How can improve broadband speed

Powerline or homeplug adaptors are also easy to set up. They use the mains electricity cables in your home to transport broadband around the building. This type of router communicate wirelessly with each other to create a single, blanket-like wi-fi network. For more information, read our guide to wi-fi extenders and powerline adaptors. Without a password, people in the local area may be logging on to your wireless broadband network and sharing your connection if it isn't secure.

This will decrease your own broadband speeds. It's important to set a secure password, so that only people who know the password can access your connection. You should also choose a secure password for your router. Many come with a default username and password, making them easy targets for hackers who can then get access to wireless devices such as wi-fi security cameras or wireless baby monitors. Your provider's website or instruction manual should explain how to change this.

Every time you access a webpage through your browser, the browser stores or 'caches' it. Periodically clearing out your browser's cache will help it to function more efficiently. Also update your online browser — such as Google Chrome or Safari — as outdated versions might mean slower download speeds. And check your antivirus software is up to date, as viruses and similar nasties can use your broadband connection, which can make your speeds appear to slow down.

Browse our Best Buy security software to read about our pick of the bunch. If you've followed all these steps and are still suffering slow speeds, then you should contact your broadband provider to see if they can fix the problem. Bookmark our broadband emergency contacts page so you'll always be able to get in touch quickly and easily.

This means that when you sign up they must give you a minimum guaranteed speed - if your actual speed drops below this, you'll have the right to leave your contract without penalty. This means that if something goes wrong - for example, you have a long outage - you will get money back without having to chase it. Find out more about what to do if things go wrong with your connection using our guide to your broadband consumer rights. If you're out of contract with your current provider, then it might be worth considering a change.

Use Which? Switch Broadband to check the deals on offer from other providers - depending on the deal you're on, you may be able to upgrade to a faster connection and pay the same tariff or less. Once you've picked your new provider, our guide on how to switch broadband provider shows you the simple steps you need to follow.

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Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Then another wireless router inside the repeater boosts and transmits the stronger Wi-Fi signal to other devices in your home.

You can also fashion a repeater out of an extra router. A Wi-Fi extender works similarly to a Wi-Fi repeater to boost your internet signal to other rooms. The advantage is that extenders are less likely to limit your bandwidth than Wi-Fi repeaters, and they provide connected devices with a strong internet connection. A powerline Ethernet kit uses a wired link to your router to provide Wi-Fi signals to other devices in your home. A powerline Ethernet kit is usually a good way to boost internet for basement gaming equipment or devices in a garage.

Try these helpful hacks to improve your internet speed. Or if you just want more bang for your buck, check out providers near you with more speed for the price. Rather chat? Give us a call: Pro Tip: For best results, use an Ethernet cord to connect your router or modem directly to your device before you run the test.

Remember, your Wi-Fi router is crucial in determining the internet speeds you get throughout your home. Using any of these tips can help you maximize your home Wi-Fi signal and enjoy faster internet at home. Lisa uses years of experience in sales and customer service for internet-TV providers to inform her writing on broadband. Her work has been referenced by CNN and other national sources.

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Download speeds. They should be able to help you work out what the cause is and how you might be able to fix it. Check whether you're using the latest version of your web browser — newer versions not only provide better security but should also work faster. You can check your browser on the Get Safe Online website. Halogen lamps, electrical dimmer switches, stereo or computer speakers, fairy lights, TVs and monitors and AC power cords have all been known to affect routers. Keep your router as far away as possible from other electrical devices as well as those which emit wireless signals such as cordless phones, baby monitors etc.

Try to place your router on a table or shelf rather than on the floor and keep it switched on. If you have an older router, or you have regular disconnections on your line, you may benefit from upgrading. Speak to your provider. If you don't keep your wireless router secure, anyone nearby could log on to your broadband. Not only could this slow down your internet speeds but your online security could also be at risk.

To find out whether you are secure, search for available wireless networks.