The ever increasing reliance on the internet means we need it more than ever. It is expanding horizons and making our lives easier. It helps in education, learning, entertainment, and work-related tasks. This reliance also adds a burden to the available internet resources and speeds. This need for faster internet is at its highest when the speed is peaked and you have to suffer. It disturbs your conference calls, the games lag, videos buffer and everything starts to seem dull. The issue may be in a lot of places but you cannot always identify where to start. We have compiled a list of things you can do/check that can help you improve the connection speed and get a faster internet connection.
Check your data cap
Before we dive into details and a little technical stuff. And before you start flipping your devices and doing whatever you can to speed up your internet connection, check the data cap your provider offers. If you have not already heard of it, some providers implement restrictions on the amount of data you can download. Usually, it is capped at 1000 Gbs. However, the data cap may vary from provider to provider and even differ based on the package you are subscribed to. Once you reach this limit, you may face slower speeds and total disconnection, in some instances, until you pay an extra amount for additional data.
Check your router/modem
With data caps out of the way, it is now time to take a look at your router. Routers/modems most of the time is found to be the culprits and they also happen to be the most ignored factor. There can be a lot of reasons causing a slower connection based on an issue in your modem.
It can start with being a faulty router issue and go all the way to being an older technology. Sometimes an older router may not be able to support the connection speeds you have and maybe peaked. You need to ensure that you have the latest technology that too is supported/recommended by your provider.
Reposition the router
More often than not, most of us keep using the standard router that the providers offer. There is nothing special about it and may not suit your home. Most routers do not have a great range and may cause dead spots or weak signal zones. Dead spots will have no connectivity at all and weak signal zones may have connectivity but shall not offer ideal connection speeds.
To get over this issue, try moving your router to a more central position in the house. This will evenly distribute the signals and get you better coverage.
Skip the Wi-Fi
Wireless connectivity or Wi-Fi does offer a great convenience but it comes with its shortcomings as well. You can move around and use the internet where ever you want. Talking about PCs and consoles, it does not take long cables and complicated connections and delicacies to manage an internet connection.
Your Wi-Fi signals, however strong they are, can easily be affected by anything and everything that comes in their path. Walls, devices, furniture. All of these interrupt the connection and slow down the data transfer. This may cause slower speeds. Ethernet or wired connection, wherever possible, provides more stability. It has nothing to interfere and gets the maximum available speed. However, the length and quality of the cable/Ethernet can sometimes pose a concern.
Update/change your internet connection
Finally, the ultimate step. If you have already tried everything and still your internet connection is slow, perhaps, it is time to jump the ship. You have put in a lot of effort and done all you can and still can’t get the promised speed, the provider here may be at fault.
If that is the case, then it is time for you to consider alternative options. And if you happen to live in a city as connected as New York City, you have plenty of options. There are over 40 New York internet providers offering their services which too can be tricky. If you have such a great variety of options, we recommend you do your research and make the right choice.
