How to Improve Internet Speed!

Measure & Improve your Internet Speed

We live in an internet-connected world, frequenting social networks and dating sites like Facebook or Tinder, accessing informational portals, and watching hours of video on platforms like YouTube. We've all experienced the impact of losing a connection while browsing; everything stops: online purchases, downloads, and access to our favorite websites.

Technically, determining the cause of an internet connection drop is difficult because several factors can play a role. However, we can run some tests to help with identification. In this post, we will discuss all of this, as well as provide a wealth of information and sound advice on why the Internet is down and how to measure the speed of our connection.

Is your internet connection causing problems? What is there to be done?

If we want to know why our Internet connection is unstable, that is, why it is interrupted and does not allow us to navigate with the comfort we deserve, we can go to this page and find all of the possible causes of the problem, as well as the appropriate solution for each situation.

 

1. Get closer to your WiFi router.

If our connection is via wireless technology, one of the first tests we must perform is to move the computer closer to the router and try again. If the connection is stable and we can navigate without difficulty, there must be some significant interference between the router and your computer.

IF THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED, THE OBVIOUS SOLUTION IS TO MOVE THE WIFI ROUTER TO A LOCATION THAT BETTER DELIVERS THE WIFI SIGNAL TO ALL PARTS OF THE HOME OR OFFICE.

If the problem persists, that is, if the connection continues to be interrupted even when we approach the WiFi router, we must connect to the router using a network cable. If the connection is restored, the issue is most likely with the WiFi board or router.

2. Replace the WiFi Card drivers.

We recommend reinstalling all WiFi card drivers as a possible solution to the problem. Another simple test is to turn off the router, wait 10 seconds, and then turn it back on.

If the problem persists, it is time to contact an authorized technical service, who will better assess the situation and may even replace the device, as it may be faulty.

3. Examine all network cables

Using another network cable to normalize the Internet connection is quite often the solution. Check that the network cable's RJ45 connectors are securely connected in both the router and the PC. To rule out false contacts, we disconnect and reconnect the tabs to ensure that the interconnections are in good condition. One useful piece of information is that the best way to tell if the connectors are securely fastened is to hear a "click" when we connect the tabs to the devices.

4. Disconnect the router from the network for a few moments.

Another thing we can do is move the router out of the way of the Internet connection. All we have to do is connect the modem directly to the PC and watch how the connection behaves.

5. Contact technical support at your internet service provider.

If none of the tests are successful, it is best to contact the Internet provider's help desk at this point. The router may not be supported in some cases, depending on the Internet plan we have purchased and the operator. If this is the case, there will be no other option but to contact our dependable technician.

How to Boost Internet Speed

Even if we do not have a problem with the stability of our Internet connection, we may still encounter issues with the slowness of the connection, regardless of the Megas of the plan that we have contracted with our operator.

Although there are several broadband services and good equipment, such as computers and fast modems, to speed up the internet, many people still suffer from connection lack of speed, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a bad position of the router, an incorrect configuration, outdated programs, virus infection, or even problems beyond our control, such as the poor condition of the Internet cables that reach our house.

To assist in resolving the issue of slow Internet, we have some quick tips to speed up the Internet available from this point.

1. Run a speed test

To be certain about the speed of our Internet connection, perform a simple test with a Speed Test

With this tool, we will be able to determine the exact upload and download speeds of our connection, which may differ significantly from what was contracted. This is the first step toward faster internet. If you want to learn more about Internet speed test, you can find a lot more information about it further down in this post.

2. Find a better location for the wireless router.

Despite the fact that we have already discussed it, the position of the router is critical to having a good connection everywhere. As a result, we must place the router in a central location in the house, preferably higher and free of obstacles such as doors and walls, which impede signal transmission. The internet can be sped up if there are no impediments.

3. Password-protect the router WiFi

As we all know, the more people who use an Internet connection, the slower it becomes, which is unquestionably an impediment to having a stable and fast Internet connection. As a result, we must not leave the router unlocked and available for use by any neighbor.

By password-protecting the router, we can control who has access to our connection and, as a result, we can control how much bandwidth we use. Furthermore, leaving the router unlocked allows anyone with the necessary knowledge to access our most private documents. Adding a password to the router will undoubtedly help us speed up the Internet.

4. Constantly update the browser

Many of us will undoubtedly continue to use Internet Explorer, especially if we have a computer with an operating system that is already this old, such as Windows 7. Internet Explorer is a completely outdated browser with numerous security flaws, which ultimately contributes to our Internet browsing experience being a nightmare due to its slowness and insecurity.

Of course, if we have an older computer, we can always replace Internet Explorer with other more modern browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera, which can provide an excellent Internet experience even on low-end computers.

Updating the browser that we use to access the Internet can provide a significant boost in Internet speed. Furthermore, it is critical to keep the browser up to date, as these updates always include patches to improve browsing speed and protect us from viruses and other threats. This link contains a wealth of information about modern browsers.

5. Delete the browser's cache and history.

What is the purpose of the browser cache? Essentially, we want to be able to speed up the Internet by accessing the content of the pages much faster. The browser cache functions as follows: When the browser saves the files for the page you are viewing, it is not necessary to download everything that has already been saved when you return to the same website.

However, if the cache grows too large, the Internet connection may become a little slower, so it is recommended to clean the temporary Internet files; each browser has a tool for this.

