Ways to Increase Internet Upload Speed
By Timothy James
If you upload information to the Internet frequently, agonizingly slow upload speeds can be a common problem. Internet service providers know that most people download far more than they upload, so they optimize their networks for downloading data rather than for uploading. There are a number of methods you can use to increase your Internet connection's upload speed.
Increase Physical Proximity and Eliminate Interference
If you use a wireless router, you may not realize that you can significantly increase upload speeds by moving your device closer to the wireless router. You may also wish to eliminate interference. Microwaves ovens and cordless phones can interfere with common wireless frequencies 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11a. Temporarily disable these items or move your computer away from them. Some routers also allow you to change to a different frequency, thus avoiding the problem altogether.
Use a Wired Network
If you typically upload files over a wireless router, you can greatly improve Internet upload speeds by using a wired network instead. This works because data travels more slowly through the air than it does across a wire. The easiest way is to take the Ethernet cable plugged into your wireless router, pull it out, and plug it into your computing device instead. This is not only faster, but more reliable and less vulnerable to hackers.
Add a Repeater or Extender
If you wish to improve upload speeds using your existing wireless network, you can boost Internet upload speeds by purchasing a repeater or extender. These products can improve upload speeds by extending the strength and the coverage of your existing wireless router. Some Wi-Fi boosters work simply after plugging them into a wall, while others require more extensive configuration.
Change Your Internet Service Provider
Many people can improve their upload speeds dramatically by changing their Internet Service Provider. Generally, customers can gauge the upload speeds offered by an ISP by viewing its advertising. According to the Federal Communications Commission, some ISPs provide up to 120 percent of the upload speed they advertise, while others provide roughly 90 percent of the advertised speed. This means that shoppers can expect that the upload speed claimed by an advertiser will prove generally accurate.
References
- Ask Leo: How Are Upload and Download Speeds Related, and Why are they Different?
- Microsoft Windows: Why is My Wireless Signal Strength so Low?
- Dell: Home Network Learning Center - Wireless vs. Wired
- PC Magazine: 10 Ways to Boost Your Wireless Signal
- Federal Communications Commission: Measuring Broadband America
Writer Bio
Timothy James is a business litigation attorney licensed to practice law in California. He is also a programmer and website developer specializing in C++, JavaScript/JQuery, HTML, CSS and several other languages. James holds a Juris Doctor, as well as a Bachelor of Science in planning and resource management. He has written about law, health, programming, culture, news and politics.