Increase your home Internet speed

Are you working from home right now? Chances are, you could be getting a better connection out of your home Internet connection with these simple tips.

First things first, get a benchmark of what your current Internet speed is. Go to speedtest.net and perform a quick test of your Internet speed. It’s free, easy and accurate. This tool will give you an idea of what your speed is and whether or not, it matches the Internet package that you have.

Are you using a wireless connection? Consider the fact that, if you can connect with an Ethernet cable, it’s going to be faster and more reliable than a wireless connection even with higher performance Internet plans. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may have included one when they installed your home Internet. Plug it into your modem and the back of your computer to establish the best possible connection.

If you have to work on a wireless connection, consider the following:

• Proximity to your modem or router. If you are working across the house from your modem, you may experience a slower connection. Move closer to the box or move the box closer to you.
• A repeater could increase your speed. However, these devices are in short supply right now. But, if you can get your hands on one this will bridge the connection and get you some better speeds.

• Traffic. Be aware of who else is using the Internet in your home. Streaming and playing online games can take up a lot of bandwidth, as well as working at the same time as others in your household. If you have others using the Internet all at the same time, consider upgrading your Internet plan.