5 Ways to Improve Your Internet Speed

The speed at which we can access the internet has come a long way in the last 20 years. There was a time not all that long ago when people could connect to the internet only with dial-up modems at download speeds of 56 kilobits per second. 

Today many internet services offer download speeds as high as 1,000 megabits per second – 20,000 times faster than a 56k modem. This kind of speed is necessary to download the type of interactive and video streaming content that exists on the internet today.

Of course, the average home or office internet user has a connection speed between 5 and 50 megabits per second. That is still fast enough for regular internet use, and you won’t be forced to wait long for videos or big files to download. 

However, there are ways in which you can improve your existing internet connection speed by using various testing tools and strategies of which the average online user isn’t aware. 

To get you started, we’ve highlighted five ways the average user can improve their internet speed:

When you connect to websites on the internet, your computer needs to access the Domain Name System servers. These DNS servers act as a directory of website names and addresses for your computer to search. 

The chosen DNS server will determine how quickly the website downloads. Your internet service provider will probably set default DNS servers for you. 

But, you can find better web hosting with faster DNS servers by using a namebench utility tool, open source software that can be download from the internet.

If you are using a Wifi internet connection in your home, then you need to keep it secured by placing password protection on your connection, so other people in your neighbourhood do not use it. 

Remember that the typical range of a Wi-Fi connection is about 32 metres, certainly enough distance for your next-door neighbours to remotely use your connection from their house. 

When more devices are accessing your connection, it affects your own download speed because you will be sharing your connection with them. Securing the connection will prevent such inadvertent sharing. 

As we continue to use our computers, we end up downloading – and forgetting about – a lot of programs that exist in the background. These could be instant messengers, virus protection tools, security suites, media players, Windows updates and more. 

Many of these programs connect to the internet and significantly reduce your downloading speed. By sorting through your list of programs and uninstalling the ones you no longer use, you can reduce the overall burden on your connection speed. 

Helpful software programs like CCleaner quickly can perform this task. 

Users can now choose from a whole host of internet service providers, especially for those living in a heavily populated area. Some providers have internet plans that place limits on your downloading speed. 

If you are looking for a faster connection, you should research the various ISPs in your area and see which ones offer the best downloading speeds at the most reasonable prices within your budget. 

For example, cable or broadband internet connections are faster than DSL, even though DSL might be more convenient to install.

One of the simplest ways to increase your internet connection speed is by moving your Wifi router, a device used to provide internet coverage throughout your entire house. 

Unfortunately, many things in the home can interfere with your Wifi, both by blocking and interfering with the wireless signal. Place your router somewhere away from doors, walls, phones, tablets, baby monitors, beds and so on. 

The best location for a router is high up in the room, like on top of a high computer table or bookshelf. This position will make your wireless connection stronger throughout your home.

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