Simple Checks You Can Do To Ensure Your Broadband Runs At Optimum Speed

One of most common questions put to broadband professionals is arguably ‘how can I speed up my internet connection?’ While there is no correct answer to this, with a few simple checks it is possible to deduce whether or not your broadband connection is running as well as it could be.

The first thing to do is find out what the maximum speed of your connection is. Your provider will be able to tell you this. Next you should find out the speed at which it is actually running. This can done by conducting a broadband speed test. If the numbers match, then unfortunately; your connection is running at full capacity.

If you do find that your speed is lower than it should be, check that your router is not running off a telephone extension lead. Cheap, low quality cables or old extension leads can affect the speed of your connection, if you must use an extension, always make sure it is a high quality cable.

The next thing to do is check that you do not have applications running in the background. Windows users can find this out by pressing ‘Ctrl-Alt-Delete’ and selecting the Task Manager. Any programs that are listed there are open. Highlight each that you wish to close and click ‘End Process’. If you are using a Mac, simply close any programs that are open and not in use.

Wi-fi networks should always be password protected. If yours is not, then anyone within range of the signal can log on, slowing your connection speed. If your network is protected with a password, you should then make sure that your firewall is turned on and your virus protection software is up-to-date. A virus-infected computer will run slow, which in turn will make your internet connection slow too.

A host of other things can contribute to a slow broadband speed. Interference from other electrical items, going over your monthly download limit, or even the build quality of your router can have an adverse effect.

If you have checked all these variables and still find that there is no improvement to the speed of your connection, then switching providers could be the next step. Broadband comparison sites can help you find a package with a faster connection speed, at a competitive price. In order to make this process as simple and unobtrusive as possible, it is advisable that you contact your current provider and ask them to get your MAC code. A MAC code is essentially a serial number for your broadband that negates the need for an engineer to visit your home or for you do go without an internet connection while your service provider swaps over. All internet service providers must supply this code upon request.

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