In our increasingly connected world, having efficient home broadband is more important than ever. By January 2023, the number of internet users in Australia stood at 25.31 million, while internet penetration stood at 96.2%. So, the chances are you are one of those internet users.
Still, you may not be making the most of your home internet connection. Slow internet can hinder everything from telecommuting to streaming your favourite shows. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to improve your internet speed.
Let’s see how to improve internet speed in a few easy steps.
1. Place Your Router Correctly
Believe it or not, your home broadband speed will depend on the location of your router. As you can imagine, positioning your router in the central area of your home can ensure the strongest possible signal.
But that’s not all. You should also keep your router away from walls and metal objects. Walls, especially those made of certain materials like concrete, can significantly weaken Wi-Fi signals. On the other hand, metal objects can cause interference and disrupt the signal strength. Avoiding these obstacles will help you get a better home broadband signal in all areas of your home.
Similarly, keeping the router on a shelf above your TV, instead of leaving it on the floor, can boost the Wi-Fi signal. Since Wi-Fi signals tend to spread outwards and downwards, a higher position allows for a broader and clearer signal. This strategic placement can effectively extend the reach of your home broadband.
2. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Having an unsecured network can significantly impact the performance of your home broadband. You must safeguard your Wi-Fi network with a robust password. This security measure is not just about preventing potential breaches. It also plays a vital role in maintaining the speed and reliability of your internet connection.
When your network is unprotected, it becomes vulnerable to unauthorized access. Neighbours or passers-by might connect to your Wi-Fi, consuming the home broadband bandwidth you pay for. This additional, unwanted usage will slow down your internet speed big time.
Another recommendation is to update your Wi-Fi password regularly. It will boost both security and home broadband speed. Moreover, using complex passwords – a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols – adds an additional layer of security. This complexity makes it harder for intruders to guess or crack your password. It further protects your network from unauthorized use.
3. Upgrade Your Modem and Router
Your home broadband provider will most likely use the latest technology, like NBN, to provide you with high-speed internet. However, it is useless if you use outdated equipment. The technology behind modems and routers evolves rapidly, and the older models might not be able to handle the demands of high-speed internet. In today’s world, keeping your hardware updated is crucial, where internet speeds are continually increasing.
Modern modems and routers are specifically engineered to accommodate the bandwidth requirements of current internet services. They are designed with the latest technologies that offer higher speeds and provide better security, range, and stability. This makes upgrading your modem and router an essential step in your quest to improve internet speed.
Moreover, newer routers often support dual-band or tri-band frequencies. In other words, you can connect more devices to your network without congestion. Advanced routers may also have Quality of Service (QoS) settings. QoS lets you prioritize bandwidth for tasks that require a more stable connection, such as video conferencing or online gaming. So, you can maintain a consistent home broadband speed even during peak usage.
4. Limit Bandwidth-Heavy Applications
The fourth step in this how to improve internet speed guide talks about bandwidth-heavy applications. Did you know streaming services like Netflix, online gaming, and large downloads consume significant bandwidth?
These activities, especially when running concurrently on multiple devices, can heavily tax your home broadband resources. It can lead to a noticeable decrease in internet speed and overall network performance. Managing these bandwidth-intensive activities can help provide a consistent home broadband experience.
For instance, streaming high-definition videos or downloading large files during peak internet usage times can slow down the internet speed for everyone in the household. Similarly, online gaming, known for its real-time data requirements, can significantly impact the bandwidth availability for other users.
So, consider scheduling bandwidth-heavy tasks such as large downloads for off-peak times. Also, adjust the streaming quality on your devices to help reduce bandwidth consumption without significantly affecting your viewing experience. Setting up a gaming schedule can help if your family has multiple online gamers. These simple steps ensure everyone in your family gets a fair share of the home broadband.
5. Use Ethernet Connections
With its convenience and flexibility, Wi-Fi is a preferred choice for most home broadband users. However, sometimes, Wi-Fi speeds may not be as good as an Ethernet connection. This difference is particularly noticeable when engaging in bandwidth-heavy activities like online gaming or HD streaming.
Consider using Ethernet cable connections for devices that require a fast and stable internet connection, such as gaming consoles or desktop computers. Ethernet cables provide a direct and secure link between your device and the router. It also reduces the chances of signal interference or fluctuations common with Wi-Fi connections. It will improve internet speed.
Moreover, a wired connection allows you to use the full bandwidth of your home broadband. In short, you can transfer data quickly and efficiently. But there is one downside. You will need to set up multiple Ethernet connections depending on your needs. Installing wired connections can be messy sometimes.
6. Regular Speed Tests
Conducting regular speed tests is an essential practice for effectively monitoring the performance of your home broadband. These tests provide valuable insights into the actual speeds your internet connection is delivering. You can compare them with the speeds promised in your broadband plan.
You can use online speed tests like speedtest.net or fast.com.
And to check your NBN internet speed, you can:
- Type https://speed.one/au/nbn/ in your browser
- Select your Host ISP or let it choose the optimal ISP automatically
- Press the GO button
If you notice the results are significantly lower than the expected speed, there might be a potential issue with your home broadband service.
You can approach your ISP to address the discrepancies. You can request necessary adjustments or explore service plans that better suit your needs. In essence, regular speed checks keep you improving internet speed.
Conclusion
That’s it! Hopefully, this will help you understand how to improve your internet speed. Implement these tips to maximize your home broadband performance. Enjoy a smoother, faster internet experience and make the most out of your connection. It’s your gateway to seamless entertainment, connectivity, and work.
Are you looking for a high-speed NBN home broadband connection? At RBE Internet, we offer different NBN internet plans. Contact us now to know the details.
