Boost your internet and Wi-Fi: Top 5 tips for faster broadband

By: Smart Creative

People often think slow internet must be down to their broadband provider. But computer settings, wireless hardware or an old PC can all have an impact. Here are our top tips to help you get up to speed.

In this article

• • Test your speed
  • 1. Secure your Wi-Fi
  • 2. Move your router

  • Test your speed

    Before you follow any of these tips, test your internet speed with our speed checker. This will tell you how fast your internet connection really is. You can then use it again to test your speed when you've made your changes and see if there's any impact.
    Check your internet speed

  • 1. Secure your Wi-Fi

    If your Wi-Fi is not password protected, anyone can use it. This means that people might be logging onto your network without you knowing, causing speeds to drop as a result.
    Fortunately, most providers now automatically supply you with a password-protected router, but if you don't have one set up, or have turned the password off, secure your network immediately.
    To do this:
    • Open up your router settings by entering its IP address into your web browser. That's a number that will typically be printed on the router itself somewhere, and look like this:192.168.0.1. 
    • You may need to log in - the admin password and username will also often be printed on the router, but if it isn't, check with your provider for further instructions. From your settings you can set up a password and secure your Wi-Fi.

  • 2. Move your router

    Lots of things can impact the strength of a wireless broadband signal - walls, doors, even interference from things like baby monitors. So if you're suffering from slow or unreliable Wi-Fi, try moving your router. Ideally, it should be positioned high up - on top of a bookshelf, for example.
    If you want to maximise coverage across the whole house, try sticking it somewhere central, maybe at the top of the stairs. Whatever you do, don't stick your router in a cupboard - you'd be surprised how common a mistake that is!
    You could also try getting a 'smart' router that automatically adjusts for interference, such as the BT Home Hub 5.

  • 3. Clean up your computer

    There are tons of applications on your computer that could be using the internet, possibly some without you even knowing it.
    Windows updates, security scans and updates, media player pop-ups, instant chat applications, Skype, open website tabs and more - all these things can eat away at your broadband speed.
    To boost your speed, shut down services you don't want, as well as any bandwidth-heavy streaming services like BBC iPlayer and Spotify when you're not using them. To do this:
    • On PC, press ALT + CTRL + DEL to bring up task manager to see all programs running and close the ones you don't want.
    • Open Activity Log to see a list of everything running. Close down the ones that aren't essential.
    You should also delete old files, and clear your browser history - you can do this from your web browser options menu.
    

    4. Get a powerline adapter

    Powerline adapters use the electricity power lines in your house to boost your signal from room to room. These are particularly useful if there are rooms in the house where your wireless signal is weak.
    Some providers, including TalkTalk, can provide powerline adapters, although you may have to pay for them. 

    Here are our top 5 wireless powerline adapters 

    Adapter	Name	Details	Price
    	BT Broadband Extender 500 Kit, Powerline Adapter	Extend broadband anywhere around your home - turn any power socket into an internet port. Works with all Broadband providers. Use this kit on its own or link with other HomePlug AV powerline adapters. High speed data transfer (AV500) ideal for downloading music, multiple HD/3D TV streaming, or online gaming via an ethernet cable. Works out of the box	Only£34.00	Buy Now
    	Linksys Powerline AV 4 Port Network Adapter Kit	Turn your home's existing wiring into a digital network - instantly. Data rates up to 200 Mbps. Compatible with other HomePlug devices	Only£26.49	Buy Now
    	TP-LINK PA411KIT AV500 500 Mbps Powerline Adapter Starter Kit- Twin Pack	High-speed data transfer rate up to 500M, ideal for HD video or 3D video streaming. Up to 300 meter range over the home's electrical circuit. Plug and Play operation means no additional wires or configuration required. Patented power-saving mode automatically reduces power consumption by up to 85%. Fully compatible with other TP-Link powerline products	Only£24.98	Buy Now
    	NETGEAR XAVB5221-100UKS 1 Port 500 Mbps Powerline Adapter (Pack of 2)	Plug-and-Play - setup in minutes, with no need to configure or install software. Energy-saving - automatically powers down when not in use. Push and Secure - encrypt your Powerline network connections with the touch of a button	Only£29.99	Buy Now
    	D-Link DHP-309AV 200 Mbps Mini Powerline Adapter Starter Kit	Extend Your Network. PowerLine AV+ Speed and Coverage Advantages. Just Plug and Connect. Great Design. Imagine the options	Only£23.42	Buy Now

    5. Switch broadband

    If you find that your connection is still slow, switching to another provider is possibly the best solution. Companies should be able to do a line test and give you an indication of the speeds you can expect to see before you sign up - and if they don't deliver, you may have the right to cancel your contract. Read more about Ofcom's rule on this.
    Fibre optic broadband will be your fastest option - assuming it's available in your area, of course.
    You can see some of the best broadband deals below:

    Popular broadband deals

    Fibre Unlimited	Faster Fibre	Unlimited Infinity 1 + Weekend Calls	Super 50 Fibre Broadband + Talk Weekends
    £508.75Total first year cost	£392.00Total first year cost	£419.87Total first year cost	£398.99Total first year cost
    £37.40 p/mfor 18 months£59.95setup costs18 month contract	£28.50 p/mfor 24 months£50.00setup costs24 month contract	£29.99 p/mfor 12 months£59.99setup costs12 month contract	£32.00 p/mfor 12 months£14.99setup costs12 month contract
    Up To38 Mb	Up To38 Mb	Up To52 Mb	Up To50 Mb
    Pay as you go	Pay as you go	Weekend calls inc.	Weekend calls inc.
    Offer ends 30/03/17	Offer ends 02/01/17	Offer ends 05/01/17	Offer ends 03/01/17
    Go Call Sky on0808 274 1628 Mon to Sun 8am-10pm	Go Call TalkTalk on0808 231 8481 Mon to Thurs 8am-10pmFri to Sun 8am-9pm	Go Call BT on0808 250 8307 Mon to Sun 8am-6.30pm	Go Call Virgin Media on0808 250 8367 Open 24/7

    Or you can full list of broadband packages available in your area with our postcode checker, and compare them to find the best deal.