5 Fixes for Faster Internet Speeds

Are you looking to speed up your so called High Speed Internet connection? You may be able to make your connection faster without having to purchase a more expensive package. Try these 5 tips to improve the speeds you’re getting from your current package:

1. Tweak the settings on your router.

It pays to read the manual, as there may be things you need to do to get the most out of your router. While reading up on the operating details can make for a boring afternoon, you might stumble across a few settings you can change to speed things up.

If you’re using a wireless router, there’s another issue you need to be aware of. The placement of your router can negatively impact the speed of your connection. The more walls and objects you have sitting between your computer and your router, the weaker the signal will be when it finally reaches you. Wall, doors and even furniture can all negatively impact signal strength.

When you place your router, try to keep it in close proximity to the computers you’ll be sending a signal to. If possible, place it up high on a cabinet or bookcase, so there will be less items the signal has to travel through to get to your computer. It’s also a good idea to keep it away from items that could cause electrical interference.

2. Keep background applications to a minimum.

People don’t realize there’s a lot going on behind the scenes in their computer. There could be programs running in the background that you don’t know about that are eating up your bandwidth. A lot of these programs are set to start running when you start your computer, so you don’t even realize they’ve been started. A lot of them aren’t necessary to have running all the time and can be turned off. Applications like messenger services, internet telephony and media players all use bandwidth that could be used to make your Internet connection faster, so turn them off when they aren’t in use.

3. Secure your connection.

If you’re using a wireless connection, you need to secure it. Password protect it and set it so it doesn’t automatically broadcast the SSID. This will prevent neighbors from stealing your Internet connection. It can also help safeguard you against having your personal information stolen by someone who hijacks your connection and intercepts your personal data.

4. Call your provider.

If your connection is running slower than you think it should be, call your ISP. There may be a problem on their end that they aren’t aware of. If you’ve been with your provider for a long time, it’s possible that your package is outdated and needs updating. A simple phone call could be all it takes to speed up your broadband connection.

5. Speeding up a mobile broadband connection.

There are a few cheap and easy ways to speed up your mobile connection. First and foremost, you should check out the coverage in your area before signing a contract with a mobile broadband provider. If you find you have a weak signal after getting the service, you can purchase an antenna extension that attaches directly to your broadband dongle. These extensions are an inexpensive way to boost your signal. You can also purchase a USB lead that will let you move your broadband dongle so it is closer to the nearest window.