It can be quite technical, so may not be the right solution for everyone. Limiting the number of tabs you have open simultaneously helps with this. If in doubt, ask your supplier's tech support team.

Your monthly bill will go up, but so will your speed. If you have a WiFi connection along with a broadband wired connection, make sure your PC is connected directly to an Ethernet cable. Change the channel If other wireless networks are in range, change your wireless router to use a different channel to avoid interference. Before doing anything it's a good idea to take a broadband speed test to see how fast — or slow — your current connection is. Electrical equipment can cause real problems for your connection, anything with a motor or pump can particularly be an issue. But there are lots of factors to take into consideration before you decide to go for a broadband change. TV on demand services such as through a Sky HD box might be using it to download TV shows, or your games console might be downloading updates or new content. Tucking this device in the wrong place might see your internet speeds become slower than a snail in treacle. Manufacturers often introduce software updates for devices, including routers, to improve security and stability.

Having large numbers of browser windows or tabs open may also have an effect on your download speeds - try running the speed test with all other web pages closed, does this make a difference to speed? Upgrades Perhaps a new router could help, maybe you can get a free regrade to a better broadband speed or maybe now's the time to consider switching to a faster broadband provider. If there are significant differences, consider the tests below. Why it's essential to back up your data - and how to do it. And if you're not too sure which is best and want to get the cheapest but fastest in your area, we've taken the work out of searching for you in our fibre broadband deals feature. Standard broadband over telephone lines degrades in speed the further the line is from the telephone exchange in cabling length. An old modem can be your speed problem, too. It's always worth speaking to your broadband supplier to see if your speed can be increased, this is particularly relevant for people who have had their connection for a long time and may still be on deals capped at a speed below that which your line can support. If you're not getting decent speeds then it might be time to think about a change of broadband plan or even a switch of provider. Quite often people blame their broadband provider for poor connection speeds when actually the problem is a poor quality wireless network causing the issues.

This might involve replacing cables or installing new access points. If performance is especially bad when you do some things online but not others, your ISP might be throttling your connection. These are unlikely to be the fastest available to you. Many applications run in the background on your computer and some of these will be quietly using your broadband connection for tasks such as installing updates or uploading data. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer. BT says its best to keep it out in the open and in a central position which will then help the signal beam throughout the home. Our availability checker can confirm what's available in your area. Malware and viruses can also be the source of unwanted network activity, particularly on Windows machines.

Software can also cause issues with Internet speed. When was the last time you changed your password? Your Internet connection provides you with a limited amount of bandwidth, which must be shared between all devices on your network. You should be emailed a warning if you exceed your usage allowance, however if you've simply exceeded the traffic management allowance often in place at peak times you won't be informed, your speed will simply drop for a fixed number of hours or until the peak period ends. Author: Andy Betts. Learn how to create free space on Windows or how to keep your Mac trim. Extension cables can massively increase interference on your line and cause broadband speeds to be lowered. How-To Geek is where you turn when you want experts to explain technology. Read our guide to using WiFi.

The Best Tech Newsletter Anywhere. Make sure your broadband provider hasn't capped your speed because you exceeded the limits of your monthly usage allowance or traffic management policy. Viruses and adware can also cause your computer to slow considerably which can make your broadband seem slow. Make sure your anti-virus software is up to date Having up to date and operational anti-virus software is crucial as viruses, trojans and worms can use your broadband connection which can make your speeds seem to slow. Make sure that no one is hitching a free ride on your connection and taking up bandwidth which will reduce the speed you see, password protect and encrypt your wireless network to keep unwanted bandwidth hogs away. Quite often people blame their broadband provider for poor connection speeds when actually the problem is a poor quality wireless network causing the issues. Mac users can check out the anti-malware tools designed for Mac. Not happy with your broadband speed? If you have an

If you definitely want to connect via wireless, run speed tests connection directly by network cable and again using the wireless network. Ask other family members or housemates whether they stream a lot of video or download files over BitTorrent. Join , subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. With this enabled, all devices require a password to connect. Faster broadband shouldn't be something you need to think about as, if you've got the right connection, it won't be an issue. Complete Wi-Fi also offers an extra extender which helps to keep the signal strong in every room. Change the channel If other wireless networks are in range, change your wireless router to use a different channel to avoid interference. These are unlikely to be the fastest available to you. If you have an Also called a broadband accelerator, an iPlate connects to a phone socket and eliminates interference.

