The most obvious factor is your subscription. Your ISP sets a "throttle" or a cap based on what you pay for. However, even if you pay for high speeds, external factors can interfere:
Understanding the Reality of Your Internet Speed When you sign up for an internet plan, you’re usually sold on a "maximum" or "up to" speed. However, rarely do you see those exact numbers on a speed test. That is because a complex chain of factors that span from the provider’s infrastructure to the very device in your hand. your actual download speed is determined by
Sometimes, the slowness isn't your fault at all. When you download a file, If you are downloading a game update from a server that is currently being hammered by millions of other users, that server will limit how much bandwidth it gives to you to prevent a crash. 6. Background Activity and Software Your "speed" is a shared resource across your entire home. The most obvious factor is your subscription
Like a highway during rush hour, if everyone in your neighborhood is streaming 4K video at 7 PM, the shared bandwidth of your local node can get crowded. However, rarely do you see those exact numbers
Windows updates, cloud backups (like iCloud or OneDrive), and background app refreshes consume "slices" of your bandwidth.
If you’re using an old tablet with a slow processor, it may struggle to decrypt and render data as fast as the network sends it.
Walls, floors, and even microwave ovens can disrupt Wi-Fi signals. Furthermore, if you are on the 2.4GHz band, you are likely competing with your neighbor's signals.