Slow internet speeds can interrupt important online meetings, delay our work, and pause movies and shows while streaming. In short, a sluggish internet can drive us crazy and cause chaos, especially when working remotely.
However, the good news is that you can use a few simple ways to speed up your internet connection.
Test your internet speed
The first step is to test your internet speed. This will help you determine whether you are getting what you pay for. There are plenty of speed testing tools available online.
A decent download speed is usually 10 Mbps per person, but it depends on your usage. For example, if all you use the internet for is checking emails and surfing online, then 10 Mbps would do well.
However, if you’re into online gaming and stream a lot, you will need an increased download speed for a better experience. You need to find the best one with minimum latency and the best pricing. Several internet plans offer the best high-speed internet with no data caps.
Speed up your connection using these hacks
Move your router location
The router signals can get interrupted by any obstacles on the way. These include ceilings, walls, furniture, and any physical object—radio waves from appliances like microwaves, speakers, and cellphones.
So if your router is placed at one end of the house’s space, there will be a lot of issues getting proper Wi-Fi signals. Therefore, the best place for a router would be a central and elevated place where you use the internet the most. Do not move your router to a closet or basement – that will worsen the issues.
Adjust router antenna
Some compact routers have internal antennas that are fixed and not adjustable; if your router has an internal antenna, you can skip this step, as it is not possible in your case. On the other hand, for routers with an adjustable external antenna, you can adjust them. In that case, you can proceed with the below adjustments.
Some routers with adjustable antennas can be moved in both directions, whereas others can be adjusted to four sides. Try to adjust the antennas in different directions to get maximum coverage. Try the steps by changing them in various combinations to get the best result. Some routers come with four or more antennae, whereas some others have two or three only.
Speed up your connection
While we sincerely hope that these suggestions may help you, there are occasions when your internet connection is simply too sluggish to support your online usage. If that’s the case, upgrading to a faster internet package will be necessary to receive better speeds.
Uncertain about the internet speeds required to sustain your usage of the internet? See our internet speed guides for online gaming and video streaming requirements.
If your internet connection isn’t cutting it even though you’re certain you’ve paid for enough speed, it’s possible that it isn’t continually operating at peak efficiency.
Internet service providers only guarantee that you will occasionally receive the advertised speeds.
Update firmware of the router
If you own a router/modem combination device (also known as a gateway), your ISP most likely performs automatic firmware updates for you. But it can be worthwhile to check for updates if you have a separate router.
A router is used to administer your network and route traffic, so it needs an operating system like any other computing device. Since no software is faultless, creators regularly publish updates that enhance the code, eliminate annoying bugs, and close security holes.
It is crucial to keep the firmware updated for optimal security and performance. Although many more recent routers update themselves automatically, you might feel more secure by cross-checking the version of your firmware. If automatic updates are enabled, log into your router and make sure they are updated.
Replace your equipment
All your internet data is processed through your router and modem; if either is underperforming, it could slow down your entire network. Therefore, if you rely on outdated or older technology, it is time to purchase a replacement.
You can ask for new equipment if you think the router you rent from your internet provider is outdated, significantly if it’s degrading network performance. Internet service providers provide a single wireless gateway or a standalone modem and router.
In the long run, buying your modem and router could be more cost-effective than renting them. For instance, a store-bought router typically allows you more control over your home network’s capabilities, transfer rates, and security.
Change the frequency band
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz are the two radio frequency bands that most modern routers use. At various distances from your router, the band you choose for connections might impact the quality and speed of your connections.
Try changing to the other frequency band, as the one you’re now using might encounter some transient interference. It will appear on your device as a distinct Wi-Fi network, typically with a label in the network name indicating the network’s frequency as either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
The Wi-Fi connection used the most frequently is in the 2.4 GHz band. However, the airways on this frequency can be a little congested because it is utilized for many other wireless communications.
Conclusion
Wired connections are quicker and more dependable than Wi-Fi, which is wonderful. Instead of depending on Wi-Fi, connecting high-priority devices like a PC, gaming console, or smart TV to your router via an Ethernet connection can be worthwhile.
