How to Increase Your Internet Speed

I was never really the sort of person who’d have sleepless nights over a slow Internet connection. I wasn’t into gaming, rarely streamed movies, and mostly required the internet to browse social media apps and stay in touch with my loved ones.

However, I realized the importance of high-speed internet when I landed my first remote job. From downloading and uploading large work files to accessing different tools and software, every facet of remote work requires top-notch connectivity.

On the flip side, my sluggish internet connection took ages to complete even the menial remote tasks, and that is when I explored different ways to increase my Internet speeds.

Below, I’m going to share my findings, and I must say, these few tips have really increased my internet speed. But before I get on to that, let me tell you how much internet speed you need for different online activities.

So, let’s start.

Internet Speed Required for Different Online Activities

In this section, I have discussed some of the most common online activities most people engage in.

Multiple factors, like the nature of online activity and the number of users or devices connected to a network, determine how much Internet speed would be required to complete those tasks seamlessly.

Below, I have shared a table of minimum and recommended internet speeds for different online activities.

5 Ways to Increase Your Internet Speed

While there is no way to go beyond the speeds provided by your ISP with your internet plan, there are ways to ensure you get the full speeds. Here’s how.

Use an Ethernet Cable

Before WiFi, Ethernet cables were some of the most important internet tools. As WiFi was more convenient than Ethernet cables, their trend gradually dropped. That being said, if you can compromise on convenience, wired internet can help you boost your internet speeds.

Ethernet cables are directly attached to gaming consoles, PCs, laptops, and other devices with a port. This allows a consistent and reliable connection between your router and devices.

By connecting an Ethernet cable, the network becomes less susceptible to interference and reduces data packet loss as well. As a result, the internet speed increases once you shift from WiFi to Ethernet.

Upgrade Your Internet Connection

If you’re not a big fan of Ethernet cables, then I recommend upgrading your internet connection. Generally, you can either upgrade your internet plan or switch to a faster internet connection type for more speed.

While upgrading your plan can certainly help, I believe switching to fiber internet is the safest choice for getting blazing-fast internet speeds. It’s because fiber internet is the only connection that reliably offers symmetrical speeds, meaning you get the same upload and download speeds.

Reduce the Network Traffic

It’s a fact that a network slows down when you connect more devices to it. It’s because every internet connection has a limited bandwidth. And every time you connect a new device to the same network, the bandwidth is shared among them. 

Consequently, the bandwidth gets thinner and thinner and ultimately affects the Internet speed.

However, you can easily free up your network’s bandwidth by disconnecting idle devices and closing background applications. This way, you may experience better Internet speed and more bandwidth for priority tasks.

Change Your Router’s Position

Even though changing your router’s position may seem an insignificant step, it can make a significant difference to your internet speeds. You may understand that the router is a necessary piece of equipment for our network, and it’s responsible for distributing internet signals among the connected devices.

Sometimes, the movement of the outgoing signals from the router is hindered by heavy objects, thick walls, or even by other electronic devices like microwave ovens and baby monitors that emit radio waves. 

Consequently, as the internet signals collide with these objects, they may change their direction or lose strength, which leads to a drop in internet speeds.

So, it’s best to place your router away from these objects so the internet signals do not lose any strength and always reach the desired destination.

Upgrade or Update Your Router

Most of the time, outdated routers are the primary reason behind slow internet. Ideally, you should replace your routers every five years. It’s because, after a certain period, your router may malfunction and fail to distribute internet signals efficiently.

Moreover, like most electronic devices, routers also receive frequent software and firmware updates. These updates are crucial for their efficient working, and you should always install them whenever they’re available.

These updates may automatically be installed on most modern routers. However, you can also check for them manually by accessing the router’s settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I simultaneously use WiFi and an Ethernet cable?

Yes, you can connect your gaming console, PC, or laptop with an Ethernet cable and use WiFi on your smartphone at the same time.

How can I check my internet speed?

There are different tools available, such as one offered by Ookla, that can check your internet speed.

What are the common factors that affect internet speed?

A low-speed internet plan, faulty router, and higher number of users or connected devices on a single network are the most common factors that affect your internet speed.