Tips for reliable and fast internet at home
Tip 1: Check your internet speed
Before you do anything to improve your internet speed, you should check your current connection speed. Click here for Green's speed test. This internet speed test will help you understand how fast your connection is and help you decide what steps you need to take to improve your internet speed.
Tip 2: Get the most out of your router
The location of your router can have a big impact on your internet speed, especially wireless coverage. To get the best coverage, place your router in a central location that is as far away as possible from obstructions such as walls, large furniture, and electrical appliances. For example, placing your router in a closet or corner can result in a weak wireless signal and slower internet speed. Placing your router in a central location in the middle of your home can help ensure that the wireless signal is distributed evenly throughout all rooms.
Tip 3: Connect devices with a cable
While wireless is convenient, it can sometimes be unstable and slow down internet speeds. If you want a more stable connection and faster speed, consider connecting devices directly to your router. You can do this by using Ethernet cables. These network cables offer a faster and more reliable connection than wireless, and can provide better performance for demanding activities like online gaming or video streaming.
Tip 4: Update your router firmware
Outdated router firmware can not only pose security risks, but can also slow down your internet speed. By regularly updating your router's firmware, you can make sure it's up to date and fixes any bugs that could affect your speed. Most routers have an automatic update feature, but it is a good idea to manually check for and install new firmware on a regular basis.
Tip 5: Use repeaters or extenders
Sometimes the wireless signal is weak in certain areas of your home. In this case, a repeater or extender can help boost the signal. These devices are simply placed near the weak signal and boost the signal for a better connection. Some repeaters and extenders are also equipped with dual-band technology, which allows them to operate at both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for faster speeds. Make sure these devices are compatible with your router before you buy.
Tip 6: Avoid interference
To make sure your wireless signal is not affected by interference, keep your router away from other wireless devices. Devices such as smart TVs, streaming boxes, or Bluetooth speakers can interfere with your router's signal, resulting in slower or dropped connections. Instead, place the router in a central location in your home that is as free of other devices as possible.
Tip 7: Reboot your router
Sometimes a simple reboot of your router can work wonders to speed up your internet connection. Restarting the router will clear up any temporary errors or problems in the system. It is also a good way to terminate connections that may be working in an unusual way and affecting your connection speed. It is a good idea to reboot your router regularly, especially if you notice that your connection is slower than usual.
Tip 8: Reduce the streaming resolution
Reduce your streaming resolution to save bandwidth. If you're having trouble with your internet connection when streaming movies and shows from Netflix, Amazon Prime, or other services, lowering the resolution may help. A higher resolution requires more bandwidth, which can cause lag or buffering issues. By lowering the resolution, you can save bandwidth and improve your connection speed. For example, if you're watching a movie on a small screen like your smartphone or tablet, you can reduce the resolution to ensure smooth playback.
Following these tips will help you browse the web faster and more reliably.