Several factors influence the speed of internet connections, including bandwidth, network congestion, and the quality of hardware components. Bandwidth refers to the maximum rate at which data can be transmitted, while congestion occurs when many users share the same connection, slowing speeds. Latency, or the delay in data transmission, can also impact perceived speed. Additional elements, such as ISP (Internet Service Provider) infrastructure and the distance to physical servers, play crucial roles in determining overall internet performance.