Understanding Intranet Load Speed & Performance Expectations

Overview

Intranet performance can be affected by several factors, including network conditions, browser settings, and the complexity of the content being loaded. This article outlines common performance expectations and variables that can impact load speed.

What to Expect in Terms of Load Speed

A well-optimized intranet typically loads within:

• FCP (1.5-3.5)
• LCP (2.5-5.0) 
• INP (200ms-500ms)
• CLS (<0.1-.25)
• Page Load (4s-8s)

	Good*	Most Web Apps	Typical Enterprise **
FCP	≤ 1.8s	1.8s-3.0s	1.5s-3.5s
LCP	≤ 2.5	2.5s-4.0s	2.5s-5.0s
CLS	≤ 0.1	0.1-0.25	0.05-0.2
INP	≤ 200ms	200ms-500ms	150ms-400ms
TTFB	≤ 800ms	800ms-1800ms	800ms-2000ms
Page Load	3-5s	3s-5s	4s-8s

* Google recommended

** Source: Google CrUX data, httparchive.org, 

For an enterprise system like an Intranet, HRMS, or CRM, “typical” performance falls short of consumer-grade ideals (e.g., e-commerce aiming for LCP < 2s) due to complexity and internal constraints. Aiming for the lower end of these ranges (e.g., FCP 1.5s, LCP 2.5s, INP 150ms) is realistic with optimization (e.g., caching, minification, SSR), but hitting Google’s “good” thresholds across all users is really tough.

Common Factors That Affect Load Speed

1. Network & User-Side Factors

• Internet Connection Speed – A slow or unstable network will increase load times.
• VPN Usage – Some corporate VPNs may add to the latency.
• Firewall & Security Software – Strict security settings can delay content loading.
• Device Performance – Older devices or high CPU/RAM usage can impact speed.

2. Browser & Cache Settings

• Browser Type & Extensions – Some browsers handle web applications better than others; extensions can interfere with performance.
• Cache & Cookies – A full cache or outdated cookies can cause delays; clearing them may improve speed.

3. Heavy and Unoptimized Assets

• Large Images and Videos: Uncompressed or oversized media files delay FCP and LCP.

• Custom Fonts: Using multiple or unoptimized font files can also slow down initial rendering. 

4. Content & Configuration

• Data Fetching: Real-time data (e.g., Analytics dashboards) delays
• Page Complexity – Pages with high-resolution images, embedded videos, and multiple widgets will take longer to load. Adding large images to carousel or custom tiles can have bi impact on the LCP.
• Third-Party Integrations – External content (e.g., embedded feeds, analytics scripts) can introduce delays.
• User Volume & Peak Traffic – A spike in concurrent users accessing the intranet at once can temporarily impact performance.

5. System & IT Considerations

• Corporate Network Policies – Internal IT restrictions, such as bandwidth limits, may slow intranet access.
• Server & CDN Performance – Load speed can be impacted if content delivery networks (CDNs) are misconfigured or if servers are experiencing high load.
  
  

Best Practices for Optimal Performance

• Use a modern browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox) and keep it updated.
• Clear your cache periodically to remove outdated stored data.
• Ensure your device and network meet the recommended performance standards.
• Minimize the use of unnecessary third-party extensions or scripts.
• If on a VPN, test performance without it to see if there’s an improvement.
  

When to Reach Out for Support

If you’ve reviewed the above factors and are still experiencing consistently slow load times, contact our Support team with the following details:

• Specific pages affected
• Network speed test results
• Browser and device information
• Whether the issue occurs for all users or specific ones

By understanding these factors, you can ensure the best possible experience with your intranet while minimizing unnecessary troubleshooting delays.