Close Search Magazine Search. Internet connections could always be faster. Many software programs and apps automatically update on occasion. BT broadband customers can easily give their internet access a boost without having to pay higher prices. Thick walls on old houses can be a particular problem. What is Li-Fi? Electrical equipment can cause interference. How can I speed up my broadband?

Many applications run in the background on your computer and some of these will be quietly using your broadband connection for tasks such as installing updates or uploading data. You can do this using a service like Speedtest. Upgrading the aerial on your wireless router and if possible on your computer can extend the range and reliability of connection. If your network is open, anyone can hop on it and sap your bandwidth. But there are lots of factors to take into consideration before you decide to go for a broadband change. Required security measures, such as encryption, also add an overhead to wireless connections that is not necessary for a wired connection. BT says its best to keep it out in the open and in a central position which will then help the signal beam throughout the home. How to speed up your broadband 25 May 15 February You might be tempted to hide that ugly flashing black box away in a cupboard — but don't.

For the best coverage, you might want to consider a mesh Wi-Fi system. USB adapters and expansion cards are available to upgrade some older devices but not smartphones or tablets , while 'N'-rated devices or older will still be able to connect at their previous range and speed. Check your download allowance Make sure your broadband provider hasn't capped your speed because you exceeded the limits of your monthly usage allowance or traffic management policy. Examples include the BBC iPlayer download version. Have you found this guide useful? Slow broadband? Internet connections could always be faster. If you still have problems, unplug all devices and gradually add each back until you identify which causes the problem. To restart things simply switch off your router at the mains, wait around a minute, then turn it back on again. Investing in a higher quality router can lead to improvements in speed and reliability, especially on poor quality telephone lines.

Viruses and adware can also cause your computer to slow considerably which can make your broadband seem slow. Ads will appear on the screen, but the testing service is free. Related Articles What is Wifi? That's why it's worth looking at the best broadband deals to find how to pipe in the top speed data connection where you are. If you're still having problems with your broadband speed, our guide on how to complain to your supplier and access alternative dispute resolution may also be helpful. How to speed up your broadband 25 May 15 February Does the WiFi router you choose matter? Join , subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. Experiment with turning off devices.

Run a virus scan on Windows regularly to protect yourself. If other wireless networks are in range, change your wireless router to use a different channel to avoid interference. There are ways to help improve that speed test score locally. Join , subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. TV on demand services such as through a Sky HD box might be using it to download TV shows, or your games console might be downloading updates or new content. Electrical equipment can cause real problems for your connection, anything with a motor or pump can particularly be an issue. Complete Wi-Fi also offers an extra extender which helps to keep the signal strong in every room. Manufacturers often introduce software updates for devices, including routers, to improve security and stability. Required security measures, such as encryption, also add an overhead to wireless connections that is not necessary for a wired connection. This is a handy feature to have, but your connection can suffer from auto-update overload and they could be robbing you of bandwidth.

Set your smartphones and tablets to update automatically, so they download the files they need at night while charging. We hope you've found this guide useful and that it has helped you understand the factors than can affect your broadband speed. While they do, they use precious broadband bandwidth that could be put to better use. Also called a broadband accelerator, an iPlate connects to a phone socket and eliminates interference. If you are using a cheap modem or router and your provider allows it, consider replacing with a newer higher quality router. The connection between the cabinet and your home is made over the standard copper phone cables. Do you have password protection? Wait a few minutes, plug everything in and turn your computer back on. The master socket is where your BT telephone line comes into the house. Sometimes, poor speeds can indicate a problem that can only be fixed by your service provider.

