How to Improve your Broadband Internet Speed

Compared with the dial-up connections that most web users were using up until just a few years ago, even the slowest broadband connections are capable of providing users with relative high speed web browsing. However, as speeds have gone up, similarly, so have the expectations of users, which mean people are now using their internet connection for much more bandwidth-intensive tasks. Tasks, such as downloading television programmes, streaming latest film releases or even making voice calls. Unless you have a fast, reliable broadband connection, and a well set-up network, you may encounter some bandwidth issues- such as slower downloading speeds or even frequently interrupted streaming, which will only become a nuisance.

While the most obvious step is to invest in a better broadband service, such as those offered by Sky.com (check out their latest broadband offers on the website), there are plenty of ways you can improve your existing connection- things you can do to improve your broadband speeds.

Dave's Answer:

The Wi-Fi receiver/transmitter in your computer may be the most convenient way to connect to your broadband router, but it is rarely the most affective. Often you can achieve better broadband speeds and more reliability by sharing the wi fi connection on your smartphone. This can be a little bit fiddly to set up initially, but once you've done it you can just plug in your phone via a USB connection to take advantage of both its larger antenna and its ability to connect to 3G web services when you are out of range of a Wi-Fi router.

Another alternative is to connect your computer to the router via an ethernet cable. While this may not be ideal in many circumstances, it will provide you with a much faster and more reliable connection than you will be able to obtain using Wi-Fi. You'll find you won't get interrupted signal strength like you may experience with Wi-Fi. This will keep you running smoothly on a tight ship, instead of slipping overboard; growing frustrated with lack of worthy connections.

Of course, the downside of the Ethernet cable is the apparent leash you'll feel like's tied to your computer. You have to stay within the realms of the router in order to receive near- perfect reception all the time. It limits you flexibility. You can't slouch on the couch, catching up with friends on social networking sites and you definitely can't place your laptop besides the bath, while relaxing watching a film.

Many broadband providers place fair usage limits on their customers, even if they have an unlimited data plan. These are applied to customers that download and/or upload large amounts of data. They usually take the form of significantly slower connection speeds at peak times, such as those in the evening or even weekends. You can avoid hitting these limits by avoiding using peer-to-peer file sharing services, as this uses up much greater bandwidths than streaming or downloading content.

The reason for this is that your files are constantly being uploaded to other users while you have the program running. So for every kilobyte you download, you might have to upload three or four times that amount. Even if you are only downloading or streaming content, you can still hit these fair usage limits if you are doing these things to excessively. So the best solution is to only download files as and when you need to use them, rather than downloading lots at once- only for them to sit on your hard drive for an indefinite period.

Another alternative is to simply resist connecting your modem/router through a telephone extension cable- especially if it's in poor condition, the interference can be massive. This is probably the number one reason why customers feel let down by their broadband connection. The simple solution is to ditch the extension cable and connect your modem/ router directly to your phone line socket. It's a simple test to establish whether your extension cable is at the heart of your connectivity issues.

As mentioned earlier, using an Ethernet cable can greatly improve reliability; so why not use a Ethernet cable to connect your modem/router to your phone line? You'll see markedly improved results instantly, and you won't have to worry about severe interference either.

However, if you have to use an extension cable, the simple advice is to make sure it's in good working condition. Generally: the shorter the better as telephone extension cables tangled up and coiled can cause interference.

In most cases though, broadband speeds can be greatly improved by simply moving your computer's ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem. Many people plug their ADSL modem into a plug socket away from the master socket, and this greatly affect connection speeds and reliability. Therefore connection to your homes master socket will greatly improve overall connectivity; therefore ensuring greater reliability.

As broadband connectivity- therefore parameters such as speed and reliability- continues to improve, it's hoped the tips given above may soon become obsolete. However following these simple methods will go a long way to improving your current broadband speeds without spending money switching to rival competitors.

Disclaimer: This is a guest article submitted by one of our editorial contributors.

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Categorized: Computer and Internet Basics (Article 10085, Written by Dave Taylor)
Tagged: broadband, broadband performance, ethernet, internet speed, web speed, wifi
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