Slow internet is a major frustration for anyone. It can easily lead to feelings of anger and despair. The good news is that there are ways to improve your internet speed in your home without spending any money. Follow these simple steps for stronger and more reliable internet access.
In this article
1 Restart router
Is your WiFi acting up? Before calling for help, try power cycling your modem and router. This process clears out any glitches and gives your devices a fresh start. First, unplug your modem and wait 30 seconds before plugging it back in. Your modem translates internet signals, so a power cycle often fixes connection issues. Next, repeat the process with your wireless router. Finally, turn off Wi-Fi on all your devices, wait a few seconds, and toggle it back on. Give this easy solution a try before seeking further assistance.
2 Set up wireless security
Did you know that leaving your network open and unsecured can not only put your data at risk but also slow down your internet connection? Fortunately, securing your router is a simple process. Just log in to your router’s admin page using the default credentials and select WPA2 as the encryption method. Choose a strong passphrase and only share it with trusted individuals. Protect yourself and your internet speed with these easy steps.
3 Use a VPN
Another proven way to improve Wi-Fi performance is to use a VPN. Slow-down internet can be provided by the provider if it has restrictions on access to some services. In order for downloading speed to bypass the provider settings, you need a good VPN that has a lot of servers and high speed. The fact is that many services are too slow or busy to get relief and feel the benefit of using them in terms of an increase in Internet speed. If you want to improve VPN performance, you need to use VeePN. This VPN is the flagship on the market and has everything to make your web access fast, anonymous, and secure.
4 Switch your Wi-Fi frequency band
Discover the two radio frequency bands that modern wireless routers work on – 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. However, your choice of band could impact your Wi-Fi signal strength and wireless speeds at varying distances from your router. Combat temporary interference by switching to the alternative frequency band, which will appear as a separate Wi-Fi network on your device. Typically denoted with a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz label in the network name, the 2.4 GHz option is the most widely utilized and is known for being somewhat crowded due to its use in numerous non-Wi-Fi wireless communications. Although it may sacrifice speed for range, it’s more efficient at passing through obstacles.
5 Reposition the antennas
Learn how to maximize your router’s wireless reception with these antenna tips. Routers come with either internal or external antennas, and if your router has two external antennas, try positioning them perpendicular to each other. This means one pointing vertically and the other horizontally. By doing so, you can ensure that your receiver and transmitter are on the same plane, optimizing your connection. If your router has only one antenna or an internal antenna, experiment with different positions to find the best placement for your setup.
6 Remove unnecessary connections
To optimize your network’s performance, it’s best to only keep essential devices connected. To achieve this quickly, simply change your Wi-Fi password and reboot your router. This will immediately sever all nonessential connections, such as that rarely used emergency phone that continually downloads updates. Afterward, be sure to log back into your network with the new password on every device you use.
7 Update your router’s firmware
If you own a separate router, it’s worth checking for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and security. Your router functions like a small computer, with firmware serving as its operating system. Just like any software, updates are released to fix bugs and fill security gaps. Albeit numerous more up to date switches have programmed refreshes, physically checking the firmware form can give you true serenity. Log in to your router to confirm whether automatic updates are enabled.
8 Upgrade to faster internet
If you’re experiencing slow internet, these tips may help, but sometimes upgrading to a faster internet plan is necessary. Unsure about the speeds you need? Check out our guides for online gaming and video streaming requirements.
Don’t assume that you’re guaranteed the full speed advertised by your internet provider. They only promise speeds up to a certain limit, meaning you may not always receive the full amount. So, if you have a plan with 100 Mbps, you might still experience lags and slow speeds.
Conclusion
Speeding up your internet doesn’t have to be rocket science. With these 8 tips, you can significantly boost your connection without breaking the bank. From optimizing your router’s position to changing its frequency band, regular maintenance and upgrades can improve your network’s performance in no time. Your internet should no longer slow you down!