If there are significant differences, consider the tests below. These devices have their own signals and can cause havoc with your Wi-Fi. Here are five steps you can take to speed up broadband. There are ways to help improve that speed test score locally. Seven ways to speed up your router What is superfast broadband? Even if you work on speeding up your Wi-Fi, perhaps with a preposition or a new router, if your broadband feed is slow it'll never help that much. If you still have problems, unplug all devices and gradually add each back until you identify which causes the problem. Microfilters prevent other devices connected to your telephone system from interfering with your broadband signal. When was the last time you changed your password? Connecting using a wired Ethernet network cable connection gets round the problem and can improve speeds, but it obviously is less flexible than a wireless connection.

Manufacturers often introduce software updates for devices, including routers, to improve security and stability. Make sure nothing you've installed and no one else on your wireless network is hogging your bandwidth. If this makes a difference, then add back each application until you identify which one is affecting your download speed. Find out the factors that can cause your connection to slow and how to fix them. This can have significant positive effects on your speeds. You may be lucky enough to live in an area that's recently been upgraded to super-fast broadband technology which is much less dependent on distance from the telephone exchange. You should not rely on this information to make or refrain from making any decisions. Test how much slower your wireless network is If you definitely want to connect via wireless, run speed tests connection directly by network cable and again using the wireless network. It can take up to 5 minutes for the internet connection to return so be patient.

A cheap radio gives a poorer sound reproduction than a quality radio, in the same manner a cheap modem or router can sometimes be the cause of a poor broadband experience. If there are significant differences, consider the tests below. The greater the distance, the slower the connection. These can all involve very large downloads and will slow your internet speed on your other PCs and tablets while they are completing. If you get an increase in speed then your internal telephone wiring is causing interference that is lowering your speeds. Here are our top tips for improving your wireless network speeds. Tucking this device in the wrong place might see your internet speeds become slower than a snail in treacle. What is Li-Fi? Mac users can check out the anti-malware tools designed for Mac.

Experiment with turning off devices. If you are using a cheap modem or router and your provider allows it, consider replacing with a newer higher quality router. Even if you work on speeding up your Wi-Fi, perhaps with a preposition or a new router, if your broadband feed is slow it'll never help that much. If there are significant differences, consider the tests below. Understand your max speed Check you haven't been capped Check your software settings Check your hardware setup Check sockets and wiring Rule out wireless networking. There are ways to help improve that speed test score locally. Does the WiFi router you choose matter? Updating your browser will ensure you have the latest version. In fact you may end up with a faster connection that actually saves you money too.

Make sure nothing you've installed and no one else on your wireless network is hogging your bandwidth. When was the last time you changed your password? The majority of fibre offerings use FTTC fibre to the cabinet , where the fibre connection is between the telephone exchange and your nearest roadside cabinet. It can be quite technical, so may not be the right solution for everyone. Connecting to a VPN will cause your Internet speed to slow somewhat. Experiment with turning off devices. Back to top. An I-Plate is a device that fits into the bottom half of your split BT Master Socket and works by preventing the interference from your internal wiring.

Sockets and wiring You know what's using your broadband but it's still slower than expected? What broadband is fast? If you are using a cheap modem or router and your provider allows it, consider replacing with a newer higher quality router. Electrical equipment can cause interference. Ask other family members or housemates whether they stream a lot of video or download files over BitTorrent. Change the channel If other wireless networks are in range, change your wireless router to use a different channel to avoid interference. Something might be heavily using your connection while running in the background. The best way to implement DNS changes is on your router.

