Experiencing fluctuating internet speeds is a common issue for many users, particularly during certain times of the day. Have you ever noticed that your internet slows down between 6-10 PM, especially on weekends? This slowdown is due to what is known as "Tower Congestion."
What Causes Tower Congestion?
Just like a pie that can only be divided into so many slices, a cell tower has a limited amount of bandwidth to distribute among its users. During peak times, when many people are trying to connect, the tower has to distribute its bandwidth among a larger number of users, resulting in smaller "slices" or slower speeds for everyone.
How to Mitigate the Effects of Tower Congestion
One effective strategy to combat this issue is to adjust the direction of your antenna. If possible, try pointing your antenna towards a different tower that may be less congested. Here’s how you can optimize this approach:
Use Tools to Find Towers: Tools like Cell Mapper can help you locate nearby cell towers, giving you the information needed to potentially redirect your antenna towards a less busy tower.
Experiment with Timing: Test your internet speeds at different times throughout the day. It's not uncommon for urban towers to offer high speeds in the early morning but become bogged down during evening peak hours. In contrast, a tower that is typically slower might deliver more consistent speeds and a more reliable connection overall.
By understanding tower congestion and learning how to adjust your setup accordingly, you can improve your internet experience significantly. This may involve some trial and error, but finding the right tower and the best time to connect can lead to more consistent and faster internet speeds.
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Net All Over was founded by one of the innovators of Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) service, having designed one of the first outdoor wireless Internet networks in the U.S. in 1996. Our goal is to provide high-speed Internet service to rural or low-service areas that either have no competitive alternative – OR – have no high-speed choice at all.
For inquiries: support@netallover.com
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