Top tips for boosting your connection - if all else fails, switch

Published on Monday 1 August 2011 22:39

Eight tips for increasing broadband connection...

1 Test your speed - Use a speed tester to measure the speed at which your broadband connection is running. This will allow you to see what difference the following suggestions make to your speed.

2 It's good to talk - If you're not getting what you expected from your broadband company, give them a call. You may be able to boost your connection speed simply by asking if there is anything they can do to help.

3 Reposition your router - The position of your router can have a significant effect on the quality of your wireless connection. Put it in an area where the signal is affected by as few obstructions and interferences as possible. For example, keep it away from appliances which emit wireless signals (eg cordless phones) and avoid barriers between the router and your computer.

4 Spring clean your cache - Every time you visit a webpage, your browser will store, or "cache" the information. All these items stored in your cache take up space and it can get very full. Periodically clearing out your browser's cache will enable it to function more effectively.

5 Upgrade your internet browser - If you are unhappy with the browsing speed of your connection you should consider installing a newer web browser. Using the latest browsers can greatly reduce the time it takes to download a web page.

6 Monitor your applications - There are many applications (such as RealPlayer) that may start running as soon as you first log in to your computer and these may slow your connection down. Set them so they don't run automatically; this should reduce your bandwidth overhead and make a noticeable difference to your connection speed.

7 Traffic jams - When lots of people are trying to access the internet at the same time there is increased traffic on the physical phone lines and also on each website's servers. The heaviest traffic is usually in the evenings, so you should try to surf when internet traffic is low if you can (generally in the daytime or late at night). If you have heavy amounts of downloading to do, you will get the fastest speeds during off-peak periods.

8 Switch - After all these measures, if your current package still isn't giving you the speed you want, it may be time to switch. Evaluate the time and money needed to improve on your current connection and decide if it's worth an upgrade.

Source: Broadbandchoices.co.uk