How to Increase Your Internet Speed in 10 Easy Steps

Slow internet is the worst! Even studies show that wonky Wi-Fi connections are the number one modern-day inconvenience.

If your downloads take long to finish, your Zoom calls are a nightmare, and your games lag every other moment, I feel your pain. Luckily, you can get your internet connection in the fast lane with a few quick adjustments, and I’m here to tell you all about them.

Keep in mind that faster connection speeds don’t equate to a safer and more secure connection. Use CyberGhost VPN to encrypt your connection and keep cyber threats at bay.

Now without further ado, let’s get tweaking!

10 Easy Ways to Boost Your Internet Speed

In this article, I’m going to list 10 easy ways to boost your speed, starting from simple tips and moving on to tech-savvier ones. Here’s a quick overview:

      1. Put your router under the microscope.
      2. Check your internet cable.
      3. Get an ethernet cable.
      4. Use optimal DNS settings.
      5. Buy a Wi-Fi extender.
      6. Block ISP throttling.
      7. Make sure your systems are up to date.
      8. Use all the bands of your router.
      9. Choose another Wi-Fi channel for your router.
      10. Get a better router.

I’ll go into more details on each one further in the article, but before you get to tweaking, you should first establish if your internet speed is… truly slow.

Cyber attacks and online threats will also grind your online speed to a halt. Protect your connection from snoopers and prevent malware-induced slow speeds with CyberGhost VPN. Our fast VPN servers will make surfing online a breeze, and our military-grade encryption will keep your connections safe from any intruders.

First, Measure Your Internet Speed

Before we go into the nitty-gritty of increasing your internet speed, we need to establish your baseline.

There are many speed test providers out there, but they all provide you with three essential details about your internet connection:

        • Your ping or latency.
        • Your download speed.
        • Your upload speed.

If these words don’t mean much to you, don’t worry, I’ll explain everything.

Your Ping/Latency

Ping (sometimes called latency) is the time it takes for data to leave your device, reach a server, and then come back to you. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms), so the lower the ping, the better your internet speed.

Ping matters in almost everything you do online, but we’ve come to associate it with online gaming. It’s very clear how a high ping impacts responsiveness during gameplay, so it’s a good indicator of your overall internet performance.

Table detailing the required latency for various online activities.

Your Download Speed

Don’t let the words here trick you. Your download speed refers to how fast you can get any data off the internet; it’s not exclusive to when you click the Download button.

We measure download speed in megabits per second (Mbps), and the higher your download speed, the faster your internet connection. When you go online, you’re constantly downloading something, even though you might not be aware of it.

Visiting a web page? You’re actually downloading data to display it. Reading your emails? You’re downloading them first. Streaming a movie? You’ve guessed it; you’re downloading data all the way.

It’s hard to definitively say what a “good” download speed is because it depends on what you do online. Here’s a rough sketch of what a good performance should look like.

A table detailing average download speed and evaluating performance

Your Upload Speed

Your upload speed is all about how fast your internet connection allows data to be sent from your device. Like download speed, we also measure in megabits per second (Mbps). The higher it is, the faster you can upload data.

Upload speed plays a pivotal role if you’re live streaming from home, but it also determines your quality during video calls, video conferencing, and online video games.

An upload speed of 5 Mbps is generally a good speed for most online activities, but it depends on factors like your ISP’s cable provider and network configurations. Check out this rough estimate of recommended upload speeds when streaming:

A table detailing average upload speed and evaluating performance.

Before you run your speed test, make sure your browser is the only software running on your device. It’s best that you deactivate:

    • ➡ Torrent apps
    • VPN apps
    • ➡ Streaming apps
    • ➡ Network monitoring apps
    • ➡ Online games and launchers

Turn off all downloads or uploads, so you’ll get a more accurate reading in the test.

Ok, now that you’re all up to speed (pun intended), you’re ready for your test.

Compare Your Numbers with Your Plan

Now, the moment of truth: do you have slow internet speed? Check how those numbers compare to what you should be getting from your internet service provider (ISP). Whether or not your numbers can be improved depends entirely on them and your subscription.

For example, if you’re on a 15Mbps plan, you won’t be able to get a faster connection, no matter how many tricks you try. Unless you upgrade your plan. The rule of thumb in the industry is that getting 70-80% of your contractual speed is acceptable.

