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The internet, as we know it, is one of the most powerful tools in the history of the mankind. It has come a long way from being considered a fad without a future to a pillar of modern society. In fact, the internet has made possible some of the greatest innovations and advancements of our time.  

When we talk about the internet, we often emphasize the reliability and consistency of its speed for a smooth online experience. However, there’s a good chance you may be suffering from one of many issues that could be slowing down your internet speed.  

And so, it is important that you take all the necessary steps required to ensure your internet speed is as high as it can be. Our article today is a complete guide to understanding internet speed and learning about ways to get super internet speed. So, let’s get started!

Understanding Internet Speed

While many different factors determine whether an internet connection is good or bad, internet speed stands out.

Internet speed is defined as the time it takes data to transfer back and forth to your device from the server via the router. It has three main aspects: upload speed, download speed, and ping. Your internet speed will be a reflection of how good or bad these metrics are.

Upload Speed

This is defined as the speed at which your data gets transferred from your device over to the internet. Your upload speed is measured in Kbps (kilo per second), Mbps (megabytes per second), or Gbps (gigabytes per second). Your upload speed impacts the speed at which you upload data on the cloud, send attachments over email, or stream some form of live video.

Download Speed

This is defined as the speed at which your data is transferred from the internet to a device connected to it. Your download speed is also measured in Kbps (kilo per second), Mbps (megabytes per second), or Gbps (gigabytes per second). Your download speed impacts the speed at which you are downloading files off the internet or browsing media-heavy websites  

Ping

This is defined as the time it takes for any amount of data to be sent from one device to another and then returned. Ping is measured in milliseconds (ms) and is important for tasks such as videoconferencing and online gaming where lag is unacceptable. Low ping translates to fast response times, and high ping translates to slow response times.

Factors That Affect Internet Speed

There are different factors that contribute to internet speed. Whether they are slow or fast, each of these has an impact on your internet experience:

Bandwidth

This is defined as the maximum amount of internet data that is transmitted over a certain period of time. High bandwidth translates to a faster internet connection, and low bandwidth translates to a slower internet connections. It is usually measured in bits per second (bps) or bytes per second (Bps)

Network Congestion

When too much traffic is transmitted over a network, a bottleneck forms. This will slow down your internet connection, causing annoyance. Such instances are often recorded during peak usage time when several users are connected to a network. It also happens when large amounts of data are transmitted all at once. When a network gets congested, internet speed goes down and latency goes up.

Distance from ISP

Your ISP is responsible for transmitting your internet to and from the customer. Depending on the distance between the ISP and you, your internet connection may be affected. When closer to your ISP, internet speeds will be higher. The further you go away from the ISP, the more sluggish your speed will be. This is chiefly because the internet needs to travel long distances as well as through several network nodes.

Hardware Limitations

The quality of your modem can also directly influence your internet speed. As technology is rapidly evolving all the time, it doesn’t take long before one piece of tech can very easily make another obsolete. Using a high-speed internet connection with older routers and modems will run you into a rut. This is often seen when users switch to fiber optic internet and their legacy hardware has a hard time keeping up.

How to Increase Internet Speed

Now that you have understood what internet speed is and what affects it, the next step involves understanding how to increase your speed. There are several ways for you to do this, each with varying levels of success, mostly depending on your specific situation.

Upgrade Your Internet Plan

When it comes to your internet speed, the most decisive factor is the internet package you choose. If your current internet speed isn’t up to standard, find a plan that works for you. There are several providers out there with different services across various price points. You may find a standalone internet connection or a bundle that offers more value.

Choose the Right ISP

Not all ISPs stand toe-to-toe with each other. Naturally, some are better than others, and as a result, so does the quality of the product they offer. One ISP might have better infrastructure compared to the other which is evident in its reach, diverse options, and reviews. You should always compare providers on the basis of speed, up-front cost, monthly cost, reliability, and customer service—select the one depending on what matters the most to you.

Also, the provider whose plans grabbed your attention online may not deliver internet service in your area. Save yourself from all the hassles involved in finding the perfect ISP and enter your ZIP code here to get a list of all providers offering services at your address. 

Optimize Your Router Placement

To get the most out of your router, place it in a central position in your home. Try to put it in a place where there are as few obstructions as possible. Keep it away from other devices that emit wireless signals such as speakers. By following these few steps, you can ensure that your internet connection will operate to the best of its abilities.

Optimize Your Wi-Fi Signal

Once you have put your router in the right place, the next step involves preparing your router for maximum functionality. For example, adjust your router to broadcast its internet signals on a channel with as little congestion as possible. This will prevent any electronics from interfering with the signal.

Use Wired Instead of Wireless

For bandwidth-intensive devices, such as computers, gaming consoles, or smart TVs, using a wired connection solves a lot of problems. It will eliminate any sort of delay or obstructions that would slow down the internet. All you need to do is connect your router to your device with an Ethernet cable and you’re good to go.

Clear Cache and Cookies

Your internet browser often stores temporary files and cookies. This information is used by websites for targeted ads among other things—but at the cost of slowing down your internet. For optimal internet performance, regularly clear out your cookies and cache. This will help improve your browsing experience since there is no clog in the background.

Update Router Firmware

It is fairly common for routers to get firmware updates. These could improve performance or fix bugs in the hardware. To keep your internet connection operating smoothly, ensure that your router’s firmware is up-to-date. This allows it to perform to the peak of its powers!

There You Are!

We hope this guide helps increase your internet speed and enhance your overall online experience. You must take all the necessary steps required to boost your internet speed. For this, you might need to get a better internet connection, place your router in a different place, or update your router’s firmware. After all, getting the most out of your internet connection is what you really pay for!