Most businesses regularly need the internet – but if you use it while you are at home or on the go, you may have found going online outside the office isn’t always as fast as it should be.
Today’s households usually contain a variety of devices that connect to the internet – from multiple laptops to smart TVs. Factor in your work’s bandwidth demands on top of that, and the result is slower download speeds and choppy video calls.
Not only does this dampen productivity and efficiency, but a slow connection can leave employees feeling stressed and frustrated. In short, to avoid business interruption, you need reliable internet.
But don’t worry – there are a few simple ways to boost your internet speed and even extend your connection so that you can work on the go.
Quick and easy tips
To speed up your broadband connection, there are a number of quick fixes that, when implemented together, can make a huge difference:
Switch off your other devices
You’d be surprised how many of your household devices are passively using your WiFi – whether it be your Amazon Echo streaming the radio, your computer downloading a Netflix show, or your phone installing a software update. In some households, you can even boil a kettle or turn on a microwave with your phone! Be aware of what’s using your bandwidth, and try to schedule bigger downloads at night.
Move devices away from your routers
Did you know having multiple connected devices close to each other will affect their speeds? Try moving these devices away from your router. Elevating your router can also help, so if you can, try placing it on a tabletop or cupboard. Sometimes your WiFi can seem terrible in certain parts of the house or office for no good reason – try using a plug-in booster to improve your signal.
Switch to a wired connection
Nothing beats Ethernet for a stable connection. If WiFi is causing you problems, Ethernet cables are relatively cheap and can make all the difference to your broadband speed. Also, take a look at how your router is plugged into your phone socket; did you know extension leads or even tangled cables can slow your internet down?
Change how you call
Calls use a lot of data, but there are some simple things you can do to reduce demand. For example, video uses more data than audio. If possible, switch off your webcam. Even better, don’t rely on the internet at all and switch to your mobile/landline. Use all the options that are available to you.