It is very annoying to have a slow internet connection particularly when you are in the middle of streaming your favorite show, joining a video call or just surfing the internet.
Fortunately, there are several methods that can be used to improve the internet speed without necessarily having to be a technician.
Here, we list the eight best tips to help you improve your internet connection significantly.
Optimize Your Router Placement
The position of your router is one of the key factors that determines the quality of the internet connection that you get. Ideally, it is recommended to locate your router at the central part of your house to ensure that all the rooms receive a decent amount of signal. Do not put the router on the corner of the room, behind a large piece of furniture, or close to other electronic appliances that may interfere with the signal.
Besides, central positioning, another effective way to enhance your router’s performance is to raise it. Place it on a high shelf or better still, fix it on the wall if you want to cover a large area. This small change can sometimes have a drastic effect on your internet performance and speed.
Update Your Router’s Firmware
It is very important to always update the firmware of your router for it to be in its best performing state. Companies release firmware updates to address issues that are present in the previous version, make it more secure and add new features. It is recommended to check for and install these updates to help your router run at optimal capacity.
It may sound scary to update firmware, but in most of the cases, it involves opening a web browser and navigating to the router settings as per the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The time spent on these activities can result in a massive increase in the speed of the network and increased security.
Change Your Wi-Fi Channel
The wireless channels can be very busy and this is especially so in areas where many wireless networks are operating in the same frequency range. You can try to change the channel of your Wi-Fi to a channel that is less occupied to minimize on interferences. In most of the contemporary routers, the system has a feature of automatically choosing the right channel, but in some cases, it might be wise to choose the channel by yourself.
To change your Wi-Fi channel, log in to the router’s settings via a web browser and go to wireless settings. Here, you can try out different channels to determine which of them would provide the most performance. Other free tools such as Wi-Fi analyzers can also be used to determine the least used channels.
Use Ethernet Cables
As much as Wi-Fi is convenient for wireless connection, hard-wiring your significant devices through Ethernet cables will go a long way in boosting the connection speed and reliability. Cabled connections are usually faster and more stable than wireless ones which is why they are used for gaming consoles, computers, and smart TVs.
If your router is out of range of your primary devices, it is recommended to install Ethernet cables inside the walls or use powerline adapters that transmit the signal through the electrical wiring of your house. These solutions can offer the advantages of a wired connection without the need for long cables.
Limit Bandwidth-Hogging Applications
Some of the applications and the devices that you use will require a lot of bandwidth hence reducing your overall internet speed. Downloading movies, music, and other large files, as well as online gaming. Restriction of the usage of these applications particularly at peak hours can go along way in ensuring that the internet runs more efficiently.
Also, changing Quality of Service (QoS) settings in a router can help allocate bandwidth for important programs. This means that the important activities such as video calls get the bandwidth they require. Another strategy is the use of VPN as a service. VPNs can also be useful in controlling bandwidth as it directs your internet connection through different servers to avoid throttling by the ISP. This can result in a more stable and sometimes faster connection, especially if your ISP is one of those that discriminates against specific types of traffic.
Upgrade Your Internet Plan
Sometimes, the best solution is to get a better internet connection plan or a faster one if you are using a slow one. Most ISPs provide their customers with a number of plans and these include the internet speed. If one often gets to deal with slow internet, then it may be wise to move to a better plan with better internet speed. Evaluate your Internet usage to decide on the best plan to subscribe to.
It is important to consult with your ISP before upgrading to know whether the current equipment can handle the new speed. You may have to get a new router or modem to fully benefit from the new plan. Upgrading your internet plan to a higher speed and using the right devices can make a huge difference in your internet connection.
Invest in a Wi-Fi Extender or Mesh Network
If some parts of your home do not receive a good Wi-Fi signal or no signal at all, then you should consider getting a Wi-Fi booster or a mesh network system. Wi-Fi extenders work by boosting the current signal and providing a wider coverage to areas that cannot be covered. These are quite simple to install and are cheaper compared to other types of homes, especially in small to medium sized homes.
For bigger houses or more effective systems, mesh network systems are the most appropriate. These systems are made up of several units that are installed in various sections of your home to form a network. They offer better signal strength and support more devices than the conventional routers and extenders.
Check for Viruses and Malware
Viruses and malware slow down your internet connection because they use up bandwidth and other system resources. Running your devices through reliable antivirus software often can also help to identify and remove these threats and maintain a fast and safe connection.
Besides, having an antivirus program installed, one can avoid getting an infection while browsing the Internet. Do not download files from unknown sources, do not open links from unknown sources, and make sure the operating system and applications are updated with the latest security updates.
The above tips can help you enhance your internet speed and thus have a better experience when surfing the internet. Whether it is about the router placement or purchasing new equipment, every action is aimed at achieving a faster and more stable connection.
