A slow internet connection can hurt your browsing sessions significantly. Studies investigating the impact of unstable internet connectivity have found that slow internet connection can impede access to education resources and cripple online collaborating learning experiences among tertiary students.
For businesses, that could translate into unprecedented economic losses and reputational damage. Not to mention the adverse effects that spotty Wi-Fi can have on staff morale.
Fortunately, there are multiple ways to ramp up your internet speed and enjoy the perks of superfast connections. Here are the top tips for premium internet connectivity.
1. Start With the Right ISP
Most instances of slow Internet speeds are traceable to shady Internet service providers (ISPs).
Unscrupulous ISPs will immediately renege on their internet speed guarantees the moment you purchase a subscription plan. Some companies may throttle your bandwidth unawares, while others will restrict your access to various websites (including educational platforms that pose no significant security risks to internet users).
Local availability is the first criterion when looking for an Internet service provider in Las Vegas. Insist on an ISP with a reliable presence in the Vegas area.
Next, define your internet speed and bandwidth needs, then pick a provider to meet those requirements.
2. Understand Your Package
Internet subscription plans vary considerably, depending on the features offered.
Cheaper packages usually correspond with slower speeds and vice versa. It’s important to read the terms carefully before purchasing an internet subscription plan.
Choose a package whose guaranteed speeds can meet your current internet speed requirements. While basic tasks like online shopping may require download speeds of around 100 megabits per second (mbps), you’ll need faster speeds for data-intensive tasks like web scraping.
A good practice is to test-drive each plan using its trial version before committing fully.
3. Modify Your Router
Your router’s type, configuration, and location can impact your internet connection speed.
First, try moving your router to a different spot within your home or workplace and see if the speed improves. Focus on locations near the windows or roofs.
If nothing happens, consider resetting the router. This helps to unclog the device’s memory, restoring your internet speed. The best way to unclog your router is to unplug the gadget from the wall socket and wait thirty seconds before plugging it back.
If the problem persists, you may want to update your router’s operating system (known as the firmware). Many routers enable automatic firmware updates. If yours doesn’t, a manual update will be required.
As a last resort, get a more advanced router. This should solve all device-related causes of slow Internet speed.
4. Upgrade to Faster Connection Type
There are numerous internet connection technologies, each with its signature benefits and glaring drawbacks. When it comes to speed and reliability, fiber-optic technology is simply unparalleled.
Fiber-optic connections can provide consistent speeds of 5 Gigabytes per second (Gbps). Some noteworthy projects you can perform with 5 Gbps include streaming up to 8K videos on multiple devices and hosting several online gaming sessions on HD.
As expected, fiber-optic connections come with a hefty price tag. If your budget cannot sustain a fiber-optic package, but you still require fast internet speeds, cheaper options like 5G and cable would suffice.
Other popular connection types include satellite, fixed wireless (FWI), and digital subscriber lines (DSL). However, these should be chosen as a last resort due to their unreliability.
5. Balance Between Connected Devices and Available Bandwidth
Connecting more gadgets to your Wi-Fi simultaneously will undoubtedly reduce your connection speed. An immediate solution here would be to disconnect unnecessary devices.
Note that internet consumption continues in the background even if you’re not actively using a gadget. So, it’s best to turn the Wi-Fi off after every browsing session.
If this doesn’t help, you may need to upgrade to a higher plan. Besides providing faster internet speeds, higher packages also come with more bandwidth.
Bandwidth is the amount of internet data your ISP allows you to transmit in unit time. While a higher bandwidth doesn’t always correspond with a faster internet connection, it will enable you to connect multiple gadgets without experiencing significant lags.
6. Secure Your Wi-Fi
When was the last time you changed your Wi-Fi password, and how many people have had access to those credentials since then? For all you know, your neighbors could be having a free ride on your Wi-Fi.
Head to your Wi-Fi interface and check the number of connected devices. If those gadgets cannot be traced back to your property, it indicates that a stranger is squatting on your internet.
The most polite way to lock them out is to change your password. Unless your bandwidth is being throttled, switching to a new password should restore connectivity.
Moreover, changing passwords frequently can also secure your networks by keeping hackers at bay.
Wrap Up
Superfast Internet speed can improve workplace productivity by facilitating quicker downloads, uploads, and streaming.
Fast Internet speed also fosters efficient staff collaboration, making it particularly important for remote businesses where consistent online connectivity is an imperative. Besides, it can bolster your staff morale and optimize their overall workplace productivity.
If your internet speed is suddenly sluggish, implementing the above tips can help get you out of the slow lane.
Remember that choosing a reputable internet service provider is crucial for enjoying seamless internet connection. Therefore, spare no effort in scouting for an ISP that suits your needs.