How to fix slow internet speeds during peak business hours for Brisbane SMBs

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix slow internet speeds during peak business hours for Brisbane SMBs. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Slow internet during peak business hours is often caused by network congestion, bandwidth saturation, or hardware limitations. This guide helps Brisbane small and medium business owners diagnose why their connection slows down during the workday and provides steps to restore reliable performance.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Restart your modem and router by unplugging them from the power outlet, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging them back in.
2. Disconnect any non-essential devices from the network, including guest smartphones and smart TVs.
3. Run a speed test using a device connected via Ethernet cable to determine if the issue affects the whole network or just Wi-Fi.
4. Close bandwidth-heavy applications such as video conferencing, cloud backups, or large file downloads.

Detailed Instructions

Check for bandwidth hogs

Identify which devices or applications are consuming the most data during peak hours.

1. Log into your router's admin panel using the IP address printed on the device label (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Navigate to the Device List, Connected Clients, or Traffic Monitor section.
3. Look for devices showing high upload or download activity.
4. Pause large cloud syncs (such as OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox) and schedule backups for after business hours.

Optimise your Wi-Fi connection

Wi-Fi interference can mimic slow internet speeds, especially in shared office buildings.

1. Move your router to a central, elevated location away from microwaves, cordless phones, and thick walls.
2. Switch to the 5 GHz band if your router supports dual-band Wi-Fi; it offers faster speeds and less interference than 2.4 GHz.
3. Change the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings to avoid overlapping with neighbouring networks.
4. For critical workstations, use an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi for a stable, full-speed connection.

Review your service plan

Your current nbn™ plan may not provide enough bandwidth for your team size and usage patterns.

• Compare the number of staff using video calls, VoIP phones, and cloud software against your plan's typical evening speeds.
• Consider upgrading to a higher speed tier if your organisation regularly exceeds its available bandwidth.
• Ask 220 Internet Services about business-grade nbn™ options with priority support.

Troubleshooting

Speed test results are normal but the internet still feels slow

This may indicate DNS issues or local device problems rather than a slow connection.

1. Flush your DNS cache. On Windows, open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns. On macOS, open Terminal and run sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
2. Restart the affected computer or device.
3. Try a different web browser or open an incognito/private window to rule out extension-related slowdowns.

Only one device is slow

1. Check for background updates on that device (Windows Update, macOS updates, or antivirus scans).
2. Run a malware scan using your installed security software.
3. Move the device closer to the router or connect it via Ethernet.

Connection drops out completely during peak hours

1. Check the lights on your nbn™ connection box and router. If the optical or DSL light is red or off, there may be a line fault.
2. Power cycle the nbn™ connection box and router together.
3. If the problem persists, Open a Ticket so our Brisbane support team can investigate line quality and congestion.

For help selecting a suitable business internet plan or optimising your office network, see How to connect to Wi-Fi.

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