A Guide to Boosting your Broadband Connection

Contrary to popular belief, the speed of a broadband connection is not dependent only on the service provider, although this can have an effect.

In fact, there are several steps that you can take to improve the connection speed of your internet through minor alterations.

Following are a series of steps to take if your connection is running slower than you would like:

Adjust Browser

Many older internet browsers are quite inefficient when it comes to downloading files. Using a newer version of Internet Explorer or another browser like Mozilla Firefox could significantly reduce the amount of time spent in downloading pages.

Adjust Current Router or Purchase Another

Every router is different but make sure to read your manual and you can most likely find different ways to increase your Internet speeds through various small adjustments. Additionally, try to ensure that nothing is blocking the router’s signal.

Many routers that are given to you free with a home installation are often not the best quality. You may benefit by purchasing a higher quality router with additional features that could greatly boost your Internet speed. You can use this broadband speed checker to check your current Internet speed.

Don’t Allow Neighbor Sharing

You want to make sure that your neighbors are not using your internet connection. If the hardware on your computer allows it, use WPA encryption or at least use a password that will prevent others from using your connection.

Switch to a Wired Connection

Although it might seem less convenient to go back to cables, wireless connections are typically slower than wired ones. Keep in mind, also, that the cables that you use can affect the speed as well. For example, using an Ethernet cable is typically far more efficient than a USB cable.

Limit Overhead Bandwidth

The majority of computers have programs and applications that will automatically begin the second that you log into the computer. These programs will only serve to make the Internet connection slower than it should be.

Fortunately, in the vast majority of cases, you can adjust the settings on your computer so that the programs do not start. This can save you when it comes to connection speed.

Move Modem Nearer to Faceplate

It is guaranteed that your connection will inevitably be weaker the further you are from the faceplate. This is fortunately a really easy fix.

Simply move your modem so that it is as close to the faceplate as possible. If it is necessary to use your computer in another room or on another floor of your home, it is best to connect to the internet via an Ethernet cable.

Increase WiFi Speed

If your PC is about as close to the router as it can possibly get and you are still not seeing the kind of improvement that you want, consider replacing your router antenna for one which is longer. This will both extend its reach as well as improve the router’s signal.

Fortunately, these antenna are not that expensive to purchase. Another option would be to buy a wireless access point that allows you to further extend the reach of your signal without connection strength reduction.

Article written by Spencer Hogg from the Broadband expert website where you can run a broadband speed check and compare broadband deals.