Top 5 Tips for Faster High Speed Internet without Spending a Cent

Guest Post by Richard Patterson.

Slow broadband can lead to much frustration and can tempt individuals to invest in a more expensive broadband option. However, this might not be necessary. The following are a series of five tips that will help you to get the most out of your high speed internet provider, without having to spend additional money:

1. Avoid Bandwidth Overload

   Many people have the unfortunate habit of running numerous applications at one time when several of them aren’t even being actively used. In fact, many programs open as soon as the computer is turned on, needlessly consuming bandwidth.
   These programs may include any number of different services such as messenger applications, Media players, and Skype. If you are not actively using a certain program every time the computer is turned on, it is usually possible to alter certain settings so that the application does not open automatically. In order to ensure that no unnecessary programs are open, click CTRL ALT DEL in order to view the task manager. You can also close the programs from here.

2. Maximize Router Capabilities

   When you receive your router, take the time to read the manual. Although it might not seem interesting at the time, there are often settings that can be selected in order to maximize the use that you can get out of the router.
   Along with settings, the physical placement of the router can have an essential impact as well. Avoid having objects such as furniture, walls, and doors, located between the computer and the router as this may weaken the signal.
   The most efficient location for the router is close to the computer in an elevated location. This lessens the likelihood that another object will impede and weaken the signal. You should also avoid placing the router close to electrical items that have the ability to hamper the signal as well.

3. Don’t Share your Bandwidth

   With a wireless connection, multiple computers sharing the same bandwidth is certainly going to decrease the speed of the connection. In the case of wireless connections, it is essential to secure the computer in case a neighbour attempts to use your connection. Having a connection that is unsecured may lead to stolen personal information including financial information such as credit card numbers.

4. Seek Help from your Internet Provider

   If your connection is still slow after completing the basic steps, contacting your provider would be the next logical solution. High speed internet providers should be able to fix the problem and, if the problem is your broadband package being out of date, they will most likely be able to upgrade your package to one that is more effective and efficient. The speed of internet connections is always increasing meaning that you may very well have purchased a package several years ago that is half the speed or less of the optimal packages now being offered.

5. Increase Speed of Mobile Broadband

   It is certainly possible to increase the speed of the connection using fairly cheap or even free tricks. One of these ways is to increase the speed by buying an extension for the antenna. This can be placed on the mobile broadband dongle which serves to increase the strength of the signal.
   Another alternative would be the use of a USB lead that would permit you to place the dongle closer to a window instead of directly plugged within the USB port on a laptop. This would increase connection speed as signals are typically stronger when outside.

Before even purchasing coverage from an internet service provider, you should make sure that they offer optimal connections in your area. This information is typically provided on the website and can be easily accessed.