Troubleshooting Slow AT&T Fiber - Solutions from the AT&T Community

Learn What You Need For AT&T Fiber Speed

First, AT&T Fiber requires the right hardware. If your device(s) is not compatible with gigabit speeds, you may not be able to take advantage of the plan/ speed you are subscribed to. Check out what you need below!

Before troubleshooting, you'll want to check the speeds through the modem. This will help determine if you are getting fiber speeds from the outside fiber cable and isolate the issue, either with your equipment or the AT&T network. 

The right hardware

•  A network card that can support the plan – some cards are not designed to go above 100 Mbps. Check the owners manual to see if your device can support gigabit speeds. Fast Ethernet supports up to 100Mbps, Gigabit Ethernet supports 1000mbps.
• Network cables compatible with gigabit speeds – Cat-5e can be used 100Mbps speeds,  Cat-6 cables are recommended for gigabit speeds. 
• Updated operating systems – the older the OS, the less likely it will support higher speeds. For example, if drivers are not updated, this may prevent full utilization
• Updated network device – switches and hubs are rated for certain speeds. Make sure yours is rated to handle gigabit speeds

What impacts your speed

•  Malware – viruses and other programs can run in the background and impact speeds. We recommend downloading our security suite here.
• Other programs using the network – like malware, some programs can run in the background and use up resources. Close all programs before testing.
• The type of USB port you use – if you are using a network adapter that uses USB, make sure the adapter is capable of gigabit speeds. USB 2.0 maxes out between 250-300 Mbps. 3.0 USB ports support 900 Mbps or higher.
• An old CPU - a weaker processor is not capable of handling higher speeds.

Remember, the older the equipment is, the less likely it is going to be compatible with gigabit speeds. We recommend updating the equipment if you determine the hardware is not compatible. If you have 1G plan, testing near or around 600 mbps is within the parameters of the plan.

If the above does not help and you meet the hardware requirements, troubleshoot using our Troubleshoot & Resolve Tool via a browser or mobile device! It beats calling in! 

Other Helpful Links

• Trying to get AT&T Fiber but it is not available? Learn the why and your options. 
• Slow speeds? Learn what you can do to improve your Wi-Fi and internet experience. 
• Download AT&T's Security Suite.
• Slow browser may look like slow speeds, learn how to optimize your web browser.

ChrisZ, AT&T Community Specialist