Have you ever felt a bit raffled when your Netflix series suddenly stops? Or when you’re having an online meeting and your video suddenly freezes? Awkward! Slow internet sucks--- nobody wants it! Especially in these times when we do so much work and play from home; we really do heavily rely on a stable internet connection!
There are a lot of factors to consider. You many have too many devices connected to your network, you’re using old hardware, or there is an interference with other wireless signals. There are several factors that may cause it to be slower than it should be.
Here are 5 easy steps you can take to speed up your connection:
- Check your data cap
Data cap is a very important factor to consider for a good internet experience. Your internet plans have different data allocations for different online activities. When your data cap is nearing its limit, you are more likely to experience a slowed-down internet connection as it distributes your remaining data until your next billing. It is very important for you to be guided by the data consumption of your online activities.
If you keep exceeding your monthly data cap, contact us and let us find a plan that is more suitable for your needs!
- Turn-off unused or extra-internet connected devices
Most of us are not aware that our unused internet-connected devices are using minimal amounts of our bandwidth. Especially in a modern home where multiple smart phones are connected, tablets, computers, smart TVs, smart home devices, and video game consoles are all sharing your home network, all of that data usage can add up and result in a decrease in your available data.
We may think that since these devices are sitting idle, they are not consuming any data, but if they are on, they most likely still do. Many devices are now set to automatically download applications and system updates once available. Most often than not, you could have multiple devices simultaneously downloading updates without your knowledge.
- Reposition your router
Wireless routers send out signals outward in all directions. These signals can be blacked out by objects surrounding your router. It’s best to place your router in the middle of the room, at the same level where you spend most of your time in. If it is not possible to reposition your router, it should be possible to reduce the number of obstructions, especially metal objects, that might be blocking the path of your internet signals.
- Connect through ethernet
Wi-Fi is amazing, it is convenient and accessible, but they are not always fast and safe. Connecting through a cable, like ethernet, is faster and safer. Instead of relying on wireless signals, an ethernet cable gets a signal directly from your device. It’s best for you to connect your main devices on ethernet. Your work laptop, gaming desktop, game consoles and TV are really best connected through wires. It’s not just that, ethernet is more secure than Wi-Fi. If you want your personal information kept private, ethernet is the best way to go!
- Block the ads
Ads are everywhere. Almost all content providers display advertisements. Ads can eat up huge amounts of your monthly data allotment. They also slow down your connection, so it’s easier to just block them. It is best to install an ad blocking plug-in that will gatekeep your connection from data-heavy auto-play videos.
Slow internet connection is a pain, so it’s important to make sure that your current plan meets your internet needs.
We at Harbour ISP, take pride in providing reliable and affordable fibre internet plans that are made to address your work and play demands. Feel free to contact us, and we’ll be more than happy to discuss your online needs and find the best internet plan to suit you!
