencing an issue

4. Run a home Internet speed test.

5. Try to limit other high-bandwidth consuming users and devices where possible (streaming services, multiple household members video chatting simultaneously, etc.)

6. Pause or reschedule system and software updates until after work hours for things including OS updates, cloud storage file synchronization (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox), major game system updates, etc.

7. Turn off the video camera within Teams or Zoom conference calls if not needed

8. Use the call-in number for Teams or Zoom conference calls to limit Internet usage

9. Reschedule meetings or revert to a chat when a stable Internet connection isn’t available

If only OHIO resources are slow and no status update has been posted, please visit the Wired Internet page to create a ticket.

How fast does my home Internet connection need to be?

Using email and browsing the Internet does not require high-speed Internet, but using several of our key online learning and collaboration tools does. You can check your speed settings using the speed test on this website.

• Blackboard: To function properly, Blackboard requires a high-speed Internet connection (cable modem, DSL, satellite broadband, T1, etc.). The minimum Internet connection speed to access Blackboard is a consistent 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second) or higher.

• Microsoft Teams: Teams is designed to give the best audio, video, and content sharing experience regardless of your network conditions. That said, when bandwidth is insufficient, Teams prioritizes audio quality over video quality. Teams requires different amounts of bandwidth depending on the type of call. You can view a table of bandwidth requirements on Microsoft's website.

Outcome: You should now be able to complete several tasks that may help your Internet speed and understand the minimum requirements for accessing Blackboard and Microsoft Teams.

Get help from OIT

• Visit the Wired Internet page to create a ticket