How to Boost Your Cable Internet Speed

By Alyssa Brode

A hardwired connection will give faster speeds than a wireless one.
i Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

As technology rapidly advances, Internet service providers continue to offer faster and more robust connection options to businesses and consumers. The spread of such modern technology is not instantaneous, however, and many consumers do not live in areas where these taken hold or cannot afford their elevated costs. In lieu of new and unattainable Internet technology, many simple and practical methods exist for speeding up your current cable Internet connection.

Step 1

Turn off your modem and your computer. Leave both off for 30 seconds before restarting.

Step 2

Update your browser to the latest version. Newer versions download pages more efficiently.

Step 3

Optimize your computer settings. Make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements of your router; not meeting these specifications will likely cause speed problems. Clear your "Temporary Internet Files" folder to speed up browsing. Run regular updates on your operating system.

Step 4

Use a security package to identify and remove spyware which could be using bandwidth without your knowledge.

Step 5

Move closer to your router, if using a wireless connection, ideally keeping it in your field of vision. Get closer to the faceplate as well, the socket to which your modem is connected, to further strengthen your connection. Connect directly to your router with an Ethernet cable for maximum speed.

Step 6

Replace the aerial, your wireless router's antenna, to increase signal strength. Add a wireless access point to your network to provide another hotspot, increasing speeds in rooms not located near your router.

Step 7

Secure your connection. Set up WEP password protection or, if your hardware allows it, WPA encryption to secure your network against unauthorized users who may be using your bandwidth.

Step 8

Buy a new router. Many consumer routers, particularly the free routers provided by Internet providers, can't support high levels of bandwidth required by streaming videos or gaming. Look for routers that advertise these strengths.

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