7 Tips to Improve the Performance of Your Broadband Network

Technology has progressed to the point where it is common to grow impatient when loading a web page takes longer than a few seconds. A range of factors can impact your home broadband connection.

Before you begin trying to improve your network’s speed, it is important to assess the severity of the problem. You can do a quick Internet search to find a site that will run a test to measure your broadband speed. Compare this to the speed that your Internet service provider has promised. If there is room for improvement, try one of the following tips.

1. Secure your home network

Just because you can’t see someone using your Internet connection does not mean it isn’t happening. If you leave your network open, anyone within range can use your wireless connection. Additional people on your network will cause you to experience a slower connection speed.

2. Clean your Internet cache

Your computer stores temporary files from every site that you visit. This helps websites that you visit often to load faster, but your system can become bogged down if you do not clean your cache from time to time.

3. Move your router

Wireless Internet has come a long way over the last decade, but sometimes your connection speed is still as simple as where you are physically located. Moving your router can significantly impact the power of your wireless signal. If your router is positioned somewhere with few obstructions, the signal will be stronger.

4. Install browser upgrades, if applicable

It can sometimes seem like a nuisance to install every upgrade that is advertised, but keeping your browser up to date will ensure that your Internet performance remains fast and reliable.

5. Check that your router, modem, or network adapter has the latest driver or firmware

Companies are constantly updating the computer software that keeps your Internet running properly. Most will release firmware updates that you can download, ensuring that your router continues to work at maximum capacity.

6. Shut down software applications when they’re not in use

This is especially key if you use programs that stream information directly from the Internet. Even if you’re not actively watching a broadcast from one of these services, leaving them open on your computer can drastically slow your broadband’s performance.

7. Call your Internet service provider for assistance

The above measures can improve your network performance, but if there is an issue with your broadband connection it may be impossible to fix on your own. If none of these steps have improved your connection speed, you may have a bigger problem that needs to be addressed.

Any number of factors can impact your Internet speed, but there are various tests and tricks you can employ to get the most out of your connection. It may be as easy as moving your router, but don’t be afraid to call your Internet service provider if the issue appears to be more complex.

     Sam Jones

About the Guest Author:

Sam Jones, the author, recently installed a Wi-Fi booster after spending some time cleanign up his home network.