Super Slow Downloads, except via VPN

[dogginlv]

Hey everyone, I'm having an issue that I see from past topics others have had in the past, but I don't see a viable solution.  I'm experiencing extremely slow download speeds.  Even trying to view screenshots takes forever.  My ISP is Cox Communications and I'm in the USA (Las Vegas area).  As a test, I tried connecting from my VPN (USA servers) and *BOOM* everything works fine, but I understand I'll get banned if I use a VPN and I certainly don't want that.  I'm a gold supporter and I love the site, but right now, I'm paying for something I can't really use.  I tried changing my DNS server to 8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1 but that made no difference.  I'm at a loss what to do, because VPN would be the simple fix, but if I'm going to get banned for it, that's obviously not a solution.  Any ideas what I can do or what can be done?

[Dazz]

I've had the server checked... it's not a server side issue. Not really much I can do from a server standpoint. It's possible that it could depend on which cloudflare server you are being routed through. You can try running tracert and check the Network developer console in your browser to see where the possible slowdown is. Not really something I can do from my end.

[dogginlv]

On 11/13/2025 at 11:46 AM, Dazz said:

I've had the server checked... it's not a server side issue. Not really much I can do from a server standpoint. It's possible that it could depend on which cloudflare server you are being routed through. You can try running tracert and check the Network developer console in your browser to see where the possible slowdown is. Not really something I can do from my end.

 

I appreciate you taking a look.  I didn't really expect it to be on your end, or everyone would be screaming about it.  I'm almost certain it's something with my ISP, because it's only your site and it only happens when I'm coming directly through them.  If I connect to you via VPN, or on my phone via the cellular network, it's fine (sadly, I don't have unlimited data, or I'd just use my hotspot). 

 

I'm going to reach out to my ISP, even though I'm dubious they'll actually do anything.  In the meantime, is there any way to use my VPN without banning my account?  Can't you see from my activity, since I have to be logged in to download, that I'm not doing anything malicious?