How to Increase Bandwidth: Maximizing Your Internet Speed

Ken Morgan | Posted on October 4, 2023 |

Experiencing abrupt decreases in your internet speed or finding that your internet speeds fall significantly short of the promised rates often indicates the presence of a bottleneck affecting your connection’s bandwidth, prompting you to look for ways on how to increase bandwidth effectively.

Although identifying the precise cause of bandwidth limitations can be challenging, typically, there are three primary culprits that may contribute to this issue:

Your Wi-Fi Router
Your Internet Service Provider
Your Device

These elements collectively play a pivotal role in shaping your internet experience, and understanding their influence can help you diagnose and address any bandwidth-related concerns effectively.

What is Low Bandwidth?

The speed of your internet connection is primarily influenced by a combination of factors including your device, router, Internet Service Provider (ISP), and the bandwidth level they’ve promised you. However, it’s important to note that even if your service contract specifies a maximum speed of up to 20 Mbps, you may not consistently attain this peak bandwidth, especially when multiple devices are connected to the same network and actively used simultaneously. But why does this happen?

Think of your bandwidth as resembling a two-lane highway where all the data “cars” travel at the same speed. The experience of using the internet is enjoyable when there’s not too much traffic, much like a smooth drive along a relatively empty road. However, as more devices and data start to crowd the “highway,” the overall speed can slow down significantly. To alleviate this congestion and improve your internet experience, having a wider bandwidth – akin to adding more lanes to the highway – can help mitigate the issue.

Finding Out if You Have a Low Bandwidth

If you’ve noticed a significant drop in your internet speed, it’s a good idea to conduct a speed test to diagnose the issue. However, before running the test, it’s essential to ensure that you’re not actively using bandwidth-intensive applications like video streaming services or torrent software, as they can potentially monopolize your available bandwidth.

Once you’ve ruled out such bandwidth-hungry activities, proceed with the speed test to assess your current internet performance. You might find that the actual bandwidth you’re experiencing is not too far off from what your internet plan advertises.

In the event that your test results align with your plan’s promised bandwidth, your best option for increasing your speed would be to consider upgrading your current internet package to one that better suits your needs.

If, on the other hand, your bandwidth is still considerably lower than expected, keep reading this article for additional tips and strategies to address and resolve the issue and increase bandwidth efficiency.

Several Ways You Can Fix Insufficient Bandwidth

If you want to increase your network bandwidth and are currently experiencing slow internet speeds, here’s how you can make it faster:

Get a better internet plan with more speed.
Test different Wi-Fi channels.
Update and restart your router.
Use fewer devices on your network.
Use a VPN to prevent speed limits.
Switch to an internet provider with faster options.
Update your device’s software.
Shut down apps running in the background.
Remove any viruses or harmful software.
Clear your device’s temporary storage.

Ways to Increase Your WiFi’s Bandwidth

Occasionally, even after tinkering with your router settings, you may find that your Wi-Fi signal remains feeble, resulting in insufficient bandwidth. In such cases, it might be prudent to consider investing in supplementary equipment designed to address the issue of sluggish speeds.

If you’re currently on a basic internet plan, consider enhancing your online experience by switching to a more advanced plan that offers greater bandwidth. Although you can allocate some of your existing bandwidth for specific tasks through techniques like packet shaping, the impact is usually minimal. The most effective approach to acquire additional bandwidth is by upgrading to a higher-tier plan that offers increased capacity.
If you’re not inclined to invest in an upgrade but desire increased speed, consider reducing the number of devices connected to your internet or kindly request your family members to temporarily pause any ongoing downloads. Another option is to disable the Wi-Fi and connect to the internet using a wired connection, which can often provide a more stable and faster experience.
If you’re seeking methods to minimize bandwidth throttling, consider employing a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN conceals your IP address and encrypts your online activities, making it challenging for ISPs to monitor your internet usage and restrict your speed. It’s worth noting, however, that a VPN is most effective when ISPs engage in throttling based on your website visits or specific online services you use.

Improving Your Router’s Bandwidth

A wireless router is a crucial component that can significantly influence the quality of your internet connection. Consequently, it’s vital to ensure it is strategically positioned to maximize the utilization of your assigned bandwidth.

To address potential bandwidth problems, a practical step to consider is relocating your router. Position it in a spacious area devoid of significant obstructions such as doors, walls, or dense objects. Furthermore, it’s essential to verify that there are no other wireless devices nearby, as their presence can create interference and weaken your Wi-Fi signal.
Routers, much like individuals, can experience burnout and become less effective over time. To address this, you can try powering off your router by disconnecting its power cord for a brief period, typically around 10-20 minutes, before restarting it. Alternatively, you can simplify this process by configuring your router to automatically reboot during periods of inactivity, streamlining the maintenance routine.
Every router comes equipped with its unique software that requires regular updates. Neglecting these updates can potentially result in a reduction in your internet connection’s bandwidth. To perform the necessary software updates, you’ll need to access your router’s admin panel and follow the provided instructions. While you’re within the admin panel, it’s also a good opportunity to review your router’s settings to ensure that everything is functioning as intended.

Increase Your Bandwidth to Experience Faster Internet Connectivity

Don’t let slow internet speeds hold you back! Take charge of your bandwidth and enhance your online experience today. Whether it’s upgrading your internet plan, optimizing your Wi-Fi setup, or employing a VPN to combat throttling, these actionable tips can make a real difference. Additionally, consider repositioning your router, giving it a power refresh, and keeping its software up to date for optimal performance. With these strategies in your toolkit, you can maximize your available bandwidth and enjoy a faster, more reliable internet connection.