A slow internet connection can bring your life to a grinding halt and make everyday tasks incredibly frustrating. Luckily, with a few inexpensive upgrades and some changes to your hardware, you should be able to boost your upload and download speeds across all of your devices.
Restart the Router
It is important to think of your router as a computer, and that device will eventually slow down when it is used nonstop for multiple weeks in a row. Over time, the computer is going to get backed up, and that can lead to a variety of issues, including slow speeds, spotty connections, and unwanted errors. Restarting the router at least once a month will flush out the memory and prevent many of those issues from popping up.
Move the Router
One of the most common mistakes that people make when they first set up a router is placing the device in a bad location. As a general rule, your router should be placed in the middle of your home so that the wireless signals can reach every room. You should also try to keep your router at least a few feet from thick metal objects such as HVAC ducts and refrigerators.
Use Ethernet When Possible
Wired connections are almost always going to be faster than wireless connections, and that is why you should try to use Ethernet cables as much as possible. Running those cables to your devices could boost your internet speeds and make your connections much more reliable.
Use an Ad Blocker
It is an unfortunate fact that digital advertisements are everywhere, and that data could slow down almost every device in your home. That is just one of the reasons why many experts suggest installing a comprehensive ad blocker. In addition to speeding up your internet, that software could also help you avoid viruses.
Update Your Malware Protection
Even if you have excellent internet speeds, your devices might still seem slow if they are bogged down with malware. To keep malware off those devices, you should invest in reliable anti-malware software. You should also be wary of opening any suspicious files from sources that you don’t fully trust.
Change Your Provider
If you have tried these other tips and your speeds are still slow, then you might need to consider changing your provider. Local internet providers have become very popular in recent years because they often offer high-speed internet to very specific areas. One of those companies might also be able to save you some money by bundling your internet and television services.
As you are carrying out these changes, you should keep a close eye on your upload and download speeds to see which tips work best with your router. Many companies now offer free connection tests on their websites, and that type of data is going to be invaluable as you continue to tweak your hardware and software.