It’s no secret that America has fallen behind in broadband internet speeds. A recent report from the FCC found that 30% of Americans say their internet is too slow. And if you’re one of those people, don’t worry — there are ways to fix it.
Our article covers simple steps you can take to improve your internet speed. So if you’re tired of waiting for pages to load or videos to buffer, follow these tips for a smoother online experience.
Test Your Current Speed
You can’t improve what you can’t measure, which certainly applies to your internet connection. So if you are unhappy with the current speed of your internet connection, the first thing you should do is run a few tests to determine your exact speed. Then, you’ll know where to focus your energy when upgrading your connection. For example, Windstream Kinetic is known for its fast and reliable speed at affordable rates.
How Much Speed Is Required?
The answer to this question entirely depends on each user’s usage and consumption. For example, if you’re a gamer, you’ll probably want to ensure that your connection can download and upload files quickly. On the other hand, even if you aren’t an avid online gamer or Twitch streamer, you’ll prefer a speedy connection.
Increase Your Speed Without Upgrading Your Plan
Once you’ve tested the speed of your internet connection through online tools, you’ll know exactly where you stand. If it is less than what you’re paying for, the following are ways you can fix the problem without upgrading your current plan.
Choose the Right Provider
The thing you want to do is ensure that the company you are considering for a new plan isn’t simply luring in customers with unrealistic data limits. If it turns out that the company’s nearest competitor has more realistic data plans, consider giving them a call. You’ll have to do some research, but finding the right provider for your needs is always worth it in the long run.
Opt For a New Connection
If you found out your internet speed is not what you expected and none of the tips we’ve mentioned so far seems to be working, your last resort may be to call in and request a new connection. Depending on your location, this could be met with some difficulty; however, if you demand it, then most providers do their best to find a way to set up your new broadband service.
Avoid Network Congestion
Sometimes, having too many devices connected to one source can affect how fast the connection is. To avoid this, consider running a small network for all the devices you use daily; if your router supports multiple connections without sacrificing speed, then it may be worth investing in another. If that’s not an option either, try to run as many of your daily-used devices (phones, laptops) on the same connection for maximum speed.
Easy Tricks to Improve your WiFi Signals
Do you find that your wireless network is too slow? One easy trick to boost your WiFi signals without spending much money is called an antenna extender. It’s a small, low-cost device that plugs into the back of your router and boosts its signal. If it sounds like something you’d be interested in, here’s how you can install one in your home:
Step 1
Find the location of your current router and unplug its power cable from the back – we want to avoid accidentally turning it off while we work, so it’s best to do this step first.
Step 2
Once the router is unplugged, find a suitable location to set it down. Look for a flat surface that puts the router at roughly the same height as your average standing human’s head. If you can’t find anywhere that matches this height exactly, feel free to use pieces of furniture or anything else that works as a makeshift stand.
Step 3
Find the antenna extender that came with your router, and attach it to your router by plugging its cable into the back of the said router.
Step 4
Plug the power cable for both pieces of equipment back in, and give them a minute or two to link up correctly before turning them on.
Step 5
After everything is plugged in, turn the router back on. With any luck, your wireless signal should be improved just by adding an extender to the mix – but if you find that it is still too weak, give it a bit longer, then try again.
This technique only requires an antenna extender that works with your existing equipment. There’s no need to go out or buy a new router or modem.
Conclusion
We understand your contention with service providers that don’t follow through with their claims about solid connectivity. But you aren’t alone in your struggle to find the perfect internet. And we hope our tips can help you fix your problems.
Happy surfing!