No matter if you're an Xfinity or AT&T customer, certain issues can slow down your internet connection. Fortunately, most problems can be quickly and easily rectified.
To properly troubleshoot an Xfinity or AT&T issue, look into the following factors. Doing this will enable you to identify and fix the underlying cause of the issue.
1. Check Your Connection
There are various reasons why your internet connection may be slow or intermittent. Some issues are easily fixable with simple adjustments to network settings and devices; however, more complex issues require contact with your service provider for resolution.
When troubleshooting common internet issues with Xfinity and AT&T, the first step you should take is checking your connection status. You can do this by checking if the status lights on your modem or gateway are green or not.
If your device has a green light, that indicates your connection to the internet is strong and functioning normally. If not, there could be an issue with either your modem or router that needs fixing.
In some cases, you can resolve these problems by resetting your router and modem. This helps to reboot your system and clear caches so that your internet is running at its optimal capacity.
Another way to resolve a slow or disconnected connection is by checking your network adapter settings. Doing this will guarantee that you're using the most recent version of your adapter.
Altering the default settings on your router can often help solve some network issues. Unfortunately, it's one of the most overlooked methods for improving connection quality.
You may even go so far as to change the Wi-Fi channel your network uses. This can improve connectivity and ensure it does not become overloaded with interference from other devices.
Once you've adjusted your network settings, test your connection again to confirm everything is functioning normally. If it still isn't, consider restarting your router or modem.
Furthermore, make sure to review your bills regularly to stay current on payments. Doing this can help maximize the efficiency of your internet service.
Finally, double-check all equipment to make sure it's plugged in securely and all cables are firmly fastened. Doing this can help avoid a disruption in your AT&T internet connection.
2. Check Your Devices
If you have either Xfinity or AT&T internet service, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot common internet issues. First, ensure all cables and cords are plugged in properly - this includes wall outlets as well as the power source your modem or router is connected to. If these steps don't solve the problem, consult a technician for further assistance.
If the problem lies within your hardware, you may need to upgrade your modem or router to a more modern model. Doing so can maximize the performance of your internet connection if your older modem or router lacks certain features and functions.
Another way to resolve common internet issues is by rebooting your devices. This will refresh systems, clear caches, and resolve any issues affecting your connection.
Commonly, these problems are due to outdated software or drivers that don't function correctly. You can update your device's software so it will automatically download updates, allowing it to connect to the internet and stay up-to-date.
In addition to updating your devices, you can also try a firmware update for your modem and router. This will guarantee that your device is compatible with the modem or router and also improve the speed of your internet connection.
One of the best ways to resolve common internet issues is by reaching out directly to your provider. Thankfully, both AT&T and Xfinity offer outstanding customer support that's available 24/7 to assist with any issue that might be affecting your service.
Before making your choice on which provider best fits your home, there are a few things you should be aware of about both companies. AT&T provides high-speed DSL internet to over 121 million households nationwide. Furthermore, AT&T also offers fiber internet, which uses optical cables for much faster data transfers than old copper cable connections.
AT&T has a huge customer base and is well known for providing reliable internet service to many. However, AT&T occasionally throttles internet speeds for certain types of users. This can affect how quickly downloads and uploads are, as well as the quality of your gaming experience.
3. Check Your Network Settings
When experiencing issues with your internet service, one of the first things to check is your network settings. This includes both WiFi and any devices connected to it. By analyzing these details, you can identify and resolve any issues.
Many times, issues with your WiFi connection can be due to external interference or a device blocking its signal. To combat this, set your network to private with a password that only you and trusted users have access to. Doing so helps stop unauthorized individuals from accessing and using your home WiFi network at high speed - potentially increasing internet speed in the process!
If you're a frequent data user with multiple devices connected to your WiFi network, AT&T internet packages may not be sufficient for large file sharing, HD streaming, online gaming and other activities that require lots of data. Some smaller plans from AT&T only support a few devices so upgrading may be the better option if these activities become an issue for you.
AT&T and Xfinity both impose data caps on their non-fiber and non-gigabit plans. They charge extra for exceeding these limits, and may even slow your internet speeds when the network is busy.
To avoid these fees, opt for a plan with no data cap. Both AT&T and Xfinity offer plans that enable you to upgrade your data allowance at an affordable cost.
Be mindful of any monthly or overage fees associated with your service. These charges are often implemented by ISPs and can be frustrating, particularly if you're trying to pay your bill on time.
Common fees include overage charges, data caps and subscription charges. As these amounts can add up quickly, it's best to know what you're getting into before signing on the dotted line.
AT&T and Xfinity both provide nationwide coverage, but AT&T's fiber network is more extensive than Xfinity's. Its Gigabit and Gigabit Pro plans reach high speeds in most cities while Xfinity's cable internet only reaches these speeds in denser urban areas.
4. Check Your Router/Modem
If you're having issues with your Xfinity internet connection, it's essential to inspect both router and modem to make sure everything is functioning properly. This step is particularly beneficial if you are experiencing frequent cutoffs or slow speeds.
A modem takes analog signals from your Internet service provider and transforms them into digital ones that your devices can understand. A router connects multiple devices together, acting as the "traffic control" element of your home network.
Routers come in either wired or wireless form, creating a local area network (LAN) for devices to communicate with one another. It also assigns each device an IP address so you can share files, print wirelessly, and more using that address.
Most ISPs include a router in the same box as your modem, though you may opt for an all-inclusive set that does both functions. Alternatively, if you have multiple devices and wish to utilize them on separate networks, then purchasing a separate router may be your best bet.
When you have several devices connected in one location, it could be that they're overloading your router. Disconnecting them all and reconnecting them individually may help identify which device is causing the issue.
Alternatively, you could try moving your router to a different location in the home. This may help identify what's causing your slow speed or dropped connections and will also keep the temperature of the device down so it doesn't get too hot.
While many things can go awry with your internet connection, the most frequent are hardware problems. Check for loose coaxial cables that could be cutting off access to the web. Also, test the power source to ensure it's providing enough energy.
If these steps don't solve your issue, restarting your router/modem is likely the next best step. This will refresh systems, clear caches, and resolve any issues causing your internet connection to drop or slow down. Note that this process could take up to seven minutes so be sure you allow plenty of time before needing internet again.