Pro-Tip: Read the contract from your ISP. It should state what you can get from the service. No matter what you do, you won’t be able to bypass data caps or reroute your ISP’s infrastructure to modify your baseline speed.

For below-average speeds, contact your ISP to see if they have any technical issues in your area. Maintenance downtime or outages typically don’t last longer than a day or two, after which your speed should be back to normal.

If everything’s ok with your ISP, but your internet is still a slowpoke, it’s time to put on your detective cap and see what’s going on.

1. Put Your Router Under the Microscope

Sometimes with slow speeds, your router is the main culprit. Your router does all the connectivity work. It’s natural that it can get confused or overworked from time to time.

Reboot Your Router

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Let’s begin with the oldest trick in the IT support handbook: did you turn it off and on again?

Sometimes the answer is just that easy.

Follow these 5 easy steps to reboot your router:

  1. Turn it off by pressing the power button on the back.
  2. Unplug it from the power outlet.
  3. Wait for at least 30 seconds.
  4. Plug it back in.
  5. Turn it back on.

This will clear out the cache, where your router saves data. If it stored any errors, it will impact online performance. Make sure you don’t accidentally push the reset button. This is not what we’re after. As bulky as it seems, your router has less memory than a smartwatch. Resetting it could delete all your settings, customizations, and passwords. You’re just looking to let your router start fresh.

If that doesn’t make a dent in your speed test, it still doesn’t mean your router is in the clear. Let’s have a look at where your router sits.

Make Sure Your Router Is in a Good Place

One of the most important decisions for the quality of your signal is where you place your router. When technicians come into a house to set up an internet connection, they’re not looking to optimize your connection; they just want to place the modem where the line enters the property. Usually, that’s along the wall in the corner of the house.

That’s far from ideal for you, though. Instead, here’s what you should do.

☐ Pick a Central Location in Your Home

Routers send their signal out in all directions, so corners are not an ideal spot. A good part of your internet will literally go out the window.

To optimize everything, move the router towards the middle of your house, considering various floors. With no walls or obstructions nearby, the signal can freely travel to the devices in your home.

☐ Place Your Router Up High

You should put your router up high to maximize coverage. This could mean a bookshelf or someplace on a wall near the ceiling.

Just make sure it has plenty of empty space around it, and nothing is covering it. Thick floors and walls will reduce your router’s signal.

Pro-Tip: If you want your router to cover a second floor, move it near your ceiling. This will provide a stronger signal.

☐ Adjust the Antennas

If your router has any antennas, you’ll want to adjust them. Antennas help direct the signal, so their position matters. Ideally, you don’t want them all pointing in the same direction, so experiment with various setups according to your needs.

Be patient and keep running speed tests with different antenna positions.

☐ Keep Your Router Away from Other Electronics

To get the best speeds, you want to minimize interference. This means you need to position your router away from other electronics or large metal objects whenever it’s possible to do so. Keep your router away from heat sources, including heaters, vents, furnaces, and stoves. This way you prevent damage to its components.

Pro-Tip: Avoid the kitchen like the plague. Not only is it generally a more humid room that can slowly damage your router, but your microwave spells disaster for your speed. Microwaves emit a strong signal in the 2.4GHz band, which is the same one your router uses to operate. For more details on router bands, check our #8 tip.

2. Check Your Internet Cable

If you’ve ever accidentally stepped on a cable and mangled it forever, you already know they’re not the most durable thing. Internet cables are no exception to this rule.

Cable integrity is essential to ensure consistent online performance. This is why you should check the cables if you notice your speed is not up to par lately. Look for bends, punctures, and tears, as they could all affect your speed numbers.

Even if you’re really careful around cables, children and pets are not. It’s a good idea to keep cables out of their reach. Outside of your home, internet cables are at the mercy of wild animals. Depending on where you live this may or may not be a cause for concern. If you have cause to suspect that birds or critters are damaging the cables that connect your house or flat to the internet, call your ISP to secure the cables from bites and scratches. Your ISP can also help replace damaged cables.

If you rely on an underground internet cable, it might be a bit harder for you to take matters into your own hands. Underwater cables are at the mercy of fish and sharks, while those on dry land can be sensitive to heavy rains, construction work, and even small earthquakes. Replacing damaged underground cables may require special permits, so you’d best leave it to your ISP.

