5 Things to Change That Will Improve Your Internet’s Speed

It’s not just you; your internet speed is slower than it used to be. You can find out for sure by running an online speed test using your home’s internet and then comparing it to the advertised speed you’re paying for. There are many variables that can impact your download speed, so the difference of a few megabits-per-second is to be expected. If the speed test shows a large difference, however, there are a few things you can do to help bridge the gap and improve your home internet connection.

Things to Change to Improve Your Internet’s Speed

1. Move the Router

It may be tempting to place your router in a corner or behind a pillar, but doing this can actually hinder your internet speed. Walls, doors, cupboards, closets, and even empty space all contain mass that blocks the Wi-Fi signal from reaching your device, contributing to slower internet speeds. The first step to address this is to move closer to the router, but that’s not always possible with larger devices like televisions and desktop computers. Instead, try moving your router to a more open, centralized location, like the center-most room of your house.

2. Switch Wi-Fi Channels

Like old-school radio, Wi-Fi signals are organized into channels. If your neighbors are also using the same Wi-Fi channel, or even an adjacent channel, the resulting congestion can also slow down your internet speed. To change channels, go into your router’s settings or consult your owner’s manual. Then, select a new channel. Avoid choosing channels close to your original setting, which may still have overlap or interference from your neighbors. Experts often recommend channels 1, 6, or 11, which are non-overlapping channels.

3. Disconnect Unused Devices

These days, the average American household has about 21 separate devices connected to their Wi-Fi network. To reduce the burden on your bandwidth, disconnect any devices that you aren’t actively using. Smart appliances, gaming consoles, or tablets are a good place to start. To take it further, you can also prioritize certain activities over others if your router’s settings include Quality of Service toggling. Once this setting is enabled, you can choose which devices your router will connect to first, such as your video streaming device or your work computer.

4. Replace Router and Older Devices

With age, your router will begin to slow down and become obsolete as new innovations are brought to market. If you have been experiencing slow internet speeds or had your router for more than five years, it may be time for an upgrade. Similarly, your devices may be the culprits behind slow internet if they are too old to keep up with your new, state-of-the-art router.

5. Switch to Faster Internet

If you have exhausted all your options for speeding up your internet on your own, it may be an issue with your actual service. Contact your internet service provider to request a technician who may be more successful at pinpointing the exact cause of your slow internet connection. In cases where no issues can be found, you may have to upgrade to a higher tier or switch to a new ISP.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Osmose