How to Improve Internet Speed: Proven Tips & Tricks

Improving Your Internet Speed

From quick fixes to major upgrades, here’s how to get the fastest possible internet.

Quick Wins (5 Minutes or Less)

1. Restart Your Equipment

Power cycle your modem and router:

1. Unplug both for 30 seconds
2. Plug modem in first, wait 2 minutes
3. Plug router in, wait 2 minutes
4. Test your speed

Why it works: Clears memory, resets connections, fixes many temporary issues.

2. Switch WiFi Bands

Change from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz:

• 5 GHz is faster
• Less interference
• Trade-off: shorter range

Check your network name – if you see “Network_5G”, use that.

3. Close Background Apps

Check for bandwidth hogs:

• Cloud backup services
• System updates
• Streaming apps in background
• Game launchers

Close or pause them for immediate speed boost.

4. Move Closer to Router

WiFi speed drops with distance:

• Same room: 100% speed
• One room away: 70-80%
• Multiple walls: 30-50%

Move temporarily to test if location is the issue.

Router Optimization

Best Router Placement

Do:

• Central location in home
• Elevated (shelf, not floor)
• Open area, not enclosed
• Away from walls if possible

Don’t:

• Near microwaves or cordless phones
• Behind furniture
• In corners of the house
• Near metal objects
• Inside cabinets

Update Firmware

Outdated firmware slows routers:

1. Log into router admin (usually 192.168.1.1)
2. Find firmware/update section
3. Check for updates
4. Install and restart

Optimal Router Settings

Setting	Recommendation
WiFi Channel	Auto or 1, 6, 11 (2.4 GHz)
Channel Width	40 MHz (2.4 GHz), 80 MHz (5 GHz)
WMM	Enabled
QoS	Configure for priority devices

Device-Level Improvements

Use Ethernet Where Possible

Wired connections for:

• Gaming: Eliminates lag spikes
• Streaming: Prevents buffering
• Work: Stable video calls
• Downloads: Maximum speed

Update Network Drivers

On computers:

1. Open Device Manager
2. Find Network Adapters
3. Right-click → Update Driver
4. Restart computer

Clear DNS Cache

On Windows:

ipconfig /flushdns

On Mac:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache

Change DNS Servers

Switch to faster DNS:

• Google: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1

Configure in network settings or router.

Network Upgrades

Upgrade	Impact	Cost
New router	High	$100-300
Mesh WiFi	High	$200-500
Ethernet cables	High	$20-50
Faster plan	High	$20-50/mo more
New modem	Medium	$80-150
Powerline adapters	Medium	$50-100

When to Upgrade Your Router

Upgrade if:

• Router is 4+ years old
• Using WiFi 4 or older
• Frequent disconnections
• Can’t reach full plan speed
• Have 10+ devices

Recommended: WiFi 6 router from reputable brand.

Consider Mesh WiFi

Best for:

• Large homes (2,000+ sq ft)
• Multi-story houses
• Dead zones
• Many family members

Mesh systems provide strong, consistent signal everywhere.

Internet Plan Optimization

Check Your Speed

1. Run test at speedtest.net
2. Compare to what you pay for
3. If significantly less, troubleshoot or contact ISP

Right-Size Your Plan

Household	Recommended
1-2 light users	25-50 Mbps
2-4 typical users	100-200 Mbps
4-6 heavy users	300-500 Mbps
6+ power users	500+ Mbps

Use our Speed Calculator for exact needs.

Negotiate with Your ISP

• Call retention department
• Mention competitor prices
• Ask about promotions
• Threaten to cancel (get better offer)

Advanced Optimization

Enable QoS (Quality of Service)

Prioritize important traffic:

1. Access router settings
2. Find QoS section
3. Add priority devices (work computer, gaming console)
4. Set streaming/gaming as priority applications

Consider a VPN

VPN can help if ISP throttles:

• Encrypts traffic
• ISP can’t identify streaming
• May improve speeds for throttled activities

Downside: Can add latency for gaming.

Reduce Network Congestion

• Limit connected devices
• Disconnect unused smart devices
• Schedule large downloads for off-hours
• Limit streaming quality if needed

Monitoring & Maintenance

Monthly Tasks

• Speed test check
• Router firmware update
• Review connected devices
• Clear device caches

Weekly Tasks

• Restart router
• Check for speed issues

As Needed

• Adjust router channel if interference
• Relocate router if dead zones appear
• Replace aging equipment

When to Call Your ISP

Contact provider if:

• Speeds consistently below 50% of plan
• Frequent disconnections
• Issues persist after troubleshooting
• Line/equipment problems suspected

Document your speed tests before calling.