3. Get an Ethernet Cable

Wi-Fi is great and convenient. Sadly, some households aren’t a great environment for wireless connections. The positioning of the rooms and thick walls can negatively impact your internet speed.

In this case, you should look at ethernet connection. Cable connections are faster and more reliable since they get the signal directly to your device rather than relying on over-the-air transmissions.

You could aim to balance things. Connect the devices you use daily, like your PC, through an ethernet cable, and leave that tablet you use for Zoom calls on wireless. You’ll get a considerable speed boost when gaming, streaming, and downloading large files. Here’s a good guideline you can use to compartmentalize your Wi-Fi and Ethernet needs.

Table detailing what type of connection are best via Wi-Fi and which via ethernet cable

Some devices don’t have an Ethernet jack. In that case, you’ll need an Ethernet adapter. You can easily find adapters compatible with USB and USB-C ports. Check your local stores for the best option for you.

Pro-Tip: Consider weeding out devices that you don’t need constantly connected when they’re not in use. Good examples of this include:

          • Gaming consoles
          • Smart TVs
          • VR headsets
          • eBook readers

4. Use Optimal DNS Settings

Sometimes, your router isn’t to blame for slow speeds. Rather, it has to do with how your device’s connection communicates with the internet. Let’s backpaddle just a bit, and I’ll explain everything.

What Is DNS?

DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it’s what we use to identify devices and resources through the internet. Every device connected to the internet uses DNS to navigate the internet as you know it. For example, every time you type www.youtube.com in your browser, your device uses a DNS server to know you’re actually referring to 208.65.153.238. You can think of the DNS system as a phone book that translates websites to their IP addresses, without us having to remember long rows of numbers.

Most of us don’t usually fumble around with DNS, and generally rely on our ISP’s DNS server for our online browsing. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that your ISP’s server is performing optimally.

Your location plays a big role in this. If the DNS server is far away from you, you won’t get optimal speeds. This is because it takes longer for the data to travel from you to the server and back. Depending on your location and how your ISP’s network is set up, your ISP might not have other alternatives for you. This doesn’t mean there are no alternatives though.

Change Your DNS Settings

You can customize your DNS settings and choose another server to boost your speed.

Pro-Tip: Changing your DNS might sound scary at a first glance, so be sure to check out our guide on how to change your DNS on every device.

For optimal speed, it’s best to change the settings directly on your router. Here’s how:

  1. Open a web browser and log into your router’s web interface.
  2. Type in the admin username and password your ISP provided for you.
  3. Go to the Advanced settings.
  4. (Optional) Note down your ISP’s DNS server address.
  5. Enter whatever DNS server address you want.

You can enter any third-party DNS server you want. If you’re not sure where to start, consider testing Google and Cloudflare’s DNS. Here’s what they look like:

          • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4
          • Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 or 1.0.0.1

Cloudflare had an independent audit which measured 1.1.1.1 to be the fastest DNS resolver on the market.

While they might be fast, they do come with some security concerns. Google is famous for collecting and selling data, while Cloudflare has had bugs that exposed private user data in the past. These DNS servers are a good way to boost your internet speed, but leave your connection exposed. Consider using CyberGhost VPN to encrypt your traffic and protect your data from snoopers. CyberGhost VPN uses fast VPN servers that won’t impact your speed or ping.

5. Buy A Wi-Fi Extender

You might have heard of these nifty devices called Wi-Fi extenders, Wi-Fi boosters, or Wi-Fi repeaters. They’re pretty self-explanatory: Wi-Fi extenders extend the coverage area of your Wi-Fi network, and they’re pretty much essential for bigger houses or if you have thick walls.

If you live on a large property or in a multi-story house with a patchy Wi-Fi signal, you’ll get different speed test results in different rooms. Unless you pile up all your internet-connected devices in the same room as your router, you won’t get consistently good performance. Wi-Fi extenders will boost your Wi-Fi signal, and by extension your speed, in these poor-coverage rooms. Sometimes, they’re so efficient they can effectively double the speeds you were getting.

