Achieving Good Internet Speeds at Home: A Simple Guide

Humans rely on the internet for countless things today. They need a fast and reliable connection in this hyper-connected world. However, even fast internet providers can have service slowdowns at times. What can an internet user do to speed up their service? 

Speed Test

The first thing a person should do when their internet slows is conduct a speed test. This test will let them know if they are getting good internet speeds and if the site they are on is a problem or if it is the service itself.

Restart Equipment

If the service appears to be the problem, restart the equipment to see if that will clear up any issues. Restarting the router clears its memory while reloading the firmware. Unplug the router and modem from the wall and wait 30 seconds. Plug the devices back in and let them reboot. This step is often enough to speed up the internet.

Move the Router

The router takes the incoming signal from the internet provider and distributes it to connected devices in the home. The distance between the router and each device determines the signal strength. Moving the router to a central location in the home may be enough to speed up internet service.

Switch Wi-Fi Bands

Countless individuals need to realize they can switch their Wi-Fi bands. Most routers today are dual-band, which means they can choose either the 2.4 gigahertz frequency or the five gigahertz frequency. The five gigahertz option typically offers faster speeds but a limited range. The 2.4 gigahertz band is slower but can extend much further.

Clean Devices

Closing open programs and background applications can speed up a slow computer. The same holds for internet connections. Use an ad blocker to stop video ads and pop-ups that consume bandwidth. Close open tabs and programs not being used, and check for malware. Turn off the VPN and remove leeches using valuable bandwidth.

Update Firmware

Individuals should regularly update the firmware on all computer equipment. These updates are required for routers and modems, just like other devices. When the firmware is outdated, the device runs slower and is vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Contact the Internet Service Provider

Contact the internet service provider and tell them you are unhappy with the current speed. They may throttle the speed because too many people are online simultaneously or because they feel the household uses too much data. Reaching out to the internet service provider and filing a complaint or threatening to switch to a different company may be enough for them to increase the speed without increasing the monthly fee. 

Use an Ethernet Cable

Connect devices to the router with internet ethernet cables if all else fails. Many people choose to use an ethernet cable when they have an essential work call or video conference they must take part in. Gaming systems also benefit from an ethernet cable because no person wants to find they lost a game because their internet service glitched at the wrong time.

Increasing the speed of your internet service often requires trial and error. Using the suggestions outlined above, begin researching the problem and how best to address it. Other options, such as investing in a Wi-Fi extender, may need to be considered. Talk with the internet service provider to see their recommendations; they want consumers to be satisfied with their service. They will help resolve the issue in any way they can. 

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