How To Increase Your Internet Speed (2024)

• Wi-Fi router needs to be reset: Restarting your Wi-Fi modem and router temporarily fixes any issues causing the internet to lag.
• Your internet provider has a data cap: If you exceed your internet provider’s data cap, your ISP may have slowed down your Wi-Fi speed.
• The router needs to be updated: Your Wi-Fi router and modem may require a software update. This varies between Wi-Fi providers, but connecting your Wi-Fi router to a computer with an Ethernet cord and visiting the manufacturer’s website to download updates should do the trick.
• Cache needs to be reset: Clear your cache and browser history on every device connected to your Wi-Fi. Once data acquires over time, it can cause your internet to lag.
  Pop-up blocker is needed: Download a pop-up blocker to block ads and speed up your browser.
• Unused devices linked: Leaving devices you aren’t currently using connected to your Wi-Fi can slow your internet signal. Reset your Wi-Fi password to kick off all unused devices.

Tools

• Wi-Fi modem

Materials

• Ethernet cord
• Wi-Fi repeater
• Wi-Fi extender
• Powerline kit
• Small brackets

1. Move Your Modem to a Raised, Clear Location

The location of your Wi-Fi modem significantly impacts the signal’s strength. Place the modem in a spot high off the ground with open space and little blockage. We don’t recommend placing your modem on the ground. If you dwell in a multi-level home, it’s optimal to put your modem on the second floor away from concrete or brick. The more dense items around your modem, the higher the signal loss.

2. Place Your Modem in a Central Part of Your Home

Putting your modem in a central location maximizes where Wi-Fi signals travel. Try placing your modem on a mantle in the living room, a strategically positioned small coffee table in a central corridor, or on the second floor landing. Refrain from placing your modem in a closet, in the kitchen where other electronic devices can interfere with the signal, in a corner, on a windowsill or in the basem*nt. Depending on your situation, it may be beneficial to apply creative cabling to get your modem in a better location. The overarching goal is to get your main devices as close to the modem as possible.

3. Use an Ethernet Cord

A wired connection is always more reliable than a wireless connection. The only inconvenience, wiring limits your mobility and convenience. Ethernet cords are needed for devices that need fast W-iFi, like a desktop computer or gaming system. To tidy extra wires, we recommend employing small brackets to affix cables to the walls.

4. Select a Different Wi-Fi Channel

Switching your modem from a 2.4 GHz channel to a 5 GHz channel will increase internet speeds, resulting in more bandwidth and less interference. Both frequencies offer numerous transmission channels, with 2.4 GHz offering 14 overlapping channels and 5 GHz offering 23 non-overlapping channels. If your modem only handles 2.4 GHz, pick channels one, six or 11.

If you’re still having issues, ask your neighbors what Wi-Fi channels they use, and select a different one. Leave both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz enabled on your modem, as older devices often only run on 2.4 GHz.

5. Update Security to Remove Extra Users

If extra users or devices are on your Wi-Fi, it will slow down your internet bandwidth. If a device can be plugged into Ethernet, do it. We recommend securing your Wi-Fi router with an intricate password, backed by WPA2 security. Quality modems offer a setting to prioritize a certain service or device.

6. Optimize Your Modem Settings

Experimenting with various Wi-Fi settings could improve your internet speed and signal strength. Different routers have different settings and programming options. Some prioritize bandwidth while streaming content or partaking in video games. This is not an effective option if multiple users are on one connection. Reset your modem’s Request to Send (RTS) thresholds.

Tinker with your modem’s fragmentation and RTS threshold preferences. Lowering the fragmentation threshold helps information transfer quicker and betters network reliability problems. If your Wi-Fi is already reliable, we don’t recommend decreasing the RTS threshold.

7. Upgrade to a New Modem

If you own an old modem, upgrading to a new model might solve all of your problems. Newer modems also offer stronger security features and work with a vast array of devices. For larger homes, upgrading to a more complex Wi-Fi modem compatible with repeaters is key.

8. Get a Wi-Fi Repeater

A Wi-Fi repeater carries an existing signal further while maintaining the same SSID and password preferences. Repeaters can also be configured from an extra modem by connecting a second modem to the first via LAN ports and adjusting settings. Some newer modems have built-in, Wi-Fi repeater settings known as “access point” modes.

9. Get a Wi-Fi Extender

Wi-Fi extenders aren’t as likely to restrict bandwidth as repeaters. They simply plug into a spare wall outlet and provide a stronger connection to connected devices, like a powerline Ethernet kit. A powerline Ethernet kit requires wiring, so this option isn’t ideal for everyone.

10. Use Electrical Wiring

If you’re not a fan of extenders or repeaters, a powerline kit is an alternative. Powerline devices are engineered to make use of digital signals as they pass through electrical wiring. Connect a powerline plug to your Wi-Fi modem and plug into the wall. Adding additional powerline plugs throughout the home supplies enhanced Wi-Fi to that specific room.

11. Reset Your Modem

A simple reset can drastically increase internet speeds. Rebooting your modem is only a solution when your internet is having issues.
If Your Modem Has antennas, Position One Wi-Fi Antenna Vertically and One Horizontally
Wi-Fi signals travel perpendicular to your modem. When the signals travel through walls at an angle, they dwindle. Or, consider an antenna update or omnidirectional antenna.

12. Check Your Computer

If the internet is running exceptionally slow on your computer but other devices are operating smoothly, monitor how many programs are running in the background. Some apps automatically update frequently when they don’t need to, slowing your internet, so check your settings.

13. Take a Wi-Fi Speed Test

This test will let you know how efficient your connections are. All you have to do is take a test on a computer running on your Wi-Fi.

When you’ve done all that you can, call your internet provider. Since this is their specialty, they may be able to pinpoint an issue or send out a service tech.

If all else fails, it may be time to switch to a new internet provider. At this point, we recommend consulting a professional and comparing different internet providers.