Why am I only getting 100Mbps on a gigabit?

Troubleshoot 100Mbps Bottleneck on Gigabit Network

It can be frustrating when your gigabit internet connection delivers only a fraction of its promised speed. If you’re experiencing this issue, you may be wondering why you’re only getting 100Mbps on a gigabit network.

Physical Cable Damage

One of the most common reasons for reduced internet speed on a gigabit connection is physical cable damage. Over time, ethernet cables can become crushed or bent, resulting in reduced signal quality. This can lead to data loss or a significant drop in speed.

Check for Damaged Cables

To troubleshoot this issue, inspect your ethernet cables for any visible damage. Check for areas where the cable has been pinched, bent, or crushed. If you find any damage, replace the affected cable with a new one.

Network Device Ports

Another potential cause of reduced speed is faulty ports on your networking devices. Try using different ports on both your router and modem. If you experience a noticeable difference in speed between ports, it’s likely that one of the ports is damaged.

Reset Networking Devices

Sometimes, a simple reset of your networking devices can resolve the issue. Unplug your router and modem from the power outlet and wait for a few seconds before plugging them back in. This may clear any temporary glitches or software issues that could be causing the speed reduction.

Verify Device Compatibility

Ensure that all of your devices, including your computer, router, and modem, are gigabit-compatible. If any of your devices are not, they will not be able to support the full gigabit speed.

Other Potential Causes

In some cases, the reduced speed may be caused by factors outside of your control, such as:

• Congestion on the internet backbone: During peak hours, the internet backbone may experience congestion, which can affect your internet speed.
• DNS issues: Problems with your DNS settings can also lead to reduced speed.
• Malware or viruses: Malicious software can slow down your internet connection by consuming bandwidth or interfering with network operations.

If you have ruled out all of the potential causes mentioned above and are still experiencing reduced speed, contact your internet service provider for assistance. They may be able to diagnose and resolve the issue remotely or send a technician to your location.