Now, you want to get Windstream internet service for rural area. Whether you’re partying, shopping online, working remotely, or managing your innovative home technology, high-speed Internet is the key to making your wildest dreams come true on the Web. As the entire world goes rapidly, digital and artificial intelligence enters every part of your life. You need 24/7 Internet access to make even a little progress and be a part of the moment.
Notice the use of the modifier “high speed” on the Internet. Yes, if your Internet connection is not fast enough to power your online activities, it will only slow you down. Let’s say you’re in an important Zoom meeting, giving a presentation to the big heads. Suddenly, your video starts pixelating, the quality drops, and eventually, it freezes up, disconnecting your call and leaving you in a state of shock. What’s the culprit? More often than not, it’s your Internet being too slow.
So, to avoid this from happening in the first place, follow the methods mentioned below to improve your internet speed when you’re at home. No, you don’t need to have an engineering degree to implement these tips. You need to roll up your sleeves and get to work and trust us, you’ll know exactly how to make the Internet fast before you’re done reading this article, so without further ado, let’s get started.
What is Internet speed?
The first thing is. Know what you’re dealing with. What is Internet speed, you ask? It is the speed at which data packets travel from your device to the World Wide Web and vice versa. Internet speed is usually expressed in “Mbps” or “megabits per second.” Here, megabits represent the size and status of the data. One megabit consists of 1,000,000 bits – a bit is the smallest unit of data. Therefore, Internet speed is the speed at which megabits move between servers and devices.
The rule of thumb for Internet speed is this. The higher the Internet speed, the shorter it takes for your information to travel over the Internet and back. Conversely, the lower the Internet speed, the greater the lag in data transmission and the longer it takes to transfer data. So now that everyone wants high-speed Internet, please don’t make them wait and meet their needs immediately.
How to check the internet speed?
The next stage is the diagnosis. Measure your current Internet speed to see where you are, your goals, and whether your download speeds match the levels you subscribe to from your ISP. You can test your Internet speed in two simple ways.
Online Speed Test
This is one of the easiest ways to analyze the speed and strength of your Internet connection. Choose from speedtest.net, fast.com, Spectrum Internet Speed Test, Speedtest by Ookla, or any free online speed testing tools available to all users. Connect the computer you wish to directly perform the speed test on the Internet hardware via an Ethernet cable. Click the “Start” button to begin the speed test and wait a while for the tool to get the results. Please make a note of the actual download and upload speeds, as well as the ping rate, and compare them to your Internet plan. If the values are lower than the advertised speeds, contact your Internet service provider immediately.
Ping commands
If you are tech-savvy and know your way around a computer, you can manually perform an Internet speed test with the Ping command. Before you begin:
Connect your computer to the Internet hardware via Ethernet and disable the Internet connection on all other devices to get near-perfect results.
Type “ping” and a website such as “ping www.bing.com” and click ENTER. The Command Prompt will display entries from that domain indicating that your Internet is working.
It will also display the data transfer time or ping in milliseconds. If your ping rate is below 50ms, you are good to go.
So, whether you try the automatic speed tool or extract the results manually, you will come to know the status of your Internet speed. If your internet speed is disappointingly slow, then read on to learn how to improve your internet speed yourself by reading the tips below.
How can I speed up my network?
When you’re streaming your favorite show on Netflix or are on a team mission in an MMORG game, there’s nothing more frustrating than a loading bar or buffering wheel. Before you throw your device out the window in a blind rage, rest assured that there is a silver lining behind this dark cloud. Yes, you can speed up your Internet connection without having to call in a technician. Try the tips below to highlight how to increase download speeds and improve your network performance in no time.
1. Workaround data caps
One reason you may be suffering from slow Internet speeds is that your ISP has imposed a data cap on your connection, and your monthly data limit has been reached. What is a data cap? A data cap is an artificial limit on the amount of bandwidth flowing to a customer’s home. Your ISP may limit your data allowance through data caps in response to peak traffic periods and prevent network congestion. Today, most ISPs have extended data limits to 1 TB. However, if your home is filled with dense network users, then you may hit the data cap before the month is over, resulting in slower internet speeds and 404 errors.
What can you do?
Calculate your home’s overall data usage and narrow down the activities that consume more bandwidth.
Do a lot of Internet activity during off-peak hours to avoid network congestion.
