A slow internet connection speed is always frustrating, with web users typically striving for a download speed of around 12 megabits per second.
So why settle for a basic or average speed when you can go for advanced connectivity?
Here are some ways to speed up that lagging connectivity – making work and personal web surfing a much better experience all-round.
Check Your Internet Connection Speed
If you’re struggling with a slow connection a good starting point is to test your internet speed. This may explain what’s wrong.
If it’s abnormally low, get it checked by an expert via your network provider. If it’s just a little below-par, there are fixes you can do yourself.
You can do this using an online speed-checker. Once that’s done, try the following tips to kick your connection into a higher gear…
Spring Clean Your Device
One of the simplest ways to fix a lagging internet connection is to tidy up your computer.
Many applications on a device run in the background – often without you knowing about it – using the net and slowing things down elsewhere. Similarly, these might be apps or web pages you were using but simply forgot to shut down.
Updates, security programs, pop-ups, and scans can rattle on in the background and slow down your productivity as well.
Make sure applications and web pages you’re not using are closed and set any scans and updates to take place when you’re away from the device – often best at night-time or when you go to shut down the computer at the end of the day.
As well as this, be diligent about keeping your device tidy and organized. Clogging your storage up with unnecessary or old files and programs will affect the computer’s performance.
Move things to the trash and then empty the trash folder. Archive emails. Clear downloads. Keep it clean.
Do you also want to know how to make downloads faster? This trick can help with that too.
Ensure Your Wi-Fi Is Secure
Wi-Fi performance will slow down when many people use the same network.
The simplest way to deal with this is to limit how many people connect to it.
Often, external sources can tap in and use a network if you haven’t got it password-protected. So ensure your network is secure with a password and that only essential users have access to it.
Use an Accelerator
There are internet connection speed accelerators on the market designed to help slower connections work better.
Many locations still struggle with outdated lagging in connectivity speeds because of the area. Rural areas or locations with interfering outside factors can be problematic, for instance.
Look into acquiring an accelerator to improve your connection speed.
You can also use a powerline adapter. Powerline adapters connect to the mains electricity supply at your home to help with the performance of your network connection.
Move the Router
Sometimes just the location of a router can cause a slower network speed. So the fix may be as simple as moving the equipment.
If your router is positioned several rooms away from where you work, think about plugging it into an outlet with fewer walls separating it. Often, it can be as simple as placing the router somewhere higher. If it’s on a low shelf, low table, or even on the floor, this can affect the network performance.
If the router is used by several devices all over the house, it’s best to keep it in a central room. Somewhere like an upstairs landing is a good idea – it’s high and in the middle of the rooms.
Most routers these days aren’t unsightly – and all homes have electronic equipment on display. So don’t tuck it away somewhere hidden, as this will slow it down too.
Sometimes switching one router for a mesh router system is the answer. This means you will have several smaller routers to place around the property rather than all devices searching for one signal from the main one.
Plug It In
Obviously, wireless internet is the most convenient type of network and is certainly the way of the future.
But if you work at a desk next to a router that is struggling with glitchy Wi-Fi, go for the old-school approach and plug your device into the router with an ethernet cable.
Look at this as a quick fix and try to get to the root of the slow wireless problem. But if you pay for Wi-Fi, it should work! Call your supplier and complain.
Switch Suppliers
If the problem persists, it might be a good idea to look into a new internet supplier.
Before you do, research other companies and see what deals are out there. Inquire with these companies and tell them you’re looking to leave your existing supplier because of slow connectivity. This will hopefully get you a good deal and will ensure the new company can promise you a better service.
Before leaving your current provider, tell them about your problems. They may have a solution that can fix the issue without disrupting your life too much. They also might give you a discount on future services or add credit to your bill for a lack of service.
They won’t want to lose you as a customer, so they may even throw in some added benefits for no cost to improve your service overall.
Speeding Things Up
Trying out the above tricks should hopefully help you improve your internet connection speed and make for a more seamless life.
And with so many of us working from home these days, you’ll be able to get that all-important task finished without any unwanted glitches.
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