How Can I Improve My Internet Speed?

There is no denying the fact that the internet is one of the most powerful tools. It has indeed come a long way, revolutionized many different fields, and has become a global means of communication. And over the past few years, it has become a basic home utility. This is why a fast and steady internet connection is crucial for every household.

Whether you are currently suffering from slower internet speeds or you think you are not getting the speeds you are paying for, we have got you covered! This blog will help you understand internet speed and offers essential tips to speed up your internet connection in no time. So, let’s delve in!

First Things First

We know that nothing slows down your life like a slow internet connection. But before you start using the tips to improve your internet speed, it is advised to check the speed you are getting. One way to do this is to use a speed test.

The speed test measures download speeds, upload speeds, and delays, as this will help you check whether you are getting the speed you are paying for. You can even understand the performance of your connection and see whether the issue is from your end or the provider’s end. Also, keep in mind that you are never likely to get the advertised speed, and your speed is likely to fall below the listed minimum.

Many speed test tools are available, but consider using Ookla, SpeedTest Master, or Testmy.net. As these tools are reliable and provide accurate results.

Understanding Internet Speed

We know that it can be irritating when your website takes too long to load, or you are unable to stream videos. You can only understand the speed test results if you are aware of the factors that determine whether your internet connection is good or not.

Well, internet speed is defined as the time taken to transfer the data back and forth to your device from the server via the router. It is defined by three aspects, which are as follows.

Upload Speed

This refers to how fast you can send information from your computer to another device or server on the internet. Upload speeds of 3 Mbps are considered to be good because they meet the FCC’s minimum standard. However, if you love streaming and gaming, you might need a plan offering higher upload speeds.

Download Speed

Download speed is how fast your data is transferred from the internet to the device connected to it. Speeds at least 25 Mbps are considered to be good download speeds as they meet the minimum broadband criteria.

Ping

Ping is defined as the time taken for any amount of data to be sent from one device to another. It is measured in milliseconds. A low ping rate recognizes a responsive connection and a high ping translates to slow response times. For online activities such as gaming and streaming, the ping rate is quite important. However, keep in mind that internet users and their different online activities in your home can change what is considered to be a good internet speed. You can use a ping monitoring tool to detect and troubleshoot network issues, identify the source of latency, and optimize your internet connection for a better online experience.

Tips to Get Improve Internet Speed

If you are wondering why your internet connection gets sluggish, then there are chances that you might be suffering from some issues. And there are several reasons why your internet might be slower.

Here are 9 incredible ways via which you can speed up your internet connection.

Turn  Off Unnecessary Connected Devices

Sometimes your connection gets sluggish because you might have connected multiple devices that consume your bandwidth. Yes, if you have phones, tablets, smart devices, and video games connected to the same network, then you will not be able to use the internet seamlessly.

Moreover, you might think that your devices are idle, but please know they still consume a lot of data. Because many devices are programmed to set automatically, download or install updates as soon as they are available. So, you must disconnect idle devices if you want to stream or play games.

Reboot Your Router

Next time when you feel that your internet gets sluggish, consider rebooting it. Because many times it is not about your internet connection, and your router might have stored cache information. This helps clear the cached memory and all the background processes, so your system can run faster.

To effectively reset your router, do the following:

• Completely remove your router’s power cord
• Wait for a few minutes
• Turn the device on and connect your device

You will notice a significant difference in your connection if you haven’t rebooted your router for a long time.

Change Your Wireless Router’s Channel

Wireless router channels broadcast signals on a certain wavelength or channel. Most of the routers have 14 available channels, while others might have more. For instance, they might operate between 2400 and 2500 GHz radio bands. Thus, in busy areas where multiple routers can overlap each other’s network and as a result, your internet connection gets sluggish. So, you need to learn how to change the router channel to improve your internet’s performance.

Follow the steps below to change the channel of your router.

• Connect to your router as an administrator by navigating to its IP address.
• Use your router’s menu and select the band for which you want to change the channel.
• The next step is to open the wireless settings menu for your chosen frequency.
• Then check the channel option to select a new channel.
• Select save, and your band will change.

