5 Ways to Increase Your Download Speeds
Internet speeds, specifically the download speeds, play a major role in determining our online experience. It’s because major internet-related activities such as streaming shows or music, and downloading games or large files are dependent on the download speeds.
If you find yourself waiting longer than usual for these tasks to be completed, then it’s time for you to learn how to increase the download speeds. Below, I’m going to share a few easy ways to do this. So, let’s hop on them right away!
Upgrade Your Internet Plan or Switch to a Reliable ISP
I believe the easiest and quickest way to get more download speeds is by upgrading your internet plan. It’s because every internet plan has limited bandwidth. When we connect multiple devices or perform a lot of activities on the same network, its bandwidth keeps on decreasing. And, so does the download speeds.
Here, I’d suggest that if budget isn’t an issue, go for a fiber internet connection. It offers symmetrical internet speeds, i.e., the same download and upload speeds. However, fiber internet is a relatively new technology, so its availability is limited.
I’m currently subscribed to one of the high-speed Spectrum Internet plans. Besides the top download speeds, I believe Spectrum Internet is one of the affordable and reliable alternatives to fiber connection.
Update Your Router and Change Its Location
In some cases, updating our router or tweaking its position can help improve download speeds. Like our smartphones, routers also receive frequent software or firmware updates. They may contain crucial bug fixes, new features, or fill in the existing security loopholes in previous updates.
Also, updates may be installed automatically on advanced routers. But if that is not the case, then you may need to frequently check for updates and install them whenever they’re available.
Your router’s location is important if you’re using a wireless connection. Technically, the router distributes the internet signals among the connected devices via the air. If there is any heavy furniture, thick walls, or electronic devices emitting radio waves near the router, the internet signals may not be able to reach your devices efficiently.
Ideally, you should place your router in a central location in your house, and away from obstacles, so the internet signal strength does not decrease, and you get the best possible speeds.
Use an Ethernet Cable
As I mentioned above, in wireless connections, you need an ideal placement of your router. However, when you switch to a wired connection, you do not need to worry about the above factors. It’s because the Ethernet cable is directly attached to your device.
Hence, the internet signals are delivered via the physical ethernet cable, eliminating the chances of obstacles like thick walls, heavy furniture, or electronic devices. This way, a wired connection may offer better download speeds than a wireless connection.
Clear Browser’s Cache Memory and Viruses
I believe cache memory and viruses are often overlooked by most people. However, if you’re careful about them, then it may be significantly helpful in getting better download speeds.
When we browse the internet, our browsers store the cache data and cookies from the websites we visit. The cache memory keeps piling up in our browsers, making them slower. Due to this, they may require more bandwidth to keep working, which ultimately affects the download speeds.
Also, viruses may hide inside the cache memory and consume the data. Once inside the device, the malware or virus may steal and send our data to its host. During this process, it may use your connection’s upload speed to send the data. Consequently, the download speeds may be affected negatively.
That said, clear your cache memory once in a while. Plus, a reliable anti-virus tool may also be helpful in removing any virus or malware from your device.
Close Background Apps and Disconnect Idle Devices
Another factor that affects the download speeds are background applications and idle devices. Most people may think that background apps and idle devices connected to the internet do not consume any bandwidth.
However, that is not true since idle devices connected to the internet may still update applications in the background. These applications may also consume the bandwidth and affect the download speeds.
So, disconnect the idle devices from the internet and close the background apps to ensure the best download speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are good download speeds?
According to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), download speeds of at least 100 Mbps are considered good.
Can I check my download speeds?
Numerous internet speed tests like Speedtest by Ookla or Fast.com are available which may accurately gauge your download speeds.
Can too many connected devices affect download speeds?
Yes, multiple connected devices may decrease the download speeds because they consume bandwidth even if they’re idle.
How can I download videos from YouTube?
You can use our youtube video downloader to download youtube videos.