Most people blame slow internet speed on their broadband providers. However, your computer settings, your wireless hardware, or an old PC can also impact your browsing speed. If your broadband is frustratingly slow, here are few things you can do to help:
1. Check the browser first: If you are not using the latest version of your web browser, upgrading it might solve the issue. Alternatively, you could try a different browser, but always be careful when making changes to your computer settings.
2. Reduce the bandwidth overhead: There are many applications that might be discretely using the internet and slowing its speed significantly. Most of these applications automatically launch when you log into your computer and will run in the background every time you connect to the internet. Applications, such as Windows and security updates, pop-up application, video players, and chat programs could all be running simultaneously, significantly slowing internet speed. It is always advisable to choose to give permission before an application runs or to set them to run at convenient times.
3. Contact your internet service provider: Many people assume that the advertised speed they sign up for is what they’ll get, but this is hardly ever the case. Factors, such as congestion, distance from the ISP exchange, and traffic shaping by the ISP could slow your connection. Very few people ever hit the highest advertised speed. For these reasons you can always ask your ISP about what could be done to speed things up. If you have been on the same plan for more than 12 months, it may be outdated. Find out if the plan can be upgraded, even if it means renewing your contract. You may get an upgrade to a faster package for the same price or a little more.
4. Tweak the router settings: Most routers can be tweaked and adjusted for speed improvements. Make sure that you are on a different wireless network channel from your neighbor’s, since sharing channels usually affects your signal. Check your router’s manual for details on how you can improve its performance.
5. Find a better router: If you’re using the same router you got from your ISP or if you had it for more than a couple of years, you may want to check if there are higher-range options that will give you a stronger signal. Additionally, a newer modem or router may have better features, such as allowing you to share drives and printers while getting a more secure firewall.
Remember that obstacles blocking the signal from the router, including doors, walls and bookcases may also influence your wireless connection speed. Signals from your router can negatively be affected by interference from electrical equipment, including fluorescent lighting and refrigerators as well as other appliances that emit wireless signals. As such, ensure the router is positioned at least 3ft away from such appliances, especially if you have an older router.