Check if Unwanted Guests Are Using Your Wi-Fi

You need to check whether your connection is secure or you are using an unsecured connection. If your connection is not secure, then there are chances that your neighbors might be using your network. And this affects your internet speed at large, so you need to check your router’s connection log to determine the number of connected devices.

• Log in to your router’s interface and check the number of devices that are connected to your Wi-Fi.
• You will see the list of several devices currently connected to your router.
• If you see a device you do not recognize, simply block it.

Once you have removed the unknown devices, you should change the password of your router to secure it. You should keep a complex password, so people cannot easily guess it.

Use a Wired Internet Connection

We recommend you use an Ethernet connection if it is possible because you will get faster internet speeds. Yes, you can either connect an Ethernet cord to the available port on your wireless router.

A hard-wired connection is more stable than a wireless connection, so you do not have to worry about blocked signals. So, you will get better results because it will eliminate the delays and obstructions that slow down your internet connection.

Purchase New Equipment

Your old equipment might cause your internet connection to slow down. And by equipment, we are not only talking about your router or a modem. We mean your laptop, mobile, or any other old device. Because only the new or latest devices can work with the current Wi-Fi technology. For instance, your old router might not use the newest Wi-Fi standards because it is not manufactured as per standard criteria. Or your old cellphone might have an outdated processor, so you will not be able to use the internet seamlessly.

Turn Off Unwanted Background Processes

You need to check your task manager and pause or turn off all the unwanted background processes. Because most applications on your computer upload and download data. So, you need to check which applications are pulling down your data and hogging your bandwidth. If you find any application or program using the data, then close it from your task manager.

Purchase Wi-Fi Boosters

If you feel that your internet package is sufficient, but you have a large household that affects the signals of your Wi-Fi network, then purchase Wi-Fi boosters. Because moving the router to the centralized location is not an option here.

You can ask your ISP or easily purchase it from Amazon. They are simple devices that can be easily connected to your existing Wi-Fi network and duplicate their signals. The devices can typically increase the coverage of your Wi-Fi signals, so you can enjoy using a seamless internet connection no matter in which room you are. Thus, this way, you will be able to make the most out of your existing internet package.

Use VPN

Sometimes your internet speed gets slow because your ISP might be throttling your internet connection. This is particularly done to limit your data consumption during peak hours, i.e., 6 pm to 11 pm. This time is known to be the busiest time on the web, so you might not be able to use the internet seamlessly. So, one way to bypass this throttling is to use a VPN because your internet activities will be hidden. This way, you can access the internet easily without your ISP knowing what sites you are using

Get Kinetic by Windstream

If you enjoy browsing the web, streaming movies, playing online games, and so on, then having a high-speed internet connection is essential.

Looking for a provider that offers blazing-fast internet connection? If yes, consider subscribing to Windstream Internet. It has the largest percentage of broadband availability and has become the market leader in delivering high-speed fiber optic internet connection. It also offers various speed tiers ranging from 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps, so there is something for everyone. The internet connection provided by Windstream is fast and allows you to stay connected to the internet without any interruption.

The major benefit of choosing Windstream is that it does not impose data caps and lets the user enjoy unlimited internet. Since there are no data caps, you do not have to worry about the provider throttling your connection. And you will get a reliable and fast internet connection, so you can use the internet seamlessly.

Another great thing about Windstream is that it offers contract-free plans no matter which package you opt for. And unlike other providers, there are no early termination fees. So, in case you do not like services, you can terminate anytime without thinking twice.

You can visit its website if you are looking for more information regarding its packages and plans. Understand your internet usage and see which package is best for you and your family.

All in All…

We hope this guide has helped you understand how you can get super internet speed, so you can use the internet seamlessly. So, before you get frustrated, ensure you have used the above-listed tips to boost your internet speed. The steps might be time-consuming because you have to figure out what the issue is and how to tackle it. And you cannot neglect it because you are paying for a better internet connection, so you deserve it.