10 Ways to Increase Your Home Internet Speed

In today’s world of remote work, online gaming, digital learning, and streaming, you can’t afford to have slow Internet speeds. As more and more families feel the need to upgrade their Internet bandwidth and speed to accommodate for everyone’s needs – a fast home Internet connection is absolutely essential.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the reasons why you should consider upgrading your Internet and discuss 10 strategies that can help you get a more reliable and faster connection speed. Whether realizing at winter break that your speeds just aren’t up to par or prepping for back-to-school after the holidays, we’ll help you get started.

Common Reasons Why Households Need to Increase Internet Speed

In many cases, the holidays, when everyone is home together, and the back-to-school period mark a time where your household Internet use spikes. That’s especially true if you’re a remote worker living with a student whose workload requires high-bandwidth.

Depending on your current plan and provider, this increased demand on your home network can cause a lot of issues, like slower upload and download speeds. According to the FCC, slower Internet creates a ‘homework gap’ that can cause serious disruptions to important school-related activities like video conferencing for school projects, telecommuting, researching, remote learning days, streaming, and more.

How to Increase Your Home Internet Speed

Having a high-speed Internet connection is absolutely essential for a peaceful and smooth online experience for all members of your family. Here are 10 of the best ways to get faster Internet speeds, especially when the kids get back to their studies.

Upgrade to a Better Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Above all else, Internet service providers (ISP) play a significant role in your Internet quality. If you’ve updated your equipment or changed plans, and you’re still dealing with a poor signal strength, it’s likely time to switch providers.

Need help finding the best provider? We’re here to help you compare the best plans available in your area.

Use a Wired Ethernet Connection

WiFi networks, while convenient, often cannot match the speed and stability of a wired ethernet connection. Using a wired connection for devices like computers, gaming consoles (PS 5, Xbox, etc.), and TVs to your router via an ethernet cable can instantaneously boost both download and upload speeds. Since it’s more stable than wireless connections, it typically produces a much smoother experience for online activities.

Install a WiFi Extender or Repeater

Suppose you’ve done an Internet speed test and learned that your wired connection works perfectly, but your wireless Internet is giving you trouble. In that case, WiFi extenders or repeaters can greatly amplify the range and strength of your WiFi signal, which typically has a shorter range. They work by receiving a signal from your wireless router, boosting it, and then broadcasting the signal. Thus, extending your WiFi network coverage.

Optimize Your WiFi Router's Settings

After you check your Internet speed, you may notice that you need to optimize your router settings to increase performance. Further, you should regularly update your router’s firmware to ensure it’s always in optimal condition.

You can also experiment with changing the WiFi channel or enabling WiFi 6 to enhance Internet speed and avoid potential interference from other networks, which can be especially helpful for renters in apartment buildings.

Reduce Interference from Other Devices

Interference doesn’t just come from WiFi networks. In fact, many common household electronics (i.e., baby monitors, microwaves, cordless phones, etc.) can interfere with your WiFi signal. In many cases, you can speed up your Internet by putting your router in a central location (away from these devices) and/or switching to a 5GHz band.

Limit Connected Devices

Every device using your WiFi connection takes up bandwidth. In many cases, disconnecting the devices that aren’t being used can free up a lot of bandwidth for critical tasks. If you’ve checked your WiFi speed with only essential devices connected and it’s still not enough, it may be time to upgrade your plan or switch providers.

Secure Your WiFi Network

There’s nothing worse than paying for high-speed Internet but not experiencing fast Internet because of unauthorized users on your WiFi network. Not only can these users compromise your network security, but they can also significantly decrease your Internet speeds.

That being said, it’s in your best interest to secure your network with a strong WiFi password and ensure your technology is up to date with the latest encryption standards.

Consider a New Router or Mesh WiFi System

If your router is old or outdated, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Most modern routers and mesh WiFi systems are specifically designed to increase speed and provide better coverage throughout your home network. Mesh WiFi systems can be especially helpful if you have a larger home. Once you’ve upgraded your home’s outdated wireless network, you should experience faster Internet speeds.

Monitor Your Internet Plan's Data Cap

If you go over your plan’s data cap (if applicable), it could result in a major downgrade of Internet speed. When your household Internet use has outgrown your current plan’s cap, it’s likely time to consider upgrading to a plan with a higher data allowance or unlimited data. If that’s not possible, it may be time to search for a new provider.

Reboot Your Router Regularly

Rebooting your router can clear your cache, resolve IP conflicts, and generally make your Internet faster. Which is why you should do so on a regular basis. Not only will this help with stability, but it will also ensure your router is at peak performance when you need it most.

Find The Best Internet Provider in Your Area Today

Enhancing your home Internet speed is absolutely crucial for a seamlessly connected and productive digital experience. Not sure which provider is best for your needs? We’re here to help you get connected to the best Internet service providers in your area today.