Connecting using a wired Ethernet network cable connection gets round the problem and can improve speeds, but it obviously is less flexible than a wireless connection. Move your router at least one metre away from objects such as televisions, wireless speakers, and cordless phones. Author: Andy Betts. Even if you work on speeding up your Wi-Fi, perhaps with a preposition or a new router, if your broadband feed is slow it'll never help that much. If you remove the lower faceplate it will disconnect all the extension wiring in your property. What broadband is fast? Make sure your anti-virus software is up to date Having up to date and operational anti-virus software is crucial as viruses, trojans and worms can use your broadband connection which can make your speeds seem to slow. A cheap radio gives a poorer sound reproduction than a quality radio, in the same manner a cheap modem or router can sometimes be the cause of a poor broadband experience. Password protect your wireless network If your router works wirelessly, password protect your wireless network. How much depends on how far you are from the server.

BT Home Hub owners receive updates automatically overnight over their broadband line. You might be tempted to hide that ugly flashing black box away in a cupboard — but don't. If you have a modern router that supports the 5 GHz band, you should use it wherever possible. Not happy with your broadband speed? DNS resolves domain names like howtogeek. The majority of fibre offerings use FTTC fibre to the cabinet , where the fibre connection is between the telephone exchange and your nearest roadside cabinet. Many applications run in the background on your computer and some of these will be quietly using your broadband connection for tasks such as installing updates or uploading data. A similar principle even applies to fibre broadband. Make sure your anti-virus software is up to date Having up to date and operational anti-virus software is crucial as viruses, trojans and worms can use your broadband connection which can make your speeds seem to slow. We hope you've found this guide useful and that it has helped you understand the factors than can affect your broadband speed.

An old modem can be your speed problem, too. Malware and viruses can also be the source of unwanted network activity, particularly on Windows machines. Understand what your maximum speed is Standard broadband over telephone lines degrades in speed the further the line is from the telephone exchange in cabling length. It's like having a little Nissan Micra and adding a loud exhaust pipe — you're not going to get much faster than that small engine can push you. Extension cables can massively increase interference on your line and cause broadband speeds to be lowered. Run a broadband speed test on your line using your postcode, for a second opinion we recommend internetspeedtest. Faster broadband shouldn't be something you need to think about as, if you've got the right connection, it won't be an issue. Manufacturers often introduce software updates for devices, including routers, to improve security and stability. Make sure your broadband provider hasn't capped your speed because you exceeded the limits of your monthly usage allowance or traffic management policy. Close Search Magazine Search.

You might be tempted to hide that ugly flashing black box away in a cupboard — but don't. Finally, if your router is old anywhere from two to five years consider purchasing a new one. If your router works wirelessly, password protect your wireless network. Check your computers and security So you're happy that you understand the limits of your broadband service but it's still under performing? To restart things simply switch off your router at the mains, wait around a minute, then turn it back on again. Examples include the BBC iPlayer download version. Skip to content. Move your router at least one metre away from objects such as televisions, wireless speakers, and cordless phones.

The Best Tech Newsletter Anywhere Join , subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. Make sure your broadband provider hasn't capped your speed because you exceeded the limits of your monthly usage allowance or traffic management policy. Software can also cause issues with Internet speed. Examples include the BBC iPlayer download version. Required security measures, such as encryption, also add an overhead to wireless connections that is not necessary for a wired connection. If you are not a BT customer, find the router details on the unit or check the details of your broadband package if it came from your provider. We hope you've found this guide useful and that it has helped you understand the factors than can affect your broadband speed. You can rectify this by choosing a VPN provider with servers nearest your geographical location. Here are five steps you can take to speed up broadband. The connection between the cabinet and your home is made over the standard copper phone cables.

Test how much slower your wireless network is If you definitely want to connect via wireless, run speed tests connection directly by network cable and again using the wireless network. If you're not getting decent speeds then it might be time to think about a change of broadband plan or even a switch of provider. We hope you've found this guide useful and that it has helped you understand the factors than can affect your broadband speed. When was the last time you changed your password? How to speed up broadband If you're struggling with a frustratingly slow broadband, the first thing you need to do is check your connection speed. If your provider's technical support are telling you that your line's fine and everything's working as expected, you may need to do some homework about your service. If you don't need to use your router's wireless network, consider turning it off completely using your router's configuration interface. If there are significant differences, consider the tests below.

