Upgrading internet connections to newer plans is a part of life that many of us have grown used to. Once our connections start to feel slow, we order a new plan, thinking this will solve our problems. While this can work, there are also instances where problems with home internet aren’t thanks to your monthly plan, but rather because of a limited router. Fortunately, there are several methods to bypass these issues, and they’re easier to install than you might think.
Do You Have Enough Speed?
There are almost always options out there to upgrade to faster internet speeds, but how do you know if these really matter? A simple way to test this for most people is to look at how many Mbps your connection offers. For basic uses, around 100 Mbps per connected user will be more than enough. If you have two people in your home and your plan runs at 200 Mbps, for example, most users won’t need an upgrade. In many cases, this can even be too much.
Why Fast Internet Can Fall Short
The biggest reason home internet can fall short is the reliance most of us have on Wi-Fi. In the UK, a recent survey found 89% of participants used between one and 20 wireless devices in their homes. This makes sense since it’s such a convenient technology, but it’s far from a flawless system. The problem is that Wi-Fi signals need to travel through objects, and this can be limiting. If you have a 200 Mbps connection, and you’re watching a demanding 50 Mbps ultra-HD video stream on YouTube or Netflix, the quality can fail if you’re on the other side of the house.
The same applies to even the most performant and least demanding types of online entertainment, such as playing slots online in modern web casinos. With titles like Big Bass Splash and Monopoly Megaways, this software is designed to run smoothly even on less-powerful mobile connections. To enjoy the best possible gaming experience, it’s important to make sure that your setup is right.
Potential Upgrade Paths
Most homes have three potential upgrade paths that you can use to improve your connectivity. The first and most drastic is by wiring internet cables into your walls. This is best managed by an electrician and can deliver the highest-quality result at the highest price. Cables are vastly more reliable than wireless, so it might be worth considering.
The second option is to upgrade your router. While many ISPs provide free routers, these free systems are often cheaper models with poor penetration. Upgrading to a higher-power model can hugely increase Wi-Fi range, making for an easy fix.
The last is to look at powerline adapters. These connect your existing router to the power system of your house, essentially using a little connected box to transfer internet to another plugged-in little box somewhere else in your house. This can then be used to output Wi-Fi to new areas or to plug cables directly into systems if needed.
“Powerline adapter for Ethernet internet” (CC BY 2.0) by Broadband Savvy
There are often simple fixes that can vastly improve your home internet experience, and they’re worth taking seriously. Besides, it’s not like we’re going to use the internet less in the future, so it can be worth upgrading today.
Leave a Reply