Pro tip: When choosing a range extender, it’s crucial to pick one that matches your router’s specs. For example, the D-Link AirPremier DAP-2360 can extend your router’s coverage, but only in the 2.4 GHz wireless band. For 5 GHz connections, you need something like TP-Link AC1750.

However, keep in mind that a Wi-Fi extender won’t increase your router’s speed or bypass your ISP’s limitations.

How Do Wi-Fi Extenders Work?

A Wi-Fi extender will essentially create another network. When you go to a room with a poor signal or no coverage, you switch to the extender network as easily as if you’d change Wi-Fi networks. You can set up some extenders to connect automatically so you don’t have to spend time disconnecting and reconnecting manually.

Wi-Fi extenders offer the same levels of security as your router, and most extenders have the WPA2 security standard. WPA2 standard became the mandatory security certification program in 2020 for all Wi-Fi devices. WPA2 is a good security standard but is by no means a good shield against the ever-evolving cyber threats out there.

You need to protect your private information from bulk data collection with 256-bit AES VPN encryption. VPN encryption is a good way to secure your traffic. Use CyberGhost VPN to encrypt your traffic and hide your private information from your ISP, authorities, advertisers, and cybercriminals.

6. Block ISP throttling

Your ISP plays a big part in the speeds you get online, but sometimes those sloth-like speeds aren’t an accident. You’re looking at throttling.

Throttling is when your ISP decides to regulate network traffic and minimize bandwidth congestion. It’s a failsafe that ensures a stable connection for its customers. You, on the other hand, will experience slower speeds when you want to stream or download something. Throttling occurs more often during rush hours.

Throttling limits both your download and upload speeds, and you’ll see:

          • An increase in buffering
          • Longer loading times
          • Lower-quality videos
          • Slow downloads
          • Videos freezing
          • Pixelated pictures
          • Lag during online video games

Far from ideal, right?

How You Can Tell If Your ISP Throttles Your Connection

One of the easiest ways to test if your ISP intentionally messes with your speed is to make a comparison.

There are only two steps you need to follow.

  1. Run a speed test and write down the numbers.
  2. Connect to CyberGhost VPN and rerun the same speed test

Pro-Tip: Use the same speed test service to get accurate results. It’s also a good idea to run the tests across different hours of the day. ISPs usually slow down connections with data-heavy activities like streaming during peak hours (think 7 pm to about 11 pm).

If you get better speeds with the VPN, there you have it; your ISP is messing with your connection. Take it as a small consolation, but throttling doesn’t only happen to you; it affects everyone in your area.

How to Stop Throttling with a VPN

If you want to put an end to ISP throttling, you need CyberGhost VPN.

A VPN works by hiding your IP address and encrypting your connection. A good VPN stops your ISP from successfully inspecting your traffic. This is because VPNs scramble your data and make it unreadable to anyone but you. And if they no longer know whether you’re streaming or torrenting, they can’t impose any speed restrictions anymore.

You also get some extra benefits with CyberGhost VPN.

The 256-bit AES VPN encryption lets you:

          • Browse without fear of advertisers and snoopers siphoning your data
          • Protect your private information on unsecured public Wi-Fi
          • Bypass geo-restrictions and censorship
          • Get better deals online

Try it out risk-free with our 45-day money-back guarantee!

7. Make Sure Your Systems Are Up to Date

Updates might be annoying, but they’re integral to a device’s maintenance. Routers are no exception to this. Since your router handles all your traffic, you should make sure its firmware is in top shape.

Your router firmware is the preinstalled, embedded software that manages routing protocols, administrative features, and other security mechanisms.

Regular updates are essential in ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Router Updates

Router manufacturers typically roll out software updates several times throughout the year. Unfortunately, routers have no way to show pop-up notifications whenever a new update is released. The onus is on you to find, download, and install them. If you haven’t done this in a while, you can expect to be rewarded with a speed boost at the end of the process, so it’s well worth it.

While some routers offer desktop or mobile apps, the overwhelming majority use a web interface for updates. Here’s how the update process should look:

          • Go to the manufacturer’s website and download the firmware update. If it’s archived, unzip it.
          • Log into your router’s web interface. Find it by opening a web browser, then type your router’s IP address into the address bar and hit enter.
          • Type in the username and password your ISP provided.
          • Look for the section where you can update the firmware. Depending on your model, you can find it in the Administration, System, Setup, Advanced, or Tools area.
          • Upload the newly downloaded firmware file.
          • Wait for a few moments for the process to complete, and you’re good to go.

