A broadband Internet connection gives you access to the network that makes up the world wide web. There are many different types of broadband networks, including fiber, cable and DSL.
Each one offers different speeds, but all are capable of providing high-speed Internet. To get the most out of your broadband Internet connection, there are several things you can do.
Get a Wi-Fi Router
A router (and a modem, if you have one) is the team that connects your devices to Wi-Fi and Internet. It works like a switchboard operator, allowing multiple wired and wireless devices to connect to the Internet at once.
Whether you rent your equipment from your cable, DSL or LTE provider or purchase it yourself, modern technology is available that can boost your home network performance. Newer routers feature improved wireless standards, more network ports and advanced features such as QoS, which allows you to give bandwidth priority to specific apps or devices at certain times.
Where your router is located is important, too. It should be in a central place where its signal can reach all areas of your home. It also needs to be away from thick walls, metal objects and HVAC equipment. If your router is on the same level as your computer, it can be prone to interference. If you find it’s struggling to keep up, consider moving it to a different location or buying a mesh Wi-Fi router.
Be sure to password-protect your router and change that password from time to time. This prevents people from leeching off your connection as they download oversized files or use heavy applications. It’s also a good idea to disconnect any devices that aren’t being used. You can do this by changing your Wi-Fi password, which will require you to log in to every device using the new password. You can also try connecting nonessential devices to a wired connection or add a WiFi extender to amplify your signal. These devices cost between PS20 and PS70 and plug into your electrical outlets, boosting the range of your router’s wifi signals.
Change Your Wi-Fi Settings
Many of us have numerous devices connected to our Wi-Fi networks at any given time. Devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles and smart home devices can saturate a network with unnecessary traffic, slowing down everyone on the router. To combat this, limit the number of devices on your network, and try to keep them all at a similar level of bandwidth use.
Most routers come with dual-band technology, broadcasting on both the 2.4 GHz and 5-GHz frequencies. If yours has both bands enabled, you can try switching to the other band to see if that improves performance. However, it’s important to be aware of your devices and make sure that they can work on the other frequency. Some older devices may only work on 2.4 GHz, and changing the channel might cause them to stop working.
You can also tweak your router settings to help improve performance. Some routers allow you to prioritize specific applications or services on your network. This is especially helpful if you have a family with different needs, such as children taking online classes or adults streaming games.
Lastly, it’s important to have your router in a central location where you frequently use the Internet. Placement matters, with experts recommending that you keep the router away from walls and furniture, and raise it up off the floor if possible. Alternatively, you can install a mesh system or other Wi-Fi extenders to cover all of your house with consistent coverage.
Getting broadband in a rural area is possible, giving you a reliable and speedy connection to the Internet, which is crucial for everything from streaming movies and music to playing video games and conducting online meetings. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your broadband Internet and ensure that it continues to be a valuable resource for your home.
Keep Your Devices Wired
While WiFi is convenient and wireless technology is continuing to improve, a wired network provides more consistent speeds. When a device is connected to the internet via Ethernet cable–such as a gaming system, Smart TV or computer–it establishes a one-to-one connection that delivers data far more quickly than through a radio wave. A wired connection also minimizes the effects of interference or other environmental factors that can impact a wireless signal.
A broadband connection is a high-speed Internet service that offers a constant connection to the web, with speeds up to 25Mbps or higher. Unlike dial-up connections, which require the use of a landline phone to access the Internet, broadband is always on and can be used simultaneously by multiple devices. It is available in a variety of forms, including DSL, cable, satellite and fixed wireless.
When choosing a broadband provider, it’s important to choose the type that best fits your needs and budget. Broadband is available in a wide range of packages, with varying speed and price options. It’s also important to understand how your broadband service works and what you can do to get the most out of it.
For example, some people equate WiFi with broadband Internet and assume that a fast WiFi connection will allow them to stream videos or play games online without buffering. However, WiFi is only a part of the overall Internet access experience; broadband Internet is delivered by either DSL, cable or fiber and includes a phone line (DSL and cable) or a mobile wireless connection (Fixed Wireless).
It’s also important to make sure you have the latest equipment, including a modem/router that’s compatible with your broadband service. It’s also a good idea to run a speed test periodically to see how your internet service is performing.
Check Your Data Usage
Every time you use the internet to do things like stream videos, play music or download files, you use data. Many broadband contracts come with a limit on monthly data usage, and if you’re on a capped package, it can be worth checking how much you’ve used to avoid getting hit with extra fees or speed restrictions when you reach your cap.
Your Wi-Fi router will usually include a built-in traffic monitor that’ll tell you how much data your devices are using. You can also find third-party data monitoring apps for computers and mobile phones, though it’s important to note that these tools will typically only report on internet usage for individual devices, not the entire network.
Many broadband providers have dedicated websites that will give you a good idea of how to use data efficiently. The Giffgaff website, for example, allows you to enter your data usage habits and suggests a plan that will fit your needs. Other sites, such as the Armstrong data calculator, will take more information into account such as how often you use social media and which apps tend to be the largest data-eaters.
In addition to helping you manage your data consumption, knowing how much your regular activities use can help you decide whether or not a higher-limit plan is worth the money. After all, if you’re regularly hitting your data limit during the last few days of a billing cycle and you’re still using plenty of high-quality streaming and video game downloads, it might be time to look at upgrading your allowance.
Keeping an eye on your data usage is important for both personal and business users. A company’s internal team can benefit from having a better understanding of how to optimize bandwidth performance, while anyone with a capped broadband contract might be able to save some money by switching to a different deal or increasing their data allowance.
Switch to a Better Provider
Changing providers might seem like a drastic measure, but it might be the best option in your situation. There are a lot of benefits to switching, including better equipment and newer technologies that are more secure than what your current provider has in place. Plus, you could end up saving a lot of money.
Most areas only have a few different broadband internet providers, so it’s worth checking to see what they’re offering. Some may even be able to offer you better prices for faster internet speeds.
The internet connection between your home and the wider network can be the limiting factor when it comes to your speeds. The faster the speed, the better your experience will be. If you’re stuck with slow speeds, it might be time to switch broadband providers.
There are many things that can cause a slow internet connection, including the type of broadband you have and how much people use it at the same time. If you’re still experiencing problems, contact your local government to find out what can be done to improve internet coverage in your area.
The good news is that broadband internet is becoming more available, with many communities having access to fibre optic connections and mobile networks. You can also ask your current provider what they’re doing to improve your service, and if it’s not up to scratch, consider changing providers to get a better deal. Often, you can change providers without being penalised, especially if you’re on a contract. But it’s important to check the terms and conditions before deciding to cancel. There may be a cancellation fee, or you might be charged for early termination.