Nobody likes to wait for their latest TV show to load. Waiting has become a thing of the past. We all now expect to be instantly connected to the internet before we can even blink. Here are the top 5 reasons why you may be experiencing slower internet speeds than usual
1. Your Internet Speed is Shared
One thing that may surprise you is that Internet speed is shared. Every connected device in your home is using up some of your data. According to a report 2017 Australian IoT@Home Market Study, the average Australian home has 13.7 connected devices, with expectations this will grow to 30.7 devices by 2021 as more household fixtures and appliances, or the Internet of things as it is better known becomes more prevalent in the Australian home. So, that new high tech fridge or coffee machine and connected lighting may all be playing a part in slowing down your favourite TV show.
How Do You Get Around This?
It’s pretty simple, really. If you aren’t using the device, turn it off. If you are using it, make sure you are optimising the device. For example, have your browser pages and apps closed on your phones and tablets when they aren’t in use. Exit music and video streaming apps, such as YouTube, Netflix and Spotify, after you have finished using them. Clear your browser cookies and caches regularly. You may also need to consider upgrading your internet plan to a higher speed plan than when you initially signed up if you have continued to add a lot of additional Wi-Fi devices to your home.
2. Is Usage Affecting Everybody?
Doing multiple things on multiple devices at the same time may affect your speed. If numerous people are streaming TV shows and movies, gaming, video-conferencing, and downloading large files, this will all take a significant amount of your speed and can make the internet go much, much slower. If you have a large household where everyone is watching their own TV shows or gaming at nighttime, this may cause a slowdown in your connection.
Here Are Some Ways You Can Get Around This
Increase your speed by changing your plan to a higher speed tier. If this doesn’t work with your budget, try and get everybody in your home to do different data-intensive activities at different times, so that everybody is not using it at the same time.
3. Wi-Fi Signal Interference
Are you getting the best Wi-Fi signal? Wi-Fi signals can be quickly interrupted by physical structures such as thick walls, metallic surfaces and other equipment such as microwaves, baby monitors and fish tanks. Another thing to keep in mind is that your internet connection may be affected by somebody else’s local wireless signal. If another Wi-Fi signal is stronger than your Wi-Fi signal, it can disrupt your Internet speed and create connection problems.
Here’s How You Can Limit Interference
Place your router in a central location, away from physical disruptions and where it is in the line of sight. You may want to consider purchasing a Wi-Fi extender to help extend the signal. If you are still having troubles, you can look at Wi-Fi mapping apps and software that will help you to show the weak points around your house and will also tell you if you have another signal that is causing you problems.
4. Router Choice
The router you choose can have a substantial impact on your speed. Check the one you own is correct for Fiber Optic services, as there are different models suited to the older DSL technology. Be wary of the cheaper basic models as these may have a limitation on the number of devices they can handle. We recommend routers such as Apple Airport Express, EnGenius ESR300, NetGear WNR2200 or R7000 and SMC 300Mbps Wireless Barricade. We have the SMC 300Mbps Wireless Barricade routers available for purchase for only $99.00.
5. Connecting at Peak Times
Unfortunately, peak time internet traffic is still a problem on a range of networks. If you are on the lower plan tiers such as budget grade plans for the NBN, you may experience a slightly slower speed at peak times. This is due to the nature of how the NBN has been built and set up.
Ways to Make Sure This Doesn’t Happen
We recommend purchasing the “VIP” NBN range of plans to ensure you are on the top tier plan and getting the uninterrupted service, or limiting your Internet use during peak hours if possible.