For router-specific instructions, you can check the manufacturer’s website or contact your ISP’s Customer Support.

Device Updates

Routers aren’t the only devices that need updates though. Every device you use, like your phone, PC, or Smart TV will regularly receive system updates too. As opposed to routers you should receive a notification for every update.

The exact steps on how to install a system update depend on your device and operating system. Luckily, with these notifications, your job is much easier. Just click or tap on them and follow the on-screen instructions.

By regularly installing updates you can make sure your system performs optimally. If you haven’t done these updates in a while, you might notice a degradation in speed. This degradation impacts the way your device opens and closes apps and runs software, and also the way it pulls information from the internet.

Not to mention that updates sometimes come with security patches. Steering clear of malware and cyber threats is a good way to prevent damage to your systems that can negatively impact your speed.

8. Use All the Bands Your Router Offers

If you were hoping for some music, I have some bad news for you: this isn’t about tunes.

A wireless band, or frequency band, is how your wireless data is transmitted. These are radio waves that carry your data to and from your router. Currently, two of them are in use:

        • The 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) band
        • The 5 GHz band

The 2.4 GHz band is the default for Wi-Fi networks and routers. This makes the airwaves rather crowded. Multiple-band routers are the solution to our modern-day wave problem. Dual-band routers give you access to both bands. It’s like having two separate networks in one device, and you can use them to maximize speed. These types of routers are usually easy to spot since they have at least four antennas.

Pro-tip: If you have 30+ internet-connected devices in your home, you should look into tri-band routers.

Tri-band routers take it up a notch and broadcast on three separate bands:

        • One 2.4 GHz band
        • Two independent 5 GHz bands

You can use these bands strategically to maximize internet performance and stability.

How to Choose Between the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Bands

One of the main differences between the two bands is the speed they can provide. For speed, 5 GHz is the clear winner, since it allows you to send and receive data faster. Sadly, it doesn’t have as strong a signal as 2.4 GHz.

The 2.4 GHz band transmits signals at a lower frequency. It’s able to cover more ground and penetrate walls and other solid objects but is significantly slower.

Table detailing what features 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz offer

Most dual-band routers are plug-and-play, so you shouldn’t have any problems setting up your networks. For more details, check out the manufacturer’s website or contact their customer support department.

9. Choose Another Wi-Fi Channel for Your Router

Did you get your router from your ISP or buy it in the past five years? If that’s the case, congratulations! Your device is more than capable of detecting the best Wi-Fi channel and picking it automatically, so you can skip this section.

If you’ve had your router as your trusted companion for more than five years now, it’s time for a lesson in how to optimize radio transmissions.

As I’ve detailed, routers operate on two bands: 2.4 and 5 GHz. Within these Wi-Fi frequency bands, there are smaller bands which are referred to as Wi-Fi channels. A Wi-Fi channel is the medium wireless networks use to send and receive data.

Optimize Your 2.4 GHz Router

The 2.4 GHz band has 14 channels, but some of them overlap. It’s prohibited to use channels 12 and 13 in some countries like the US since they’re reserved for companies. Channel 14 is off-limits everywhere but Japan since military personnel rely on it.

If more wireless networks operate on the same channel, they experience more interference. This leaves you with not-so-great speeds.

The 2.4 Ghz band has 11 channels

Depending on the other wireless networks you have nearby, one of those channels might be a better option than the others. As a general rule, go for the sweet spot of channels 1, 6, or 11, as they’re the ones with the least overlaps.

For example, let’s say your router uses channel 1, but your next-door neighbor is on channel 2. In this situation, to keep your throughput from plummeting, move to the end of the spectrum. Channel 11 will help you avoid their interference.

It might take a bit of a trial and error, so be patient in your quest to find the best channel for you, and don’t forget architecture plays a big part in Wi-Fi signal. Interior walls, especially brick ones, are great for weakening signals and stopping interference. Paper-thin walls, on the other hand, can have you switching channels frequently.

To change channels, you’ll need a Wi-Fi scanning app. Microsoft’s WiFi Analyzer or Network Analyzer on macOS should do the trick.

