Run a Speed Test

Before you search high and low around the house for ways to improve your broadband, it’s a good idea to carry out a speed test to see if your internet service is performing as it should be. Speed tests are important to help you understand your broadband’s capabilities as well as its potential flaws. Don’t worry, performing a speed test yourself isn’t as complex as it sounds. One of the simplest ways to run a speed test is using free web applications, which generally take between 30 seconds and a minute.

You can test broadband speeds using the following online applications:

• Fast.com 
• Ookla Speedtest 
• AT&T Highspeed Internet Speed Test 
• SpeedSmart 
• Internet Health Test 

Move Your Router

Although you may be tempted to hide your router away to suit your home’s aesthetic, it’s not a good idea. Walls, doors, and even dense furniture can negatively affect your WiFi signal. Fortunately, moving the router can make a big difference to home broadband by boosting speeds and helping wireless signals to travel further. 

Every home is different so the “perfect spot” will depend on the layout, but it’s best not to hide your router in a corner or inside cupboards and drawers. The more central and accessible your router is, the better.

Try a Wired Connection

Wireless technology has been around for so long now that it’s easy to forget that wired broadband still exists. Using an ethernet cable to connect devices directly to your router is faster and more stable than a WiFi connection, and it can’t be impacted by the wireless signals of other devices. However, the downside is that it does limit your device locations and can be less convenient. 

Remove Unused Devices

Over the years, you and anyone else at home will connect a wide range of devices to your broadband, many of which may no longer be in use but still use the internet. If any devices are connected but not being used, this can be problematic for your home broadband speeds and connectivity. Put simply, make sure that the devices that need the internet get the internet and disconnect any others.

Upgrade Your Home Broadband Service

If you have been with the same internet service provider (ISP) for a while, you may assume you’re getting the best possible available. This is something we hear all the time at Wildanet, especially from customers who live in hard-to-reach or remote areas. If you are experiencing poor-quality internet at home and want to explore alternatives, there are plenty of options out there.

Exploring the market for a new provider not only opens your eyes to the broad range of packages available but also helps you to cut household outgoings. It also allows you to identify specialist services to suit specific and unique home broadband requirements. For example, our rural broadband service has levelled the playing field for all homeowners and ensured that the South West’s communities have access to Full Fibre broadband.

Would you like to learn more about our Full Fibre rural broadband packages for homes, businesses, and communities? Use our postcode checker today to find out if our services are available in your area.