It’s frustrating when an important Zoom meeting freezes right when it’s your turn to speak. It’s even more annoying having to wait for your favorite shows to buffer, especially when something important is happening.
Unfortunately, that’s what happens when you have unreliable internet. A subpar internet connection can ruin your entire workday and even your days off.
Having internet that drops when you need it most is a big problem, but the good news is it’s fixable.
In this article, you’ll learn how to get fast, reliable internet for your home.
Know How Much Speed you Need
The first step toward getting a good internet connection is knowing how much speed you need. You don’t want to overpay for speeds you don’t need, but you don’t want to get stuck with a plan that will drop your connection all the time.
To figure out what your ideal speed is, you’ll need to run a test to get your upload and download speeds. These are measured in megabits per second (Mbps). If you only browse the web or check emails, you only need a download speed of around 25 Mbps. However, if anyone in your household streams content, streams in 4k, uses smart devices, or games online, you’ll need around 200 Mbps or more.
When you sign up for your internet package, your provider will try to sell you on the fastest speed they have. While you would certainly earn bragging rights by having a 1 Gbps plan, if you aren’t a heavy gamer or streamer with 10+ devices online at once, you won’t notice the difference.
However, if you need Gbps internet, you can get that affordably. For example, Optimum Internet offers plans that range from 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps with no annual contracts, 99.9% network reliability, and 24/7 support.
Before signing up for a new plan, check your actual usage. This handy reference guide from the FCC can help you pinpoint your needs.
Choose the Right Type of Internet Connection
The type of internet you get matters just as much as speed. Even though different types may offer the same speeds, they don’t all have the same level of reliability.
Fiber optic is the best since it rarely drops unless there’s a major outage. Traditional cable is good, but will slow down during peak hours (usually in the evening) since your neighborhood shares bandwidth. Satellite can be fast, but is impacted by weather and has latency issues. DSL should be your last resort because it’s really slow and your connection can drop multiple times a day during peak hours.
If you don’t have a choice where you live, you’ll need to use the internet connection you can get. However, when you have options, fiber optic is ideal.
Check Data Caps and Throttling
Even when you have fast internet, data limits can make it seem like it’s dropping. Before you sign up for a new internet account, check with your current provider to see if your speed gets throttled after you hit a certain data usage limit. If that’s what’s happening, consider increasing your plan, especially if you work from home or have people in your house who stream.
Be Strategic With Your Router Placement
Bad router placement is one of the biggest reasons for poor connections. Try not to put your router in a corner or a basement where walls, ceilings, and floors can block the signal. It should also be kept away from microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors to avoid interference. Usually, putting your router on a high shelf will improve the range and stability of the connection. However, if that doesn’t work, you can always get some Wi-Fi boosters.
Upgrade your Router
An old router can slow down your connection, even if you’re paying for high speeds. Look for a Wi-Fi 6 router – they’re built to handle plenty of devices and have stronger signals.
If you’ve been using the router provided to you by your ISP, it’s worth buying your own. The devices provided by internet companies tend to be cheap and underpowered.
Use a Wired Connection
For important devices and times when you can’t afford to have the internet drop out, use a wired connection. Ethernet connections won’t be impacted by interference or distance issues. And if you stream a lot, an Ethernet connection to your TV will prevent buffering.
You Can Get Reliable Internet
You don’t have to deal with buffering, lagging, or dropped connections. By knowing your speed requirements, choosing the right provider, and optimizing your router placement, you can have reliable home internet that works when you need it most.