Here’s what you need to do.

  1. Log into your router.
  2. Open Wireless Settings.
  3. From the Channels section, pick your Wi-Fi channel.
  4. Apply your changes and enjoy the extra speed.

Channel selection is not something you have to worry about with 5 GHz routers, as 23 out of the 45 channels they offer are non-overlapping.

10. Get a Better Router

replacing your router can give your internet a boost

If all else fails, it’s time to face the truth. Your router can no longer keep up with modern demands.

The general lifespan of a router is about five years, but you still need to take maintenance, usage, manufacturer, and developments in technology into consideration.

Because it’s not like your router goes belly-up once it reaches the five-year mark, here are the signs you should be looking for.

Pro Tip: Take into account how you’ve used and maintained your router and whether or not its technology has now become obsolete.

Did You Take Good Care of It?

We don’t carry routers around with us, so they’re not really in danger of being dropped, mishandled, or having tiny pieces inside them misplaced. Yet, they still need some level of care and attention.

Ideally, you’ll want to place your router in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight. Make sure the cables aren’t in a place where you can accidentally fumble around with them.

Pro-Tip: Make sure small children and pets can’t reach your router.

Have You Overloaded Your Router?

If you have multiple people hooked to your router all the time, and they’re doing data-heavy downloads, the device might overheat. With time, this damages your router to the point where you’ll experience random disconnects and even hardware failure. This is why office routers don’t last as long as your home router.

The band-aid solution is to give it a rest from time to time.

Pro-Tip: Your router should never be so hot that it’s uncomfortable to touch.

Does Your Router Fit Your Coverage Needs?

Different routers have different coverage areas. If yours has been with you for multiple years as you upsized and moved houses, it might not do the trick anymore. If your router fails to cover large areas, you’ll definitely notice a degradation in speed.

Pro-Tip: If you have a new router that still doesn’t cover your entire place, consider looking into Wi-Fi extenders.

Is the Tech Inside Outdated?

In some cases, it simply doesn’t matter how much care you take of your router. Fast technological developments will make it obsolete. Wireless network standards and data speeds make considerable jumps to improve user experience in short periods of time.

For example, a router launched before 2009 can still work to connect you to the internet, but back then we used different standards. In the early 2000s, a great router would give you a maximum of 72 Mbps data transfer speed. Nowadays, good routers average around 150 Mbps transfer speed.

Pro-Tip: If you have a router that passed the five-year threshold, it might not be able to keep up with current internet speeds and give you all the juice you need for gaming, streaming, and working from home. Not to mention it won’t do a 5G connection any justice.

If your current router:

          • Hasn’t been properly maintained
          • Has been overused
          • No longer serves your coverage needs
          • Has outdated tech inside

It’s time for a newer model. Before you buy one, continue reading so you know what to look for in a router.

What Router Should You Buy

Routers vary significantly in functionality, price, and performance. Some are better at boosting your internet speed. The consensus is that what you pay for is what you get. If you go for cheaper options, you risk more issues along the way and a shorter lifespan.

Price tag aside, here are some of the details you should pay attention to when shopping for a new home router.

5G support

5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It’s the new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. You might remember some of them, but one thing’s for sure: things have improved a lot since it all began in the 1980s!

5G enables a new kind of network that has Internet of Things (IoT) in mind. It paves the way for faster speeds, smoother video streaming, and gives us the ability to connect multiple smart devices to the same router.

Table detailing the differences between 4G and 5G networks

If you live in a place that has started rolling out 5G tech, it’s definitely wise to invest in a router with 5G support.

VPN Support

If you’re often at odds with speed because of ISP throttling, you need a VPN. A VPN redirects your traffic through an encrypted tunnel, which keeps your ISP from seeing what you’re doing online. This way, your ISP won’t throttle you. You can install CyberGhost VPN on up to 7 different devices with our multiplatform support, or you could go for a CyberGhost VPN router.

With a wireless VPN router, you secure your entire network, and bypass all content-based throttling attempts, no matter what devices you’re on. It’s easy and convenient!

Multiple-Band Support

To refresh your memory, modern routers are dual-band and tri-band, and they’re the equivalent of having two or three networks in one device.

You should pay attention to this feature, especially if you have many IoT devices at your place.

