Maximise Your Broadband Speed In 5 Steps…

Since coming into mainstream usage during the 1990s, the popularity of the internet has continued to soar. Now a tool relied on by people of all ages, it has over 46 million daily internet users in Great Britain alone.

Having become such a staple in our lives, the chances are — whatever you’re planning for the day — you’ll need an internet connection. Whether it’s joining a video call, streaming the latest must-watch TV series, or catching up on your social media feeds, a poor wifi signal can quickly de-rail even the best laid plans.

So, for those of us who’ve faced this common and incredibly frustrating dilemma, here are some quick and easy steps — courtesy of Systemwork founder, Jamie Durham — which could help make those annoying internet glitches a thing of the past…

1. Check the position of your router

People often place routers in the corner of their home, but this could be one of the reasons for unreliable wireless connectivity.

Routers send out signals in all directions, so placing it at the centre of your property will help make the most of the available connection. Where possible, it’s also worth trying to avoid having too many physical obstructions that block the signal — walls and doors are common culprits.

2. Invest in a signal booster

These clever and often affordable devices are a great option when it comes to enhancing your existing internet connection.

Helping to reach underserved corners of the home not captured by a standard router, it’s a cost-effective way to tackle internet blackspots — and keep everyone in the property connected.

3. Upgrade to a new router

If you’ve had your router for a few years, and the signal has begun to reduce, it might be time to replace it with a new one.
The good
news is routers can be purchased to suit most price brackets and a new model can make a significant difference to the quality and consistency of the connection you receive.

4. Take note of timings

Bandwidth, the capacity of information that a connection can handle at any one time, can be lowered by certain internet activities. If your connectivity issues follow a pattern, take note, and try to identify if the problem could be related to a drop in bandwidth.

Activities such as online gaming and video streaming are common culprits. If your connection suffers when the kids arrive home from school, for example, it may be that their online habits are exasperating the issue.

In this case, agreeing set times for particular activities could be a compromise worth making. But if not, purchasing additional bandwidth is another route to explore.

5. Ensure that your connection is password protected

Having wifi that isn’t password protected can leave your line open to use from neighbouring properties – which could impact upon your bandwidth.

Making sure that you’re using a secure connection is essential if you’re to benefit from the full potential of your broadband package and avoid frustrating connectivity difficulties — not to mention the possible security risks.

6. Finally, make sure your package is still fit for purpose

With flexible working becoming increasingly common, many of us are spending more time at home – meaning that our internet connections are more in demand than ever. If you’re experiencing regular wifi issues, it’s worth considering whether your current package is still fit for purpose.

A change in lifestyle might mean an upgrade to a faster broadband alternative is also appropriate. But checking out some other quick and easy options first, could save you money in unnecessary and potentially costly upgrades.