How To Speed Up Slow Broadband

Broadband by definition is supposed to be fast browsing. Unfortunately, in some places broadband bandwidth seems to degrade into slower pace, frustrating Internet users. If you’re really fed up with the speed you are getting on your broadband connection it is time to take action.

With the help of Broadbandchoices.co.uk, the broadband comparison site, which has compiled a guide for consumers, here are ten top tips (with additional four bonus tips) to speed up your broadband connection.

1. Test your speed

If you haven’t already done so, use a speed tester to measure the level at which your broadband connection is currently running. This will allow you to see what difference the following suggestions make to your speed.

2. It’s good to talk

If you are not getting what you expected from your internet service provider (ISP) then pick up the phone. You may be able to boost your connection speed simply by asking your ISP if there is anything it can do to help. Just prepare to wait for the operator to pick up the phone and entertain your complaints.

3. Reposition your router

The position of your router can have a significant effect on the quality of your wireless connection. Place it in an area where the signal will be affected by as few obstructions and little interference as possible. For example, away from appliances which emit wireless signals (e.g. cordless phones) and avoiding barriers such as walls and doors between the router and your computer.

4. Spring clean your cache

Every time you visit a webpage, your browser will store, or ‘cache’ it. All these items stored in your cache do take up space and over time it can get very full. Periodically clearing out your browsers cache will enable it to function more effectively.

5. Upgrade your browser

If you are unhappy with the browsing speed of your connection then you should definitely look at upgrading to a newer web browser. Using the latest browsers can greatly reduce the time it takes to download a web page. Check download.com for free downloads of the latest browsers, but you should be careful when making any changes to the settings on your computer.

6. Monitor your applications

There are many applications such as RealPlayer or Windows Updates that may discreetly start running when you log in to your computer and may slow your connection down. Set these applications so they don’t run automatically – this should reduce your bandwidth overhead and make a noticeable difference to your connection speed.

7. Disable P2P software

While music, TV and film download applications are great for entertainment, they are not so great for your connection speed. Some applications continue to run in the background even when you think you’ve turned them off as they continually upload and download. This will not only slow you down but can also use up your download allowance. To avoid this, check the settings and set the programme to ‘no peer to peer,’ so it won’t run when you are not using it.

8. Turn of Instant Messenger

If you used Instant Messenger such those from Yahoo! or Microsoft, turn it off when your are not using it. Those IM icon at loaded at your Window Tray.

9. SiteAdvisor slow down browsing

As always, security demand you to pay for it. In this case, usage of SiteAdvisor or link scanner (e.g McAfee SiteAdvisor) will scan all web links and rate it according to risk. This link rating will also slow down your browsing. But if security is a concern, you just has to bear with it or look for better SiteAdvisor.

10. Outlook slow down browsing

Did you know that Outlook constantly retrieve your mails from your external mail boxes so that you can have your latest emails. Consider to sync your mail boxes at a reasonable interval.

11. Loathe thy neighbour

If you have wireless broadband, the first thing you should do is secure your wireless network. If you are unwittingly sharing your connection with unauthorised users then they will be using up valuable bandwidth. This means that the speed of your connection and download allowance could take a battering, not to mention the security threat this poses.

12. Traffic jams

The time of day at which you go online can greatly affect connection speeds. When lots of people are trying to access the internet at the same time there is increased traffic on the physical phone lines and also each website’s servers. Heaviest traffic is usually in the evenings, so to benefit from the fastest speeds you should try to surf when internet traffic is low – generally in the day time or very late at night. If you have heavy downloading to do, you will get the fastest download speeds during off-peak periods.

13. Noisy line

Noisy line can also affect your broadband speed. Test the line with your phone handset, if you hear noise instead of silent tone, your line is noisy. Complaint the problem to your telco. In addition to that, if your broadband router share a line with a splitter, that splitter might be the problem. Connect your router directly to the phone jack and test the speed. If the speed is normal then it is time to change the splitter.

14. Switch ISP

After all these measures, if your current package still isn’t giving you the speed you want, it may be time to switch. The speed you will be able to achieve does depend on some factors outside your control – such as your distance from the telephone exchange. Evaluate the time and money needed to improve on your current connection and decide for yourself if it is worth an upgrade.

DID YOU KNOW:
I have seen many posts condemning their ISP for slow broadband bandwidth and surprisingly their targeting keywords attract a lot of traffic, especially if there is disruption in the Internet connection in their area. Blog about “Streamyx sucks”, “Singnet sucks”, “Verizon sucks”, “Comcast Cable sucks”, “Telstra Internet sucks” are just an example.

Recommended reading:
* Make your website faster to have better ranking by Google
* List of Malaysia Internet Service Providers

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