Why Does Comcast Internet Speed Fluctuate?

Business owners that use Comcast as their Internet service provider often discover that their Internet speed fluctuates. This can cause a variety of problems, including business process and employee productivity interruptions and slowdown. Understanding the main factors that affect Comcast Internet speed can help you learn how to change the way you use the service so that your business runs more efficiently.

One reason Comcast's Internet speed fluctuates is that a customer isn't using equipment recommended by Comcast. Comcast recommends that you use a computer with at least a 1.5GHz CPU, 1GB of RAM and a Windows XP or higher operating system. Additionally, users should use an up-to-date browser, an approved modem and, if applicable, an 802.11n-capable wireless router. If you're uncertain about your modem compatibility, go to Comcast's DOCSIS Device Information Center modem list. In all cases, Comcast recommends that customers exceed the minimum requirements whenever possible to get the most from its Internet service.

Internet speed also fluctuates when you're not maintaining your browser and computer at optimum levels. To improve browser performance, Comcast recommends that customers regularly free up hard drive space by clearing their browsing history and cache. Comcast also recommends that you use Windows Defragmenter at least once a month to make file reading more efficient and faster. To defragment your hard drive, click "Start," search for "Disk Defragmenter" in the search field, click "Disk Defragmenter," click "Defragment Disk" and then click "Close" when finished.

Issues with data transfer can cause interruptions and delays that result in speed fluctuations. Data transfer managed by Comcast servers can be affected by the distance between your computer and a server, as well as any construction, network outages and line maintenance along that path that might result in Comcast re-rerouting signals to greater distances so that your service isn't interrupted. Bandwidth congestion at certain times of day, as well as attempts by Comcast to manage it, can cause speed fluctuations. Additionally, large file uploads or downloads can also affect Internet speed throughout your business.

Malicious software such as viruses, adware and spyware can tax system resources while running in the background, resulting in computer slowdown or information being sent over your Internet connection -- resulting in higher-than-average Internet bandwidth usage. Additionally, many malicious programs purposely disrupt use or cause damage, resulting in slowdown or malfunctioning. Comcast recommends that customers scan their computers daily for malicious software using an antivirus program or its Norton Security offering.

Many Comcast Internet customers don't realize that the cause of speed fluctuation can be as simple as a loose cable or fixable modem error. Comcast recommends that you check all equipment cables and power cycle or reboot your modem before troubleshooting any other cause.