In “ Suggestions for Increasing Internet Speeds at Work – Part I,” we examined how to run speed tests to measure your average Internet speed and how to calculate your actual transfer speed. In Part II, we examine steps you can take to increase Internet speed on a Wi-Fi network, securing your network, DSL filters, and data cap.
If your company uses a Wi-Fi network, you may find that many people in your building are using the same channel. This can cause a major slowdown in your Internet speed. If your computer is a PC, consider running a program inSSIDer to scan for less populated channels. If your computer is a Mac, use KisMAC or WiFi Scanner. Identify a less populated channel and make the switch for reduced interference and an increase in Internet speed. Keep in mind that you’ll want to consult your router documentation or the support site for your individual router to verify how to access router settings and change the wireless channel.
In some cases increasing your Internet speed at work is as simple as moving your wireless router or computer. Poor signal, low speeds, and dropped connections often occur because your computer isn’t close enough to the wireless router. Either moving your wireless router closer to your computer or your computer closer to your wireless router can make all the difference.
You may also find that upgrading your router will improve connection and speed over what your wireless router produced. When was the last time you dusted around your wireless router? It’s not something companies do on a regular basis but dirt and dust on a loose cable leading from your cable or DSL modem to your wireless router can cause significant reductions in Internet speed. The remedy is a can of compressed air from your local computer store. Use it to blow the dust and dirt out from the connectors and you may see significant improvement in Internet speed. And while you’re in the tight space where you store your wireless router, make sure there’s proper ventilation around it too. An overheated wireless router could be the cause of lost connections, poor signal, and low speeds as well.
Another way to increase Internet speed at the office is by using Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi. When you hardwire more connected devices you’ll find that you experience high speeds for those devices. You’ll also experience less interference for the remaining wireless devices like tablets and phones on the network.
Be sure and secure your network too. If you don’t secure your wireless network with a password, your network is open for anyone to use, aside from leaving the company’s network vulnerable to viruses and others spying on your company and its activities. You’ll also have plenty of freeloaders who will gladly steal your bandwidth.
Increasing your Internet speed means checking your DSL filters. This is the rectangular box filter on your walls. On one side is the line from your phone jack. On the other side are two lines – one for your phone and a second for your modem. Folks using a DSL connection over a landline should make sure they have high-quality filters in place so they can get optimum signal speed.
It’s easy to underestimate the capabilities of smartphones, tablets, Smart TVs, set-top boxes, and other devices when it comes to Internet speed. How could such small devices use much bandwidth? Well, they do. Especially when multiple devices are running all at once, streaming video or running gaming applications. When this happens, you’ll experience a loss of Internet speed.
Finally, you may be experiencing a decrease in Internet speed because you’ve exceeded the allowance for your data cap. To find out if this is the case, log in to your ISP account page or contact customer service and verify if you’ve gone over your allowance. Certain ISPs penalize customers for exceeding allowance by decreasing their Internet speed for the rest of the billing period.
If your goal is to ensure high levels of customer service plus building and maintaining a system that enables your business to run well, please visit Clarus Communications here or call us at 855-801-6700 to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff. Clarus Communications is a national leader that specializes in providing over 60 telecommunication and technology provider solutions and we would appreciate the opportunity to become your technology partner and help you find the best solution for you and your company.