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Boost Your Internet Speed
Although many people think that their slow internet speeds are all down to their provider, it could be because of your computer’s settings, the hardware you’re using or because your using a really old PC. So if you’re frustrated with your slow connection speed, try these tricks to see if you can speed things up before you switch to a faster, more expensive broadband package.
1. Adjust your browser settings
Most people use Internet Explorer, the Microsoft package that’s already installed on your PC. Version 6, which many people are still using, downloads all files on a web page in sequential order. This is inefficient and means that a page with lots of pictures will take longer to download.
By upgrading to the latest version, currently Internet Explorer 7, or using a different browser, such as Mozilla, you could reduce the time it takes to download a page. However, you should always be careful when making any changes to the settings on your computer.
Many people think that by choosing an 8Mb package they will get an 8Mb speed, but distance from the exchange, congestion and traffic shaping all slows your connection down and very few people will ever hit their advertised speed.
The average speed from 462,000 speed tests on BroadbandChoices was 3.59Mb so why not run your own speed test to see how fast your line really is. Install our free Speed Tester software to see how your ISP performs.
If the speed is exceptionally slow, you might be able to boost your connection simply by asking your ISP if there’s anything they can do to speed things up.
If you’ve been on the same package for a long time, it’s probably outdated too, so ask your provider if you can be upgraded if you agree to re-contract. You could find yourself moved to a faster package for more or less the same price.
3. Tweak your router settings
With so many different routers available, it would be impossible to tell you how to modify the whole plethora. However, you most routers are like your car’s onboard computer and can be tweaked and adjusted to open up ports and increase speeds.
Read your router’s manual for details on how to improve performance.
4. Hate thy neighbour
Make sure that you’re not sharing your wireless internet connection with other people on your street or in nearby flats. Set up a WPA encryption if your hardware is compatible, but at the very least you should have a WEP password to stop unauthorised users connecting to your internet.
There are a whole range of applications that will discretely use your internet connection. Most of these are set to automatically start up when you log into your computer. You might just be checking your emails, but these programs will still be running and slowing you down.
Applications such as Windows updates, security suite updates, Real Player pop-ups, MSN and Skype could also all be running at the same time.
While some of these are silent, others do ask permission before using up your bandwidth, and almost all can be set so that they don’t start up automatically. If you only spend short periods of time online, these programs will be opening as you log in and could make a noticeable difference to your speed.
To find out which applications are running, go to your task manager (right click on the Task bar). You can see what’s running in the Applications tab, and also see if anything is running secretly by clicking on the Processes tab.
You should always opt to give permission before an application runs, or set things to run at more convenient times - like only downloading podcasts at night.
6. Change your hardware
Preceding the of its 21 Century Network, which will offer speeds of up to 24Mb across the country, BT Wholesale recently showed just how much different hardware, and faulty electrics, can affect your broadband speed.
BT Wholesale showed that by changing from one standard ADSL modem to another, a 20 per cent reduction in speed could be seen, and in another test, a faulty fluorescent light was shown to cause a drop in speed from 4Mb to only 470Kb.
Because these problems will become even more pronounced after users switch to the 21CN, BT Wholesale is advising the use of interstitial plates. These small boxes are easy to install and work to reduce electrical interference (though a standard ADSL filter will still be required).
To demonstrate their effectiveness, BT Wholesale showed that an interstitial plate used with the faulty fluorescent light pushed the connection speed back up to 3.6Mb from 470Kb - a huge improvement though results will vary from one connection to the next.
Interstitial plate filters will be available later in the year.
7. Get a better router
If you’re using the router that you got free from your ISP, you could benefit from getting a higher range one that will give you a stronger signal if you’re connecting wirelessly. A better modem or router will also have better features, such as allowing you to select ports for gaming, or giving you a better firewall.
You should also bear in mind that the less things blocking the signal of your router, such as doors and walls, the better.
8. Speed up your WiFi
If you use wireless, rather than moving your PC closer to the router, you could just replace the aerial. Standard router aerials are usually 2dBi (indicating how long it is), and logically, the longer the aerial, the better the signal and the further its reach. For around £10 you can buy an aerial of 9dBi, which can increase signal strength by 30-50 per cent.
You can also buy a wireless access point, which acts as a router. You then connect the access point to your router using a Wireless Distribution System (WDS), extending the reach of your wireless signal without reducing its strength. Check the specifications of your router to see if it has WDS.
9. Ditch your wireless
Whether you’re using a wireless router or connecting via a cable will make a difference to your speed too. For people who have generally reliable, fast connections, this shouldn’t be a big issue. However, if you’re having speed problems and are using a wireless router you should try connecting directly via a cable to see if it helps. Even the type of cable that you use to connect can make a speed difference - connecting to your router via an ethernet cable will be more efficient than using a USB cable.
10. Get closer to the faceplate
The further your modem is from the faceplate (the socket your modem connects to), the weaker your broadband will be. This is because the standard wires used to connect it to the faceplate are usually quite poor.
To reduce quality loss, your modem should be as close to the broadband entry point in your home as possible. If you're on an ADSL connection up to 8Mb, moving your modem closer to the faceplate can increase your internet speed by up to 3Mb. Then, if your computer is on another floor or in a different room, you should invest in a good quality ethernet cable to connect your wireless router or PC to the modem.
11. Monitor download programmes
The new breed of TV download programmes such as the BBC iPlayer and Channel 4’s 4oD continue to run in the background of your PC even after you think you’ve turned them off. Because they continually upload and download data using a legal peer-to-peer system, they are constantly using your internet connection and will not only slow you down - they’ll also use up your download allowance. Make sure you quit them fully when you close them.
With programmes like BBC's iPlayer on your computer, remember to check the settings. You'll want to make sure it is set to "no peer to peer." Basically you don't want iPlayer to continue running when you are not using it, this way others on the network using iPlayer will not have access to yours.
12. Switch
If you still find that your connection is slow, it might mean that your package just doesn’t support your needs. Use our Broadband comparison service to compare prices and to find a more suitable package.
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