6. Create a schedule for heavy Downloads.

If we need to download a large file, one of the first things we need to do is see if any system components are downloading updates. It's also a good idea to consider how we'll use the Internet that day. All of this is done to ensure that the downloads we are about to perform are completed as quickly as possible.

If there are other programs performing update downloads, such as Microsoft's Windows Update, or if we intend to make extensive use of our Internet connection, it is best to delay downloading the largest files until there is less internet traffic.

In the same sense, if we need to download large files or a large quantity, it is best to do so outside of peak hours, that is, the hours that are generally dedicated to commercial activity, beginning around 7:00 p.m., when traffic begins to decrease significantly.

7. Turn off all P2P software.

When P2P file sharing programs like Limewire, Ares, uTorrent, or Emule are active, they automatically download and upload files from our PC to other users and vice versa, consuming a lot of bandwidth in the process.

If we want a good, fast, and stable Internet connection, the first thing we need to do is close all programs and activate them only when we need them, or limit their use to times when there is less Internet traffic.

8. Make use of a DNS server

This tip is only for advanced users. A good strategy for increasing internet speed is to configure a DNS (Domain Name Service) address. This type of server functions as a sort of "website phone book," allowing for faster Internet access.

9. Make contact with your Internet service provider.

If we are unable to resolve the issue of Internet slowness, we should not stop contacting our Internet provider, as they may be providing us with a much slower connection than contracted, as shown in the following lines.

How is your internet connection?

There are days when the Internet connection appears to be slower than usual, and we are discouraged by the poor performance it provides, i.e. the slow speed with which we can download things. This could be due to a variety of factors, including the fact that our Internet service provider is performing its duties.

If we have checked the list of points where our connection could fail and become slow and everything is fine, it is time to ask ourselves if our ISP is providing us with all of the Internet speed that we have contracted for. Nothing beats an Internet meter for quickly determining the speed that our ISP is providing to its customers.

What exactly is an internet meter?

The gauges are when we need to measure the performance of an Internet connection, the best option is to use an Internet or connection speed test, as it is known. These meters operate in a very straightforward manner, at least for the average user.

To determine our connection speed, an Internet meter first analyzes the latency of the connection, after which it sends a packet containing the current time to a server.

When the server sends the response, the time difference is calculated by comparing the sending and receiving times. A package containing a file is also sent in order to obtain information about the speed of our Internet connection, i.e. the transfer speed that our line can reach.

Is an internet meter reliable?

The dependability of an Internet meter is dependent on what or we are going to use. Yes, if we want an approximation of the connection speed, for example, to ensure that our ISP is providing us with all of the contracted bandwidth. It is not the best option if we want to obtain extremely accurate results.

This is primarily due to the fact that the signal may encounter numerous obstacles along the way.

We must never lose sight of the fact that the Internet is a collection of thousands of networks, which means that finding an accurate measurement can be difficult, for example, finding a congested end node. One of the most common reasons, however, is the distance which we are from the server.

To avoid this complication, when performing an Internet speed test with an Internet meter, we must choose a server that is as close to our location as possible, so that the data packet we send passes through the fewest number of nodes as possible.

 

The most effective internet meter

The best Internet meter that we can find, by general consensus, but also due to capacity and robustness, is SpeedTest, which, in addition to being quite accurate, is completely free. SpeedTest provides everything you need to obtain an accurate measurement of our connection speed, as well as in a simple and understandable manner.

Other internet meters

Other accurate and reliable Internet speed tests include TestMy, which, in addition to not using Flash, which interferes with measurements, allows you to specify the size of the file to be sent for measurement.

 

Another trustworthy Internet meter is Speed Test, which is also simple to use and free.

 

To measure Internet speed, we can also rely on the services of Fast, a website that provides us with clear and detailed information on everything related to our connection without requiring us to do anything, which is especially useful for users who do not have a lot of experience on the subject.

Finally, a very accurate Internet meter that is also free is provided by Movistar, which provides a very interesting service that provides us with a lot of information about our connection at a glance on the same page. Without a doubt, a more than viable alternative for measuring Internet speed.

These are just a few of the many Internet speed meters available, but they were chosen based on criteria such as ease of use, free measurement, and accuracy.

If we do not want to use the network to perform an Internet speed test, we can always rely on the features of DU Meter, a Windows software that allows us to measure the speed of Internet access in real time directly from the desktop.

Increase the download speed of the Internet.

Without a doubt, one of the most important goals of a user is the ability to accelerate the Internet, resulting in better performance when downloading files and surfing the web.

However, most of us are aware that the speed at which we can download files or surf the web is limited by a variety of factors, ranging from the Internet plan that we subscribe to the load on the servers where these files or pages are hosted. All of this is, of course, dependent on weather conditions, the number of connected users, and a variety of other factors.

However, there is a tool that will allow us to speed up the Internet a little bit in order to have a little better performance; this app is called "Internet Download Accelerator," and it is one of the most effective download managers that we can find, with which we can increase the download speed from the Internet by up to 500%.

The acceleration is achieved through file division, which causes files to be downloaded in multiple parts and transferred at the same time. This also improves the quality of the connections.

Internet Download Accelerator, among other features, has the ability to summarize downloads that have been suspended due to connection problems, network problems, or computer problems, and said download begins again from the point at which it was suspended. Internet Download Accelerator, among other options and features, supports downloads from HTTP and FTP servers and can work through server-proxies.

To enhance the user experience, the program integrates with a variety of other programs, including Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Netscape, and Opera.