Very few things are as frustrating as having a bad internet connection, and slow upload and download speeds could bring your life to a grinding halt. Luckily, there are a few simple steps that you can take to boost your wired and wireless internet speeds inside your home.
Move the Router
Even though most modern routers are fairly powerful, you still need to carefully consider where you place that device. If there is too much interference or too many obstacles between the router and your wireless device, then you are going to have a poor signal. As a general rule, a router should be placed in the middle of a home in a relatively high position. You should also make sure that your router isn’t near a microwave or any other appliances.
Invest in a New Router
Moving your router around could have a big impact on your wireless signal, but repositioning your electronics is only going to do so much. That is why you might want to consider investing in a new router. Many internet service providers rent out routers to their clients, but those devices tend to be very underpowered. A high-end router could boost your wireless signal by a significant amount, and those devices are more affordable than ever.
Check for Viruses
It is an unfortunate fact that practically everyone will have to deal with at least a few computer viruses over the years. Some of those viruses can wreak havoc on your electronics and bring your internet speeds to a grinding halt. In addition to scanning all of the devices in your home for viruses, you might also want to set up a comprehensive firewall within your router’s settings.
Change Your ISP
If you have tried these few steps and are still struggling with slow speeds, then it might be time to take a look at some new internet providers. Your current provider might not have a good signal in your area or there could be too many customers on your local network. Switching to a new ISP should result in much higher internet speeds, and many of those companies offer a wide variety of bonuses to new customers.
Whenever you make any changes to your network, you can easily test your speeds online. Many of the most popular ISPs throughout the country have free online tools that allow you to quickly test the upload and download speeds on all of your devices.