Allocate each member of your household to be online at different times to reduce the burden on your data reserves.
Ask your provider to push your data limit to a higher value to minimize your chances of exceeding the limit.
Subscribe to an unlimited Internet plan to get online with peace of mind.
2. Refresh your Internet connection
Technology, just like people, can get bogged down by stress. It needs a new boost from time to time to become like new again. This is especially true for your Internet hardware, i.e., modem and router, or modem-router combo. So if your Internet connection has lagged recently, chances are the device has run out of juice. Refresh your modem and router by resetting them every few weeks. You can do this in two ways.
Soft reset: A soft reset is simply rebooting your modem and router. You can do this manually or automatically by selecting the “Reset Network Devices” option in your service account. Here’s how to do it manually. Press the “Power” button on the router. Unplug it. Press the “Power” button on the modem. Unplug it as well. Wait 30 seconds. Plug the modem back into the outlet. Press the “Power” button and turn it on again. Wait for the light to come on, which indicates that the modem is online and connected to the ISP network. Plug the router back into the outlet and press the “Power” button. Allow the router to reboot. Test the network to see if there are any improved results.
Hard Reset: A hard reset is a process of erasing all personalized settings and restoring the network device to its default state. A factory reset is the last resort. You can do this manually or ask your ISP’s customer service department to perform a factory reset if all else fails. Here’s how to do it manually. Find the “Reset” button on the back panel of your router. It is a small hole. Keep the router powered on. Using a paperclip, gently insert its pointed end into the small hole until it reaches the button. Press and hold the RESET button for about 15 seconds. The router will completely reset at this stage. Wait for the indicator to return to normal, then go online to test the network.
3. The center of the router
The router is the heart of the Internet connection. It receives Internet signals from your modem and disperses them wirelessly throughout your house so your devices can connect to the network, no matter what room you’re in or what you’re doing. A router essentially creates your home network. It makes Wi-Fi possible. That’s how important it is.
Now, the location of your router matters. Depending on where you set up your device, the Internet signal will either move at the speed of light or move around like molasses in January. So, what is the ideal location? An open, centralized one. Yes, put your router in a clean, open area. Avoid putting it too close to the floor or ceiling, and keep it away from walls, corners, shelves, cabinets, and other wireless devices in the area that use electromagnetic waves.
4. Switching to 5GHz band
Routers usually work in two bands, 2.4GHz, and 5GHz. The 2.4GHz band has the potential to cover a larger area but transmits data at a slower rate. On the other hand, the 5GHz bar is located at the farther end of the spectrum and is less crowded. While it doesn’t cover great distances, it has a significantly faster speed output. So if your device has been using the suppressed 2.4GHz band, then perhaps you should change your router’s band to 5GHz by accessing the device settings from your laptop. This modification will result in faster speeds and less interference.
5. Update the firmware
Just like computers, routers have permanent software embedded in them. This software is called firmware. From time to time, manufacturers roll out firmware updates to improve the performance of their products and fix bugs through patches. These updates are critical to the functioning of the router. Therefore, make sure that you download and install them as soon as they appear in the settings. If you don’t, then you risk leaving your router vulnerable to security threats and burning out from exhaustion. You can update the firmware manually or schedule automatic updates.
6. Upgrade network devices
Experts recommend upgrading your router every two years so that you can take full advantage of the new breed and latest features on the market. If you insist on using the router provided by your ISP, then call customer service and ask for an upgrade so that you can enjoy the extended range and advanced signal throughput. On the other hand, if you prefer to purchase your router, choose any of the latest router models such as the Netgear Nighthawk AX4 and AX8, and the TP-Link AX6000 to experience faster and more refined Internet access.
7. Boost your signal with an extender
Do you have a few bucks to spare? Then invest in a Wi-Fi extender today. This compact device can extend the range of your router and disperse the Internet signal even in those places that are considered dead ends in your house. All you have to do is pick an extender like the Linksys AC1900, check its standards and protocols to see if it’s compatible with your router, and then install it to boost your router’s Internet connection.
Final Words
In the modern world, Internet speed is integral to achieving your purpose and accomplishing your goals. If your connection is lagging, you can’t hope to move forward and leave your mark on the world. So use the tips above to experience faster Internet speeds when streaming, gaming, shopping, or working from home. They are easy to understand and implement. So give them a try when you can, and you’ll thank us.
