Top Tips on How to Speed Up Your Internet Connection
Wednesday, July 13th, 2011Is it possible to increase the speed of your internet connection? Most people believe the speed of their internet connection is solely down to their broadband provider, but there are some things you can do to improve the connection speed.
Tip 1 Your Browser
A quick and easy way to speed up your internet connection is to use a more efficient web browser. If you are using an old version of Internet Explorer the browser downloads the pages files in a sequential order slowing you down. By using faster browsers such as Firefox or Chrome you should see an instant improvement.
Tip 2 Talk to your ISP
If your connection seems slow talk to your provider there may be something they can do to increase the speed. Your distance from the exchange, congestion and traffic shaping can slow your connection down. Very few people will ever hit the speed of internet they purchase. Check your speed using in an internet speed test if it is very slow you may be able to switch to a different package with higher bandwidths.
Tip 3 Your Router
By changing the settings on your router this could give you a boost. Search online for your particular model and you will be bound to find instructions on how you can improve performance.
If you’re using the original free router from your ISP, you could benefit from getting a better spec router which will give you a stronger signal. A better modem or router will also have enhanced features, such as allowing you to select ports for gaming, or giving you a better firewall.
You should also bear in mind things such as walls and doors can weaken the signal from your router to your computer.
You could also try replacing your routers aerial. Standard router aerials are usually 2dBi (indicating the length), the longer the aerial, the better the signal. You could buy an aerial of 9dBi, which can increase signal strength by 30-50%.
Tip 4 Protect Your Connection
Make sure your internet connection is secure so you are not sharing it with other people nearby. Set it up so you have WPA encryption or a WEP password to stop unauthorised users connecting to your internet.
Tip 5 Reduce Your Bandwidth
Make sure there are no programs which are using your internet connection which you don’t need. Many programs will start up automatically when you turn on your PC so these could also be slowing you down. Your windows updates, internet security software updates, Skype and BBC iPlayer could all be using your bandwidth without you knowing it.
Although some applications do ask your permission before connecting to the internet you can normally set it so they only start when you need to use them. To find out which applications are running go to task manager, by right clicking on your task bar. Go to the Application tab and see if there is anything running which shouldn’t be. You can also check the Processes tab for any secretly running programs.
Tip 6 Buy New Hardware
As well as implementing the optimum settings you can invest in hardware such as Wi-Fi Boosters, which claim to increase your signal strength by up to 600% or Wi-Fi Repeaters, which help you push your broadband further and extending the reach of your connection.
Tip 7 Go Wired
You can also try going back to a wired connection, data travels faster through cables then it does through air. If you’re having speed problems using a wireless router try connecting with a cable to see if it speeds things up. Even the type of cable you use to connect can make a difference. Ethernet cables will be more efficient than a USB cable.
Guest Article by Luoise Goldstein
My name is Alan Potts and I'm the Editor of the Antivirus-BUYability web site and Managing Director of BUYability Limited. You can connect with me or keep up to date with new posts on this blog via the following social media sites: 
