The Internet is an integral part of our lives and we all want it better and speedier. Sluggish web browsing and download speeds can really take away the fun of the experience. So the question on everyone’s mind is: what can I do to speed up my Internet on my computer, android device, Windows (and yes, even on the PS4!). So let us take a look at some easy ways to speed up your internet for free (and paid).
1. Choose the right Internet service provider
This is the easiest way to speed up your Internet. The best service for you depends on where you live and the speed you need. Your provider will offer different plans and ask you to assess them based on your needs. Most people need basic email and web browsing or using social media sites. For them, a slow connection at a cheaper rate might suffice. But if you want to download or stream games, movies, music or videos, then you’d want a faster Internet connection. You may want to research different Internet service provider options and if needed, talk to different providers as well as their customers in your area.
2. Broadband over dial up option
There are two types of Internet connections: dial up and broadband. A dial up connection is usually cheaper but it could sometimes be very slow. After all; it is an older technology compared to broadband. These days, dial up and broadband prices are the same too, more or less. Generally people choose dial up if that is the only option available to them. Talk to friends and neighbors about their ISP service and make a choice based on cost, speed, customer service, ease of installation etc. People living in remote parts of US might have to settle for dial up but these areas are becoming fewer and farther between, so if you didn’t have that option earlier, you might have it now.
3. Understand Internet speeds
Your service provider might offer you different plans like standard broadband speed of 15 MBPS etc. But if you ask them, they might even offer you a blazing speed of 50MBPS, for which you’d naturally pay more. If you do a lot of downloading of music and movies etc, then it may be well worth the price.
4. Go for wired connection
The easiest way to speed up internet download speed and upload speed is to connect the PC on the network using wire cable. After all; wireless transmission takes longer as the signals are transferred through radio frequencies, which take time. So if you really need super fast Internet and do not have too many devices needing Internet Wi-Fi connections, then you can go for wired connection. This is easily the best way to speed up internet download and upload speeds.
5. Keep an eye on your signal strength
One of the first things to do in order to speed up your wireless internet connection is to determine your signal strength. This is fairly easy to do. Simply hover your mouse over the wireless connection icon in your Windows tray. Doing so will pop up a signal strength number that shows your current wireless signal strength. If your signal strength is less than 100%, then your Internet could be slow. If this is the case, you can call your Internet service provider. You can also do a speed test to assess speed.
6. Move your device closer to your router
We assume you know the basics of how a wireless Internet system works. If your network seems sluggish and your wireless strength is slower in one of the rooms, try moving closer to where your router is placed. The farther your PC or mobile device is from the router, the weaker your Internet signal would be and slower your speed. To test if this is true, simply place your wireless notebook and check the strength of the signal and then try moving the device out of the house and check the signal strength again. The signal strength drops with distance and lesser the strength, the lower the data transfer would be. So moving closer to the router is the easiest way to speed up Internet on android or PC. You can either move the router closer to the device or the device closer to your router-whatever works best for you.
7. Do not hide the adapter
Another factor that weakens Internet speed is if your adapter or router is unknowingly hidden which interferes with the Wi-Fi signal. Move the adapter from behind the PC and raise it up from the floor to make a considerable difference in speed. The same goes for your router-remove other devices, equipment and clutter from around your router. You may be unknowingly reducing transmission range by hiding the device behind other equipment.
8. Swivel the antenna on the router
Every wireless router comes with a tiny antenna. You can easily speed up your wireless internet by swiveling this antenna (note that even your adapter could have an antenna). Radio frequencies are directional, and moving the antenna just a tiny bit could make considerable difference.
9. Remove devices that may be interfering with the signal
Sometimes, simply removing certain devices can make a world of difference in Internet signal strength. For example, a cordless phone or a computer monitor could be generating their own signals which could weaken the Internet signal. Simply moving these devices to another room could make a marked difference in performance. You can also upgrade to newer cordless phones that do not operate at the same bandwidth as your Wi-Fi equipment.
10. Upgrade to faster Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi standards and protocols are constantly upgrading. Different versions offer different performance-so the standard and the equipment you choose will make a lot of difference to your speed. We have discussed some more tips to boost your home or office Wi-Fi. Do check them out here.
11. Upgrade your router
The key to creating a faster wireless network also depends on the version of your router. If you have an older 802.11b version, you could go for a newer 802.11n model for increasing both your speed and the range offered. Of course, to see real improvement you will need to also upgrade your adapter. The 802.11n adapter along with a speedier new router will give you a much needed boost in terms of speed and range, both. (Note that an older 802.11g adapter will work with a newer 802.11n router but at a slower speed of 802.11g).
12. Upgrade your PC
No matter how fast your Internet connection may be, a slow PC can dramatically slow it down. So a new computer could do the trick. You could go for this option if you have the budget. The same is true for your mobile devices. A new Smartphone with better configuration could easily give you a better and speedier browsing experience.
13. Remove bandwidth limit
The following steps can help Windows users as well as Vista for 56K modems increase their sppeed:
- Log in as an admin
- Click start->run->type gpedit.msc
- Expand Local Computer Policy
- Expand Network
- Highlight QoS Packet Scheduler
- Double click the limit reservable bandwidth setting
- Check ENABLED tab in Setting
- Where it says Bandwidth Limit –type 0 (Zero)
- Closer gpedit.msc
- Some systems show immediate improvement, others need a REBOOT.
14. Remove devices you do not need
In order to speed up your Internet for free, remove devices that use your Wi-Fi access from the network. This could include unused devices like your Kindle reader and so on. This simple trick can speed up wireless internet easily.
15. Switch to better mobile data plans
In order to speed up the Internet on Android, use 3G or 4G network. Most companies now provide the 4G or 4th generation data services which offer broadband speeds.
These simple tips and tricks can show great results. Happy browsing!