You can do this quite easily by visiting speedtest. The lower section of the plate can be unscrewed and inside is an engineer's test socket. Does the WiFi router you choose matter? Sockets and wiring You know what's using your broadband but it's still slower than expected? This can have significant positive effects on your speeds. Faster broadband shouldn't be something you need to think about as, if you've got the right connection, it won't be an issue. Software can also cause issues with Internet speed. For example, it might try to limit data-intensive activities, like file sharing and video streaming. Your Internet connection provides you with a limited amount of bandwidth, which must be shared between all devices on your network. How to speed up your broadband 25 May 15 February

Microfilters prevent other devices connected to your telephone system from interfering with your broadband signal. Your monthly bill will go up, but so will your speed. According to BT, the biggest tips include not placing your router in a cabinet or behind your TV as this could seriously affect how well it performs. Improving speeds over wireless access Quite often people blame their broadband provider for poor connection speeds when actually the problem is a poor quality wireless network causing the issues. Upgrades Perhaps a new router could help, maybe you can get a free regrade to a better broadband speed or maybe now's the time to consider switching to a faster broadband provider. Experiment with turning off devices. DNS resolves domain names like howtogeek. Check your computers and security So you're happy that you understand the limits of your broadband service but it's still under performing? In fact you may end up with a faster connection that actually saves you money too. Examples include the BBC iPlayer download version.

The best way to implement DNS changes is on your router. If you're struggling with a frustratingly slow broadband, the first thing you need to do is check your connection speed. Perhaps a new router could help, maybe you can get a free regrade to a better broadband speed or maybe now's the time to consider switching to a faster broadband provider. With this enabled, all devices require a password to connect. If you have an There are ways to help improve that speed test score locally. The greater the distance, the slower the connection. If you are using a cheap modem or router and your provider allows it, consider replacing with a newer higher quality router. BT says its best to keep it out in the open and in a central position which will then help the signal beam throughout the home. If other wireless networks are in range, change your wireless router to use a different channel to avoid interference.

You can do this using a service like Speedtest. Connect to your VPN, and then try those activities again. Even if you work on speeding up your Wi-Fi, perhaps with a preposition or a new router, if your broadband feed is slow it'll never help that much. This might involve replacing cables or installing new access points. Software can also cause issues with Internet speed. Try turning off electrical devices to see if they are interfering. The 'support' section of the manufacturer's website should include instructions. Understand your broadband If your provider's technical support are telling you that your line's fine and everything's working as expected, you may need to do some homework about your service. Updating your browser will ensure you have the latest version.

Check for electrical interference Electrical equipment can cause interference. If in doubt, ask your supplier's tech support team. An old modem can be your speed problem, too. Password protect your wireless network If your router works wirelessly, password protect your wireless network. Note, newer master sockets with 'Openreach' written on them will not benefit from an I-Plate as the technology is already built in. If you only have the one you really need, be it a console or smart TV, that could get you faster speeds. Make sure your anti-virus software is up to date Having up to date and operational anti-virus software is crucial as viruses, trojans and worms can use your broadband connection which can make your speeds seem to slow. Why do I need fast broadband for streaming? Smarthome Office Security Linux. You should also maintain a GB buffer of free space on your hard drive at all times.

Before you do that, however, here are some tips that can speed up your connection for free. Although with the process of changing easier than ever these days, that shouldn't be viewed as a hassle. Sometimes, poor speeds can indicate a problem that can only be fixed by your service provider. The Best Tech Newsletter Anywhere Join , subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. Understand your max speed Check you haven't been capped Check your software settings Check your hardware setup Check sockets and wiring Rule out wireless networking. Slow broadband? Make sure that all unnecessary applications are shut down to prevent this. So you'll need a good quality fibre broadband deal to get that level. Use a wired connection instead Connecting to your router via a wired connection rather than wireless can improve your speeds.