5 Common Internet Myths Debunked by Science

As someone who has spent years navigating the intricate world of networking and internet service, I’ve encountered countless misconceptions that can mislead users in their online experiences. The internet, while a powerful tool, is often surrounded by myths that can confuse even the most tech-savvy individuals. Today, I want to debunk five common internet myths, sharing my insights, analogies, and experiences along the way.

1. Myth: Increasing Your Internet Speed Will Solve All Your Problems

When I first started my journey in the ISP world, I remember clients often clamoring for faster speeds, convinced that this would fix all their connectivity issues. It’s like trying to fill a bathtub with a bigger faucet while the drain is wide open—if there’s a leak (like network congestion or an outdated router), you won’t fill it up efficiently.

For instance, I had a customer on a 300 Mbps Fiber Plan with a Dual Band AC Gigabit ONT that supports up to 850 Mbps over 5G Wi-Fi. While he had no issues connecting to our router on the first floor, he experienced significant speed drops and latency when moving to the main hall on the ground floor. Initially, we thought it was a Wi-Fi range issue since the signal was excellent. However, after further investigation, we discovered the customer had installed an old single-band router downstairs, which was in such poor condition that it couldn’t handle the load and frequently disconnected. When we suggested he replace the outdated router, he threatened to change his internet connection instead.

Another example involved a small business owner who upgraded from a 50 Mbps plan to a 200 Mbps plan, thinking it would resolve their slow file transfers. However, the root cause was a misconfigured network switch that couldn’t handle the higher speeds. We reconfigured the switch, and they were able to enjoy the benefits of their new plan without needing to increase the speed further.

Takeaway: Always assess your entire network setup before deciding to upgrade your plan.

2. Myth: A Wi-Fi Repeater Will Solve All Wi-Fi Issues

Many people believe that installing a Wi-Fi repeater will instantly solve all their Wi-Fi problems. It’s similar to thinking that adding a second exhaust pipe to a car will make it run faster; it might help in some cases, but it won’t solve underlying issues.

For instance, I’ve seen clients who installed repeaters to extend their network coverage but ended up frustrated with reduced speeds. One particular case involved a family who added two repeaters to their network, thinking it would help eliminate dead zones. Instead, their internet speed dropped to a crawl because each repeater halved the available bandwidth for devices connected to it. We eventually replaced the entire setup with a mesh Wi-Fi system, and their connectivity issues were resolved.

Another example involved an apartment complex where residents complained of weak Wi-Fi signals in their units. The management thought installing a repeater in each unit would solve the problem. After implementing this solution, residents still faced issues because the repeaters were picking up and broadcasting weak signals. Instead, we recommended installing additional access points connected to the main router, which provided a much more stable and reliable connection.

Takeaway: Understand that a Wi-Fi repeater may not be the best solution. Evaluate your entire network and consider alternatives like mesh systems for improved performance.

3. Myth: Incognito Mode Provides Complete Anonymity

I often hear clients mention that they use incognito mode to remain anonymous online. It’s a common misconception, much like thinking you can sneak out of a house with the lights on—just because you can’t see your browsing history doesn’t mean others can’t see your activity.

For example, a friend of mine thought he was being clever by using incognito mode to browse sensitive topics, believing it would protect his privacy. Little did he know that while his browser history wasn’t saved, his ISP and websites could still track his activity. When we discussed online privacy, I introduced him to VPNs, which offer encryption and anonymity, providing a more secure browsing experience.

I also worked with a client who was worried about their online shopping habits being tracked. They frequently used incognito mode but didn’t realize that their ISP and the websites they visited still collected data. After explaining the limitations of incognito mode, they decided to implement a VPN for their online shopping to ensure their transactions were secure and private.

Takeaway: If privacy is your concern, consider investing in a reliable VPN instead of relying solely on incognito mode.

4. Myth: More Devices on a Network Always Slows It Down

A common belief I encounter is that simply adding more devices to a network will inevitably slow it down. This is akin to thinking that adding more cars to a road will always lead to traffic jams; sometimes, the road can handle the load without issue.

For example, I had a client who believed that their family of five couldn’t use the internet simultaneously without slowing down. They had multiple devices—smart TVs, phones, and tablets—but with a decent plan and a quality router, their connection remained stable even during peak usage times. The family could stream movies, play online games, and browse the web simultaneously without any hiccups.

In another case, I worked with a small business that added several smart devices to their network, including security cameras and smart lights. They were concerned about performance degradation. However, after upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router that could handle the increased load, they experienced improved performance across the board. The smart devices operated seamlessly without affecting the speed of their computers and phones.

Takeaway: Rather than limiting the number of devices, focus on upgrading your network infrastructure to handle your needs better.

5. Myth: Antivirus Software Alone Can Protect You from All Threats

As a network consultant, I often encounter clients who believe that having antivirus software installed is enough to keep them safe from cyber threats. However, I’ve learned that this is a misconception. It’s like having a security guard at your front door but leaving the windows wide open—vulnerabilities can still be exploited.

For example, I had a client who relied solely on free antivirus software, thinking they were protected. Unfortunately, they fell victim to a phishing attack that led to a data breach. We had to implement additional security measures, including email filtering and employee training on recognizing phishing attempts, to prevent future incidents.

I also remember assisting a small business that experienced a ransomware attack despite having a reputable antivirus program. They had neglected to update their software regularly, which left them vulnerable. Afterward, we emphasized the importance of a comprehensive security approach that included regular software updates, employee training, and strong passwords.

Takeaway: Combine antivirus software with good security practices—like strong passwords and regular updates—for the best protection.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of the internet can be challenging, especially with so many myths and misconceptions. By sharing my experiences and insights, I hope to empower you to make informed decisions about your online activities. Understanding the realities of internet speed, Wi-Fi performance, online privacy, and security can help you create a safer and more efficient online experience.

Always stay curious and question what you hear—because the truth is out there, and a little knowledge can go a long way in this digital age!