Speed Up Broadband Internet in Windows 10

When our broadband connection runs slow we tend to assume that this is due to an issue at the Internet Service Provider’s end. Though a temporary technical glitch decreases download, upload and surfing speed, there are many other factors involved as well. Your computer’s Internet configurations, low signal

strength, an obstacle between your router, Internet-consuming background processes, wireless channel issue, outdated browser version and a computer virus can all contribute to bog down your broadband connection to a considerable extent. Let us briefly go through each of these factors and diagnose slow broadband issue accordingly.

Peak Hours

During peak hours you may notice a marked slowdown in your broadband’s speed due to the extra traffic on your ISP’s servers. The website you’re trying to access, its servers may be busy proceeding requests of hundreds of people during peak hours. These two factors affect internet speed during peak hours, but there isn’t much you can do about them.

 

Change Router Location

Many objects act as an obstruction and decrease broadband signal strength considerably. These objects include doors, walls, bookshelves and other furniture. Try positioning your broadband router at a higher location, like on the top of a cupboard or the top of the stairs.

 

Monitor Internet-Consuming Apps

Open tabs in your browser, email client, chat messengers, update utilities and tons of background processes eat away broadband data and make the connection go slow.

1. Press Windows Key + R keys simultaneously.
2. Type TaskMgr and click OK.
3. Click More details icon on the bottom left.
4. Go through the Processes, Details and Services tabs and terminate unwanted items. (For processes and details, right-click > End Task. For services, right-click > Stop).

 

Buy a Powerline Adapter

A powerline adapter is a plug & play adapter that uses a power socket and enhances connection speed as well as signal strength. Also, using an Ethernet cable to connect the computer to the router is always recommended.

 

Update Web Browser

New browser updates always enhance your browsing speed courtesy the stability and the agility they bring along with them. It’s a generally accepted norm that the newer version is better.

 

Scan for Viruses

Your computer may be infected by certain types of viruses that download files from the Internet and consume network bandwidth without your consent. This adversely impacts your broadband connection speed.

 

Check who else uses Common Hub

It’s worth checking who else is online to identify if multiple people are using the same broadband connection simultaneously on different devices like PC, laptop, tablet and smartphone. Request other people to temporarily disable the Peer-to-peer feature.

 

Use Microfilter

A Microfilter is needed over a telephone socket in order to be able to use both the internet as well as the telephone simultaneously. (when required).

 

Stop Using Extension Socket

Do you use an extension socket to connect the main phone to your broadband hub? Switch to a Microfilter to directly connect the hub to the phone socket.

In case of extension socket, the signal has to travel longer through the extension cable. This reduces overall network speed and causes frequent drop outs. However, if switching to the Microfilter isn’t possible, the user should buy a cable with optimum length.

 

Upgrade Plan/ Change the ISP

Consider upgrading your current Internet plan or switching to a better broadband service provider.