At the same time, it is worth considering some of the benefits of a mobile network connection, and how it might be a better option for your Internet usage.
How you use your broadband, and what you ultimately expect it to be able to provide on a daily and long term basis, will vary depending on whether you just like to browse the Internet and check your emails, or if you want to download and stream a lot of data. The following tips and tricks to make the most of your broadband are therefore intended as general suggestions:
1 - Speed Test and Comparisons
Before making any changes to your broadband, it is worth running a speed test. A speed test can be run in a few seconds online, and will tell you what your average download and upload speed is. Having this information makes it easier to compare broadband speeds with other providers, and is useful to check regularly, as an average speed can vary depending on the time of the day, and what your computer is doing when the test is made.
At the same time, you can also try to boost your general speed by making changes to your router. Broadband routers should now be at ‘N’ standard, which are capable of handling faster speeds and make for efficient redistribution of signals. A router should also be positioned centrally, and should not be placed near to any electrical equipment that might disrupt its signal.
Enhancements for routers can also be found through iPlates. It may simply be that your router needs to be reset or reconfigured if there are a number of different people using the router, while it is always important to encrypt your local network to prevent someone else from using it.
2 - Switching Providers
It might be a bit of a hassle to change providers, but can ultimately mean that you receive a faster and more stable connection. If you haven’t already, it is worth investigating if you can receive super fast fibre optic broadband from BT or Virgin Media. These connections can deliver download speeds of 100 Mb/s, and can significantly improve an experience of using the Internet.
However, these services are not available anywhere, meaning that it is worth checking to see what is available in your area. If not, a provider switch that improves your speed to an average of 14 to 40 Mb/s, available through Sky, could make a big difference if you have an older package.
3 - Adapt Mobile and Wi Fi Signals for 3G
You can also experiment with boosting your broadband by seeing whether you can tether your computer to a 3G mobile network. Doing so might mean that you have access to a faster broadband connection, especially if you live in a rural area that does not have a strong land line or cabled connection.
In many cases, using your mobile network to browse the Internet and to view emails can be made easier by converting your connection to make a laptop or PC an additional device.
SebastianAbout the Guest Author:
Sebastian currently works with Cable.co.uk promoting their broadband and tv packages. If you're looking to upgrade or for a better deal, make sure you visit Cable.