SMB's Guide to Improving Your Internet Speed

 
04/29/2022

By Sierra Powell,

Slow internet speeds can cause you to not be able to do the things that you want to do online, including emailing, playing games, attending a ZOOM meeting, and more. There are several ways that you can improve your internet speeds, depending on the type of internet you have, and more.


Types Of Internet

There are several different types of internet, and these include:


Fiber Internet

Fiber internet is the fastest internet available. It comes through bundled fiber-optic strands. They are wrapped in a reflective case and can transmit large amounts of data with light signals. If you have a fiber internet plan, you will typically see speeds of over 1,000 Mbps. This is the only type of internet where your upload speeds will match your download speeds.


Cable Internet

Cable internet uses coaxial copper cables to get internet speed. It is widely more available than fiber. If you have a cable TV provider where you live, you should be able to get cable internet from them.


DSL

DSL uses the same wiring that your home phone does. However, it is slow and has a max speed of around 100 Mbps. It is becoming obsolete throughout the country.


5G Home Internet

5G home internet is a new internet type that provides internet over a cell phone network. If you have this kind of internet, you can expect speeds from 100-1,000 Mbps.


4G LTE Internet

This internet uses 4G internet speeds. It is a great option for rural users.
Fixed wireless. This is a cellular-based internet, but it is not very fast. Speeds are generally around 25-50 Mbps.


Satellite Internet

Satellite internet is available in most places, but it is very slow, and not very reliable. 


Upgrading Your Internet Speeds

Your internet can be slow for many different reasons, not just that you have a slow internet plan. There are several things that you can do to upgrade your internet speeds. These seven steps should have you getting faster internet speeds quickly.


1. Update the Router and Modem

Outdated equipment can cause your internet speeds to be lower. Get an internet router and modem that have wireless standards for Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6. If you have a cable plan, you will want to have a DOCSIS 3.1 gigabit modem.


2. Move the Router

Moving the router to a better location can sometimes help to improve overall internet speeds. This is especially true if you are using 4G internet. Also, you will want to make sure that the internet router is centrally located. Do not have it near the microwave or other electronic devices as this can block the Wi-Fi signal.


3. Get New Cables

With new internet like 5G, you may need to upgrade the cables that are used to connect your computer and modem to the internet. This is especially true if you run a hard line from the computer to the modem. You should look for QSFP28 to SFP28 cables that will help to promote faster internet speeds.


4. Connect the Router and Computer

Using an ethernet cable will have your computer having a direct line to the internet. This will help to improve your speeds and reduce any signal interference that may occur.


5. Regulate Online Activity

If you notice that you are getting slower speeds when you are trying to do something like have a Zoom meeting, ask everyone in the house to get offline. This will help to free up more bandwidth. If you have any trouble regulating online activity, consider getting a router that has a QoS system. This is known as Quality of Service, and it will allow you to put limits on online activities.


6. Close Out Apps and Tabs

If you have several apps or tabs open at the same time, this can reduce your internet speed drastically. Try closing them out to see if you pick up any speed.


7. Upgrading Your Internet

If you still continue to deal with slow speeds, you may want to consider upgrading your internet. Be sure to read reviews on the providers to see if you will get faster internet.
 
Increasing your internet speeds could be as simple as upgrading your cables or coming up with an online schedule. Take your time and figure out what works best to increase the speed of your internet.
 


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