13 Ways to Increase Internet Speed

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Frustrated by slow download speeds? Wish you could increase internet speed?

In this article, we’ll share 13 tips, tricks, and tweaks you can make around your home to boost the speed of your internet. But, before we get started, you’ll want to check the current speed of your connection.

Ready? Fantastic.

How to check your internet speed

Testing your internet speed will show you whether or not you are getting the speeds you should. The best way to do this is by heading to SpeedTest.net and clicking the big ‘GO’ button.

SpeedTest.net will give you your speed in Mbps or megabits. Note that this is different from MBps or megabytes. The two are often confused, but the two are distinct. Here’s the formula:

Megabits = megabytes x 8

So, if you’re getting 20Mbps, divide that by eight, and you’ll get 2.5MBps. That means you can download about 2.5MB of data in one second.

There’s more. 1MB is equivalent to 1024KB (kilobytes). Smaller downloads are usually measured in KB.

Hopefully, that gives you a better idea of how your download speed affects your day-to-day online activities.

13 ways to speed up your internet

Now, let’s try to speed things up.

Do keep in mind that, although internet service providers (ISPs) advertise a potential speed, chances are your connection won’t reach it. You might like to call your ISP and ask what’s a realistic speed for your area.

If you’re already reaching these speeds, the following 13 tips, tricks, and tweaks might not make much of a difference. On the other hand, if you’re nowhere near the potential, you might be able to make a substantial improvement to your connection.

Let’s get started.

1. Swap out your modem or router

The most common cause of slow or unreliable internet connection is a bad quality, out-dated, or faulty modem. Try swapping out your old modem for a newer one – don’t forget to check that it’s compatible with your internet plan.

2. Skip the modem entirely

Wi-Fi is convenient, but if you use a stationary desktop computer, try plugging in directly via an Ethernet cable. Wired connections are usually faster and more stable than wireless connections. 

3. Look for viruses or malware

Viruses and other malware can cause your internet – and entire computer –  to slow down.  Use a top quality anti-virus software to scan for malware and do what you can to remove any threats. If you are infected with a virus, it’s best to call in the professionals. We can eliminate malware without damaging any of your files or folders.

4. Check for internal interference

Virus scanners, cloud-based backup programs, and other software can interfere with your internet speeds. This can be annoying, especially if the application is vital to the protection of your computer and your own productivity. You might like to switch off one program at a time, checking your speeds as you go. That way, you can get an idea of which program is negatively impacting your connection. Please be extra careful if you switch off your virus protection.

5. Check for external interference

Most of us have smartphones, tablets, wireless speakers, and other technology in our homes. Do you ever keep your electronics near the modem? Sometimes the electromagnetic energy emitted by these devices can interfere with your internet connection. Try moving them away from your modem, and testing your speeds again.

6. Ditch your cordless phone

While not a proven theory, many believe that cordless telephones slow down internet speeds. Test out this hypothesis yourself by disconnecting your phone or switching to a good old-fashioned corded phone.

7. Ensure your filters are top quality

If you have a landline, you’ll need to ensure you have top quality filters installed. Filters are plugs that you attach to your phone line that protects your connection from disturbances. Keep in mind that different internet types (ADSL2+, cable, etc.) require different types of filters.

8. Shorten or replace cables

The length, condition, and structure of your home’s cabling can impact your speeds. Have old cables replaced or shortened.

9. Turn your modem off and on again

The age-old trick: turn it off and on again. Power cycling is an incredibly effective way of flushing out a range of issues that may be affecting your speed. After switching your modem off at the wall, leave it for 30 seconds or so before plugging it back in.

10. Look for old Foxtel boxes

Walk around your household and look for any old Foxtel boxes that may still be connected from a past owner or tenant. These can interfere with your internet connection. You may have to phone Foxtel to have them disconnect your property entirely.

11. Update firmware and software

Did you know that your modem has software that requires updating on a regular basis? You’ll have to log in to your modem using the modem manufacturer’s instructions. You should also ensure all of your computer software – especially the operating system – is up-to-date.

12. Adjust your modem’s settings

Logging into your modem will also give you a range of settings. Head to your ISP’s and modem’s website to find the optimal settings. Make the adjustments and see if that give your internet a speed boost.

13. Ask your ISP to do a line test

If none of the above helps you reach your potential internet speed, it’s time to call your ISP and ask for a line test. They may need to send a technician out to your home to check the cables, which could cost you. And, if they find your cabling in poor shape, you’ll need to pay to have it replaced.

Image of router by DeclanTM