Do you want to know how to increase your internet speed? If you have been suffering from web pages that take too long to load or videos that take too long to buffer, this post is for you. Slow Internet speeds can be frustrating, but there are ways to boost your connection without having to call your service provider. In this article, I’ll share some effective tips on how to increase internet speed so you can enjoy seamless browsing and streaming.
Understanding Internet Speed
Internet speed can be measured by Mbps or megabits per second and Gbps or gigabits per second. This is how fast or slow your data travels between your device and the internet. There are two terms used to determine the speed of your internet: bandwidth and latency. Bandwidth is the data that is sent over a connection and measured via bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (Kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), or gigabits per second (Gbps). If your bandwidth is higher, you can download faster and stream smoother without lag.
Latency, on the other hand, is the delay or time lag in a system and is measured in milliseconds (ms). So, when the latency is low, it means that your internet speed is faster. When the latency is high, your internet speed is slow.
Ways to Increase Your Internet Speed
If you are having trouble with your internet speed, you can try these ways:
1. Start With a Speed Test
You can start by checking your internet speed by using tools like Speedtest.net or Fast.com to measure your current download and upload speeds. Now, when the download speed is at least 100 Mbps, it means that your internet speed is good enough to stream or browse without lag. If your internet speed is 25 Mbps or below, then it’s time to take action and increase it.
2. Compare With Your Plan
You can check your internet plan to see the internet speed included in your plan. If your results are far below what you’re paying, then reach out to your internet service provider. They can fix this issue and inform you whether they are having maintenance on their system.
3. Fix Your WiFi Location
You can also put your router or modem in locations that are open because sometimes, signals cannot penetrate walls. Also, check if there are appliances near your router like microwaves or cordless phones, as they can also cause your WiFi to get weak.
4. Restart Your Modem and Router
The classic “turn it off and on again” actually helps. To do this, you only need to unplug your modem and router for 30 seconds and then plug them back in. This action will clear up any temporary glitches and refresh your connection.
5. Close Unused Apps
All the actions you do to your devices, like using multiple apps all at once, can also add stress to your WiFi. So if you are streaming, downloading, or making video calls, cut it all out first to see if your internet speed has improved. Close apps you’re not using and pause big downloads when you need better speeds.
6. Update Router Firmware
Always check your router for the latest firmware. Manufacturers often release firmware updates to fix bugs and improve performance. To check, log in to your router’s admin panel and check for updates. You can also check out this guide on how to update router firmware.
7. Change Wi-Fi Channels
If you live in an apartment or crowded area, chances are your Wi-Fi signal overlaps with others nearby. You can configure your router settings by logging in using your IP address.. When you are already in the channel setting, switch to a less crowded channel (like Channel 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4GHz) to reduce interference.
8. Use Ethernet
A wired connection is more reliable than a wireless connection, so you can probably get faster and more stable Internet. Just like the ethernet cable properly to the ethernet port of both your device and router to make sure you are getting a signal.
8. Check Your Equipment Age
If your router or modem is over 4–5 years old, you should get a new one. You can opt for the best gaming routers or look for routers with dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) or newer Wi-Fi 6 support for better speed and range. It will also be better if you add a Wi-Fi Extender or Mesh System, especially if you have dead zones or a large home.
Advanced Strategies for Boosting Speed
You can also perform some advanced strategies if you are tech-savvy.
QoS Optimization
To enhance internet speed further, you can prioritize network traffic using Quality of Service (QoS) Optimization. By giving priority to essential activities such as video streaming or online gaming, you can ensure that you’ll have a smoother experience for these high-bandwidth applications. When you set up your QoS rules on the router, you can allocate bandwidth where it’s most needed, and you can avoid lag or buffering during crucial online tasks.
DNS Server Configuration
You can also make your internet speed faster by optimizing the DNS Server Configuration. By doing that, you can reduce latency and improve browsing speeds. You can do it by switching to faster and more reliable DNS servers like Google DNS or OpenDNS, which has proven that you can have quicker response times when accessing websites.
Using VPNs and Proxies Wisely
When looking to boost internet speed, you can also use VPNs and proxies strategically to maintain security and privacy without compromising on speed. Just select the VPN servers that are closer to your physical location or choose reputable VPN services with high-speed connections.
Conclusion
You can boost your internet speed through simple yet effective strategies like optimizing router settings, managing connected devices, and prioritizing network traffic. Also, implementing advanced techniques such as Quality of Service (QoS) Optimization, DNS Server Configuration, and using VPNs wisely can further enhance speed and security. So, next time you experience weak internet speed, perform all those strategies mentioned above, and you’ll be able to fix it.