As more people find themselves working and learning remotely, internet access has become more essential than ever before. However, in the United States there is a vast disparity in home internet speed between regions. If you are struggling with slow internet there are a few tricks you can try to boost your speeds.
Ethernet Cable
The best way to get the most out of your internet service is to have a direct connection to your router. That means an ethernet cable. Unfortunately, that means the device you are accessing the internet on is in cable distance to your router. In a world of tablets, smart TV’s and gaming consoles, that isn’t always possible.
It’s also worth pointing out that all ethernet cables are not the same. Make sure the cable you are using is rated for the highest speeds possible. You don’t want to throttle your internet speeds by using a slow cable.
WiFi
If you can’t use a direct connection, then your internet connection is going to be dependent on your wifi speed. There are a few different things to consider when optimizing your wifi. The first, and most important, is router selection. Different routers are capable of different speeds. Yes, faster routers tend to cost more money, but you get what you pay for in this case. Take the time to do your research and find a router that’s right for you and your budget.
The second factor to consider is the physical placement of the router in your house. The best way to ensure the fastest wireless signal is to make sure the device receiving the wifi signal has a direct line of sight to the wireless router. If that isn’t possible, the goal needs to be having as few walls as possible between your device and your router.
Stagger Home Usage
Multiple people utilizing the same internet access point simultaneously is one of the most common reasons for slow internet speeds. If there are a lot of people in your home, try to stagger the times that people are using the internet. For example, having two people streaming netflix while a third plays online games is a surefire way to tax your internet speed.
Upgrade
Of course, the best way to improve your internet speed is to pay for a faster internet package from your internet service provider (ISP). All the tricks in the world won’t help you optimize your internet if your ISP is throttling your speed.
Internet access is so essential in today’s world that many people believe it should be considered a public utility. For now, the quality of internet access is still in the hands of the consumer. Take the time to do your research and invest in a setup that will give you the speeds you want, at a price you can afford.
