Do You Have Slow Connection? Learn How to Speed Up Your Internet

Have you ever tried to open your favorite site, watch a video on YouTube, or text someone online, only for the internet to drag its feet? Well, you’re not alone. A slow internet connection can destroy your productivity and lead to boredom.

It’s essential to understand that the speed of your broadband service doesn’t only depend on your internet service provider. Other reasons could make your internet act up. Sometimes the issue can be something simple and, other times you may need to be more technical.

What are Some Reasons for the Slow Internet?

Here are some reasons for slow broadband.

• Service Interruptions

ISPs perform maintenance regularly to resolve issues with the network or to fix destroyed cables because of bad weather.  Your internet service provider will display a notice on the site, which should give you an idea on when things will get back to normal.

• Downloading Large Files

Most internet service providers have traffic management policies. These policies prevent users from downloading huge files when everyone else is trying to catch up on Facebook or read emails.  The metered speeds are meant to ensure that everyone can access the service.

• Outdated Hardware

Life gets busy, and before you know it, you’ve used the same router for over a decade. You’d be surprised to learn that your ISP has upgraded and is offering better hardware.

• Obsolete Web Browsers

The Old version of web browsers is another cause for slow broadband.

Tips and Tricks to Speed up Your Internet Connection

Here are some excellent tips on how to speed your broadband connection.

Test Your Speed

You’ll need to know your current internet speed before you figure out how to speed it up. There are various online tools like speed test which will tell you of your upload and download speeds as well as its performance in general.

With these tools, you can find out if you’re getting the speeds your ISP promised

Uninstall Any Broadband-Sucking Apps

Having many broadband-hogging apps in the background is easy. They could be a torrent client, antivirus software or communication apps like Skype.  While one or two of these apps won’t make a difference in your network connectivity, having too many apps could slow down your internet speed when you need it.

Ensure that you only have essential apps active and close those that run in the background. Your connection should improve significantly.

Change the Spot of Your Wireless Router

Wireless routers send high-frequency radio signals in all directions, but these signals can be short range. Objects interfere with the signals which could reduce your internet speeds.

You need to find a better spot for your router as the speed issues could be related to obstacles or distance. Sometimes it may be difficult to relocate the router; you could instead remove any barriers.

Switch Channels

You can change the channel of your router if you’re running on a 2.4GHz frequency. Things could speed up because this frequency can get congested with other devices.

To begin, you’ll have to download a free Wi-Fi utility for Windows, Acrylic Wi-Fi home. The application gives you information about the Wi-Fi signals and the channels available.

On a mac device, you can get Wireless Diagnostics which is a free tool that you can use to scan your devices. The recommended channels are 11 6, and Q for 2.4GHz.

Blocks Ads on Your Browser

Advertising banners and links are not only annoying, but they also reduce your connection speeds. Fortunately, you can handle this with ad blocking that hides unwanted ads.  Also, you can disable online ads by selecting the option in your antivirus settings. There are specialized applications that can help block on-site ads.

Optimize Settings and Limit Devices

While we all love to stream movies, conduct video chats, and play online games at the same time, this could slow down internet speed. Although some routers come which quality of service setting that allows you to give priority to specific tasks, other routers do not have this setting. If your router has this setting, ensure that you’ve started with the critical functions.

Also, ensure that you have the latest updates on your wireless router’s firmware.  While most new routers have inbuilt processes, sometimes you need to access your router’s settings manually to make these updates.

Update Your Antivirus Software and Web Browser

Outdated antivirus software puts you at risk of spyware, malware, Trojans, and other viruses. All these viruses could be using your bandwidth to upload or download additional data, which could slow down your speeds.

At times old antivirus software could have multiple updates that will require you to delete it or re-install it. Ensure that your antivirus is up to date.

Old versions of web browsers are bound to disappoint even when using a fast internet connection. You need to use a quick and updated browser like Firefox, Chrome, or Safari 11 for Mac users.  Having the latest version of your browser works to maximize your connection speed.

Set a Password for Your Wi-Fi

You’ll be surprised by how many people use their neighbor’s Wi-Fi without their knowledge. Some devices are configured to connect to unsecured Wi-Fi connections automatically when they are available. Find out if you have unwanted guests using your internet by browsing your router’s connection logs.

Block any device that you believe shouldn’t be in your Wi-Fi connection. Alternatively, you can change your password which will need any device to reconnect with a new password.

Restart Your Router

Rebooting your computer when it starts acting sluggish helps to clear cached memory and close any background processes. You can now enjoy a fast machine with little backlogs.

You can apply the same concept to your wireless router.  Routers have background processes and cached information. Resetting your router can get things up and running again. For you to reset your router, remove it from the power cord and wait for at least 30 seconds before you plug it. Turn the device back on and wait for it to start broadcasting a connection.  The speed of the router should be fast.

Control Your Startup Programs

Some programs run every time you power on your computer. They update themselves and send data to the web, and this could be affecting your internet speeds.  Use a registry cleaner software to find out what programs run when you log in. Furthermore, you can stop any programs that you don’t need.

Consider Ethernet as Your Alternative

While Wi-Fi is convenient and impressive, it’s not always fast.  You may need to consider cabled connections like Ethernet, which could be quicker and reliable.  Unlike wireless connections, the cable gets the signal to your device. Moreover, you can connect your TV, PlayStation, and your PC to Ethernet. The best part is that Ethernet is more secure than a wireless connection.

Use Microfilters

A microfilter looks like a telephone adapter, and it allows your broadband connection to work together with your home phone service without any interferences.

If you notice that the phone is noisy and there is a slow connection, both your internet and phone could be colliding. You’ll need to use a microfilter for all the equipment that runs through the phone system.

Install a Clear Cache Plugin

Every time you visit a website and enter some information like your email address, the browser collects these pieces of information in the form of cookies. These bits of information are used by marketers to send you ads based on your online behavior.

All these ads on your favorite sites can be annoying. You’ll have to clear the cache on your browser to get rid of the trackers and cookies.  Although you can do this manually, it’s best to install a plugin that will help you do this in a click.  Cleared caches significantly improve your internet speeds.

Upgrade Your Current Internet Plan

You can upgrade your current internet package with your provider. If you have a cable internet plan or a DSL and it’s slow, the next plan would be better and faster. The cost depends on the package you’d like to upgrade to.

Change Your Domain Name System Server

DNS servers connect you to everything on the internet.  For example, for the browser to take you to a specific site, it needs to get a numerical address of that site.  These servers have all the information.

Mediocre DNS servers have slow speeds. You need to find a fast DNS server to speed up the internet.  Changing your DNS server is a technical process, and you may need someone to help you out.

Get a Different ISP

At times, the biggest problem is your internet service provider.  Although you may have had a long-term relationship with your ISP, finding another provider might be a cheaper and efficient option in the long run.

All the above tips may be handy, but they won’t make a difference if your internet provider is the reason for your slow connection. Check other providers in the area who have better plans at a reasonable rate.

Broadband connection has become an essential part of our lives as many people rely on internet access for information, communication, and entertainment. Having a fast, secure, and reliable connection is imperative. The above tips will help you speed up internet connectivity. Talk to your service provider if you can’t resolve the issue with some of these tricks.