How to Make Wireless Faster

Wireless Internet offers a high-speed Internet connection without the hassle of having to physically plug an Ethernet cable into your computer. This allows you to move around the house without losing your Internet connection, access the Internet in public places, and integrate your home network without needing to run lengths of Ethernet cable all over the ground. The use of wireless Internet typically will cause a slight slowdown of your Internet speeds, but a more dramatic slowdown could indicate a potential problem that you can address using a basic troubleshooting procedure.

Instructions

1. Run an Internet speed test on a website with a free speed test (see Resources). Compare the average upload and download rates with those that are guaranteed by your Internet service provider to determine how much of a slowdown you are experiencing.

2. Reset the network by unplugging the power cords of both your modem and wireless router. Count a full 30 seconds, and plug all devices back in. After allowing for 30 seconds for all the devices to complete their boot cycle, test the wireless connection again to see if it has returned to its normal speeds.

3. Unplug the Ethernet cable that attaches your Internet modem to your wireless router, and plug it directly into one of the Ethernet ports on your computer. Reset the modem in the manner described in Step 2 and retest your Internet speeds. If your speeds now improve, the router is causing the slowdown, and you will need to troubleshoot it on its own. If speeds are still slow, your Internet service is the source of the issue, and you would need to contact the technical support department of your Internet service provider.

Resources

• Speed Test
• Speakeasy: Speed Test
• DSL Reports: Speed Test