Computational Power

When you hunt for your new router, here are three little words to look for: quad-core CPU. It will give you all the computational power you need to go online with optimal performance.

A quad-core processor is a chip with four independent units called cores that read and execute central processing unit (CPU) instructions such as add, move data, and branch.

With this in mind, here are some of the best routers available at the moment.

Table detailing some of the best routers available.

Mesh Capabilities

For impressive speeds, you might also want to consider getting a mesh router. Mesh routers are the latest in home networking technology.

A standalone router uses a single device to give you Wi-Fi coverage in a limited area. However, mesh routers use two or more connected devices to offer you multiple Wi-Fi signal sources, all on the same seamless network. It’s like having 3-5 separate routers in your home.

In this category, the most popular and budget-friendly option is the Google Nest Wi-Fi router. It blankets your whole home and gives you fast internet while eliminating buffering in spaces up to 120 square feet.

If you’re iffy about Google and its data collection practices, consider mitigating that risk with CyberGhost VPN. CyberGhost VPN encrypts your data with 256-bit AES VPN encryption and keeps data trackers and snoopers at bay. This way, you limit the data Google and other companies can collect on you.

FAQ

What is internet speed?

What we refer to as internet speed is the rate at which data packets travel from the world wide web to your device at home. It’s measured in 3 ways: ping, download speed, and upload speed. Ping is measured in milliseconds (ms), while the latter two are measured in megabits per second (Mbps). You can use a speed test to see what your numbers look like. Just make sure you deactivate torrent apps, your CyberGhost VPN app, online games, and streaming apps to get an accurate reading.

What impacts internet speed?

There are multiple factors that can affect your internet speed and performance. Everything from your router to the DNS settings you use can have an impact. If you use an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi and use a VPN to avoid ISP throttling, you can boost your internet speed. Take advantage of our 45-day money-back guarantee to test out CyberGhost VPN’s fast speeds.

How can I boost my internet speed for free?

You’ll want to put your detective cap on first and see what’s causing the slow internet speeds. If it’s your router, you might want to find a better place for it or update the firmware. If your coverage is poor, you’ll want to look into Wi-Fi extenders. Is your ISP throttling you? Use CyberGhost VPN to bypass throttling attempts. For a more detailed approach, see our 10 easy tips to boost your internet speed. They range from easy to more technical methods.

Can a VPN increase my internet speed?

A VPN can increase your internet speed. For example, if your internet service provider (ISP) is throttling your traffic whenever you’re streaming or playing online games, you can use CyberGhost VPN to hide your traffic from their systems. CyberGhost VPN has high-quality lightning-fast VPN servers, so you can enjoy a stable and optimal online performance. Get in touch with our 24/7 Customer Support and learn more about how CyberGhost VPN can boost your internet speed.

Leave a comment

Great Guidelines. Appreciated. I will definitely follow it for my project!

Reply

We’re happy to hear that, Faizan.

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We’re glad to hear you enjoy reading, Ghostie!

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Thanks for reading!

Hi there. My colleagues and I are trying to figure out how to enjoy better internet service in our office. Shout out to you for making us realize how quickly our internet connection can be with the help of ethernet cables. I’m gonna find an internet company to help us establish the right installation.

Reply

Glad to hear you found our guide helpful, Sam. Good luck!

Henry Killingsworth

Posted on 14/12/2022 at 23:05

I appreciate you helping me to understand that you will have a faster internet connection with a higher download speed. I want to improve my internet speed so that I can start a podcast from my home. It seems like it would be a good idea for me to find the internet provider in my area that offers the fastest download speed.

Reply

We hope you’ll find a suitable provider, Henry.

Hey, to be honest, I loved the way you’ve shaped this post. It is not only written in simple language that can be understood by people who have not done their Masters in English Literature but also in a friendly style. I have always loved to read your blog posts and hence I keep coming back for more. Every time I visit your website, I am always welcomed with a new interesting post. Thanks. Keep them coming!

Reply

We’re happy to hear you enjoy our guides, Gopi! Thanks for reading! 💛

Asdwal Serna arismendi

Posted on 25/05/2021 at 07:21

Me resulta muy interesante y lo probaré

Reply

Glad to hear you found our tips useful, Asdwal. 🙂

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