Speed Up Internet Connection

3 Parts:

Ways to Speed Up Internet Connection

Tips for Troubleshooting Persistent Slow Net Speeds

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A lot of people who have a slow internet connection keep blaming their internet service provider. There are different factors that contribute to a slow connection, and it is not always the connection to the server. Here are some factors that can attribute to the slow connection, and some tips to enjoy faster internet usage.

1. 1
   Check your type of internet connection

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   One of the most important factors affecting your speed is the type of internet connection you have. Either you have dial-up, DSL, or cable. These days internet providers now offer fiber optic service. It works by connecting to the internet through light over an optical network. This is considerably faster than copper wire connections like cable or DSL.

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2. 2
   Get the fastest modem available

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   If you are still using your good old dial up, don't fret, because there are ways you can speed it up, and one way is by having the fastest modem to send and receive data at 56 Kbps. Don't expect to get this kind of rate 100 percent of the time, but if your phone lines are still in tip-top shape, you can reach 45-50 Kbps, at the least.

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3. 3
   Ensure your phone line's condition

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   Are you picking up stray signals from other phone lines? It might be that your phone wiring is deteriorating and is in need of changing. Do this immediately, as this can dramatically slow your internet connection. What will happen is your modem will be sending the same info again and again unless it can get transmitted uninterrupted. Once the wiring gets twisted, damaged, or frayed, you'll notice crackling and other weird noises at the background. If this happens, it's best to check with your telephone provider so they can fix the problem before it gets any worse.

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4. 4
   Check your proximity to the access point, and other physical obstructions

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   If you're using WiFi, your speed can be affected by different factors such as your computer's location, and the presence of other wireless devices right along with it. Know that wireless networks are operating on similar frequencies the way other devices are like cordless phones or microwave ovens. This can either block your WiFi connection or cause some serious interference. If you need to make phone calls while web browsing, it's better if you're using a cordless phone using a different frequency from your wireless network.

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5. 5
   Wipe out spyware infestations

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   Spyware and viruses are also major causes of slow internet speeds. Spyware interferes with your browser while monopolizing your net connection. Furthermore, your keystrokes and internet use are monitored, which causes even more delayed. The problem becomes overwhelming when there are multiple spyware programs running simultaneously. When things get really bad, you will lose connection altogether. This is the reason why you must regularly run your anti-spyware program to prevent such infestation.

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6. 6
   Always run your antivirus software

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   Viruses are another culprit of slow internet speeds. By the time it infects your computer, a code will be installed, attempting to propagate itself, usually through email. Sometimes they propagate rapidly, which eats up all your bandwidth and computer power. The worst part? You don't even know they're running. This is the reason why you need to keep your antivirus software running all the time to get maximum protection from computer viruses.

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7. 7
   Increase your disk space

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   Your web browser requires a specific amount of memory, computing power, and disk space for it to run efficiently. Web-pages you view are initially downloaded to memory and saved in disk files temporarily. When you run another program that's also using a lot of computer power and memory, this can also compete with your browser, which causes the delays.  

   1. If this happens to you and you know you have other programs running simultaneously, close them.
   2. If you need them open all at the same time, then you will need to increase your computer's memory.
   3. Know that low disk space can have bearing on your computer's performance.
   4. Delete your browser's temporary files so you can increase your disk space.

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8. 8
   Maximize internet usage during off-peak hours

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   No matter how hard you try to speed up your connection, there are unforeseen circumstances that are simply beyond your control. Congestion is one thing. When so many people are trying to visit a site all at the same time and they're not prepared to handle all this traffic, expect delays to happen. It's best if you can adjust your viewing time and do it during off-peak hours, so you can enjoy faster and hassle-free browsing or live streaming.

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• Check your router settings. Your broadband router may also cause you to have slow net speeds once they are not configured properly. If your MTU setting is too high or too low, expect to experience performance issues. You need to make sure the manufacturer's and your own router settings are consistent with one another, as well as your ISP or internet service provider. When doing necessary changes, make sure you record them so you'll know how to undo such configuration in the future if needed.
• Contact your Internet Service Provider. Overall, your ISP is responsible for your net speed. Whenever they change their configuration or undergo technical issues, you will also be affected and your speed will slow down dramatically. Sometimes they also install controls or filters on your network to lower your performance. If you suspect this is happening, contact them immediately and ask them to fix the problem asap.
• Get rid of faulty equipment. When your cables, modems, and routers bog down, don't expect them to support your connections. And even if connections are maintained, there are technical glitches that occur that can still affect your computer's performance. Try troubleshooting them by rearranging and reconfiguring the gear, swapping cables, bypassing the router, changing network adapters. Do these until you can isolate the specific component causing the delays. If you've done all these to no avail, you can always contact your ISP for assistance.

Slow net speed can be a real bummer, especially if you need it for work or school, or you can't live without it because that's the only time you can have some reprieve after a hard day's work, watching your favorite videos, live streaming the hottest new shows, gaming, listening to the latest tunes, checking what's happening on social media, and so on. That's why it's important you learn how to troubleshoot computer problems and speed up your internet connection all by yourself so you don't have to wait for help. Once you've mastered the basics, it's easier to figure out harder and more complicated problems in the future.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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