Broadband speed, like money, is a commodity we could always be doing with having a bit more of. Read on to find out how to increase your digital top speed.
There are a number of elements we have to get right in order to maximise our bandwidth speed. Some like the configuration of the PC and router we can influence; others such as phone line conditions and the limitations of our hardware are more difficult to manipulate.
Number one on the ‘to do’ list is ensuring we are using the optimum settings for our computer and router. Check with your ISP, settings details will be found on the member support pages so go to the home page and log in. But before fiddling with any settings create a restore point as a safety net in case everything goes pear shaped. (In Windows, go Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore and click the Create Restore Point button.)
Once sure the settings are bang on, carry out a speed test. Some ISPs have their own dedicated tools for doing this. If not, there are plenty you can access online. But do carry out a number of tests at different times of day and times of week in order to obtain an average speed from all the tests you carry out. One or two tests will be insufficient and at best misleading as well as disappointing.
Try the speed test tool at thinkbroadband.com, the web site formerly known as adslguide.co.uk. Other online broadband speed tests are available from:
bandwidthplace.com Get three free tests per month and a non-techie subjective rating on your connection.
testmy.net Comprehensive testing using servers in the States. A tweaker’s heaven.
MySpeed Nice simple interface, but click the Advanced button to get your connection percentage rated for Quality of Service.
Broadbandchoices.co.uk Enables users to select their ISP and the speed package they are on before carrying out the tests. Be aware the results are tied in with ONSPEED, more of which later.
Or you may prefer to download Dan Elwell’s Broadband Speed Test, a utility that enables users to perform their own custom tests and collate the results. The tool gets a good write up, though some users may find it overly technical and advanced for their needs.
Armed with your results, it is then possible to make a case to your ISP for them to investigate your connection and test that it is working at its optimal speed. Be aware, though, that the broadband you bought was couched with the qualification “up to”, what is actually achievable is subject to factors such as the length of your physical line from the exchange, which may not necessarily be related to your geographic proximity, line noise and conditions.
So far, we have only touched on fixes that don’t cost anything at all. Before we move on, here are some other tips to try first before reaching for your sporran:
• Try unplugging older phone equipment to see if that makes a difference
• Make sure your wireless router was set up with a WEP security key when it was being installed. An unsecured router could mean you sharing your connection with anyone within range, including neighbours and laptop users parked outside your building.
• Carry out testing only when events such as anti-virus and software updates aren’t taking place. Remember to close down messaging and chat software, Skype and other software that like to nab resources.
Next, consider upgrading your router. The ones ISPs give away for free aren’t always the greatest, especially wireless routers. Trading up may help obtain a stronger wireless signal and provide better functionality and features. But there’s no guarantee, and your new router will require to be programmed to get online.
Another wallet lightening option is ONSPEED, a software application that claims to boost broadband speeds by up to five times. It is a subscription service costing £24.99 for a year on top of your monthly ISP subscription fee.
It works by compressing web pages and email so they will download and upload faster using your existing internet connection. ONSPEED, though, won’t improve performance for a number of file types, including QuickTime files, MP3, AVI, MPEG, exes or streaming media content. It doesn’t work with secure https browsing or over a Virtual Private Network.
In its favour, ONSPEED does compress a lot of what you download, so there could potentially be a saving there if you use a capped broadband and are apt to go over your limit.
Finally, there are lot of tweaking sites offering tips on how to boost speed. Some hints are good; some are outdated. Should you decide to implement any of these tips, it is at your own risk. Always create a restore point before making any changes, so that you can roll back to your pre-tinkering state.
At the moment, I’m experimenting with an application called TweakMASTER that says it will optimise my broadband connection. Get the inside track and findings next time.
