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9 tips to increase your home internet speed (without upgrading your internet plan)

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Feeling like your home internet speed is acting up or not as fast as it should be based on the internet plan you paid for?

There are ways to increase your home internet speed by making a few tweaks here and there. Whether you’re trying to increase your internet speed for lag-free gaming, streaming your favourite show or movie, working from home, or any other reason, some configurations can provide a worthy boost.

Here, we provide some tried and tested tips that can help you maximize the internet speed you’re getting from your provider. Let’s dive in!

Tip #1: Optimize Router Placement (or use a WiFi extender)

Sometimes, your router just needs to be placed in the optimal location for you to maximize your internet connectivity. Or if you can’t move the router and you know the issue is because of router placement, you can simply buy a WiFi extender as well. Here are some tips:

  • Place your router in a central location in your home.
  • Elevate the router off the floor and keep it away from walls and obstructions.
  • Avoid placing the router near electronic devices that might cause interference (e.g., microwaves, cordless phones).

Tip #2: Update Router Firmware

Check your router manufacturer's website for firmware updates and install them. Updated firmware can improve performance and security.

Tip #3: Update Router

If you’re using an older router or modem, consider upgrading to a more modern device that supports faster speeds and better performance.

Tip #4: Remove unnecessary users/devices from your home WiFi

Check your WiFi connection to ensure no unwanted or unnecessary users or devices are taking up necessary bandwidth. Sometimes, especially with smart devices, you never know when they might be consuming high bandwidth or constantly sending data back and forth and affecting your internet speed. 

Tip #5: Leverage QoS settings

Configure QoS settings on your router to prioritize bandwidth for specific devices or activities, such as streaming or video calls.

Tip #6: Use an Ethernet Cable

Connect devices directly to the router using Ethernet cables for faster and more reliable connections, especially for activities that require high bandwidth, like gaming or streaming.

Tip #7: Change the Channel

Use a Wi-Fi analyzer tool to find the least congested channel and switch your router to that channel.

Tip #8: Restart Your Router

Periodically restart your router to clear any temporary issues and refresh the connection.

Tip #9: Limit Background Apps

  • Close unnecessary applications and background processes that might be using up bandwidth.
  • Schedule large downloads and updates for off-peak times.

Bonus tip: If problems persist, change ISPs

Sometimes, it’s just a problem with your current internet provider. Some providers throttle internet speeds in selected locations without telling you to manage high network traffic. Some providers simply do not have the quality infrastructure to support high-speed internet, such as FTTH internet

Whatever the case, consider doing some research to find a more suitable, trusted Internet Service Provider (ISP) (preferably powered by fiber internet). Here at Flume Internet, we’re passionate about powering homes and businesses with blazing-fast internet speeds of up to 1Gbps without throttling or any other kind of disruptions. Check here to see if we’re in your area.