Fast Internet is the bee’s knees. Unfortunately, many people feel frustrated day in and day out because of slow Internet connections. Even in this day of advanced technology, slow speeds, bad reception and other Wi-Fi problems are common. If you’ve been plagued by connection issues like these, there are a few things you can do to improve your situation. And they don’t involve sitting on hold with your Internet provider!
Test Your Current Speed
The first thing you want to do is test your current Internet speed. This will let you know if you’re getting a slower connection than you should be. A good tool to use is SpeedTest.net. This tool will run a quick test and tell you exactly what your download and upload speeds are.
Interpreting Speed Results
Here is a breakdown of connection speeds, which are measured in Mbps. For a more in depth look at interpreting speed times, check out this article from GeekSquad.
● 1-4 Mbps: This is the lowest level of service you can get. It’s suitable for light browsing and email.
● 4-6 Mbps: This is the minimum speed required for using video rich broadband applications and services. It’s fine for most routine tasks, including streaming audio and video.
● 6-10 Mbps: This is the preferred speed for online gamers and those who watch a lot of on-demand videos.
● 10-15 Mbps: This speed can give you an increased internet speed, but it’s only necessary for higher-demand tasks like HD TV.
● 15-50 Mbps: If you have a number of devices connected to your internet, a speed in this range is ideal. It ensures that all of your electronic devices will work without any problems.
● 50+ Mbps: This is the speed that is needed for high-demand tasks like video conferencing, real-time data collection and intense remote commuting. It’s generally not seen in homes but rather businesses.
Boosting Internet Speed
If your internet connection can be improved, here are a few things you can try.
● Test a different router/modem. Your equipment should be suited to your internet plan.
● Check for viruses. They can live on your workstation PC and slow down your speeds.
● Use the most up-to-date hardware. Your router hardware should be updated, and you should be using the most reliable networks, which are wireless N or wireless AC.
● Find the best spot for your router. Even though they aren’t the prettiest things around, hiding them can interfere with their connection. Your router should be free of walls and obstructions.
● Find the right channel. If you and your neighbors are using the same channels, it’s possible their connection is interfering with yours. Use a tool like Wi-Fi Analyzer to find the perfect channel.
● Check for interference from appliances. Things like cordless phones, microwaves and speakers can interfere with your internet connection. Move your router away from these appliances.
If all else fails, contact your ISP provider. Request a line test and make sure that you have the proper settings in place. Sometimes a simple adjustment can make all the difference in how your gaming computer performs!
VMPete
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