Internet dips when I’m using high internet usage softwares/websites

Understanding and Troubleshooting Internet Speed Fluctuations During High-Intensity Usage

Many users experience frustrating fluctuations in their internet connectivity when engaging in high-bandwidth activities such as gaming or streaming. If you’ve noticed your internet speed significantly drops while playing demanding games like Apex Legends or Battlefield, or when streaming on platforms like Discord, you’re not alone. Here, we’ll explore common causes of these issues and provide practical solutions to help maintain a stable connection.

Identifying the Issue

Users have reported that during intensive software usage—such as competitive online gaming or live streaming—their internet connection deteriorates, with download and upload speeds plummeting unexpectedly. For example, initial speeds may be around 500 Mbps download and 400 Mbps upload but can drop to as low as 8 Mbps download and 0.22 Mbps upload after only a short period of gaming or streaming. Such drastic fluctuations can disrupt gameplay, streaming quality, and overall online experience.

Common Causes

1. Network Congestion and Bandwidth Saturation
   High-demand applications consume significant bandwidth, which can lead to network congestion, especially if multiple devices are sharing the same connection.

2. Router or Modem Limitations
   Outdated or improperly configured networking hardware may struggle to handle high data loads, resulting in throttled speeds.

3. Firmware and Driver Issues
   Outdated network drivers or firmware can cause inefficiencies and instability.

4. ISP Throttling or Network Management Policies
   Internet Service Providers may implement traffic management policies that reduce speeds during heavy usage periods.

5. Local Network Configuration
   Misconfiguration of network settings or interference can also contribute to inconsistent performance.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

1. Reset Network Settings
   Using commands like netsh winsock reset can resolve underlying network configuration issues temporarily. However, if the problem persists, more comprehensive steps are needed.

2. Update Firmware and Drivers
   Ensure your router’s firmware and your network adapter drivers are up to date to maximize stability and performance.

3. Optimize Your Router

4. Position your router centrally to ensure even coverage.
5. Enable Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize gaming or streaming traffic.

6. Consider enabling features like MU-MIMO if supported.

7. Limit Background Applications
   Close any unnecessary applications or processes that consume bandwidth during gaming or streaming sessions.

8. Use Wired Connections
   Whenever possible, switch from Wi-Fi to wired Ethernet connections to reduce latency and improve stability.

9. Contact Your ISP
   If issues persist, reach out to your internet service provider to identify