why is my internet connection so low (slow)?

[BeachBro]

one day i started up my cpu, and my browser, youtube videos, and webpages took forever to load. i do not use wireless internet, i use an ethernet cable. i have a password on my router so i know my nieghbors arent leeching off. i have a ps3, also connected by an ethernet cable, that while playing call of duty, i always get kicked out of games/ can never find any due to such low internet connection. while ingame it shows that my internet is horrible and i have no clue what to do. my computer is fine, i scan it, fix any problems with it regularly. can anyone give me a solution? thanks in advance.

[Colanth]

Turn off the wireless in your router. If the connection speeds up, that's your problem. (Someone got into your router.)

If not, call your provider and ask for help. It could be something you can't control, like a corroded connector up on the pole. They can find things like that from their office.

[Luther H]

I take it that you have either a DSL, or maybe a T1-4 connection. There is a few other factors that maybe needed to be considered. In a cable connection setup, think of it as a highway with many on and off ramps. Those on and off ramps represent people's internet connection. If there is high traffic on it, then you will get congestion from the traffic. Depending on how close you are to your Internet Service Provider, you will get some congestion. I suggest that you go to http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest and see if your system is performing correctly. There is also the time factor. Most connection are during the evening hours from 5-9, this is when most of the connections are slow and the traffic is really congested. Especially if your neighbors are on the same line, and the rest of the neighbor hood is on it also. As far as a solution, haven't found one yet, but check out the speed test first and then talk to your ISP provider.

http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest