ITV's Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has revealed some tips on how to maximise your Wi-Fi speed.
Readers of Mr Lewis' financial website MoneySavingExpert were let in on the simple changes that can improve slow broadband and upload speed (how fast you can send data over the internet).
A selection of websites can be used to check your internet speed, which many Brits may not realise is sub-par, reports The Mirror.
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These sites are: Broadband Genie, Fast.com and Speedtest.net.
Testing your broadband speeds at different times during the day also helps to show when it is under the most strain.
Peak times, known as "internet rush hour", are between 7pm and 9pm, this could naturally create a lag when there is a high number of people near you on the same network at the same time.
If your broadband speed or upload speed is low, you might be better off switching to a new provider.
But if you don't want to switch, or are just interested in improving your internet speed, here are some of MoneySavingExpert's top tips.
Don't forget, you could also get a huge saving on your broadband plan if you get state support. On average, people on Universal Credit could save £144 a year.
1) Put your router in the right place
We all know that the closer you are to the router the better your internet speed will be.
WiFi can't travel through thick walls or large objects, so where you put your router can make a huge difference.
The best places to put routers are:
- In central locations
- High up with no obstacles
2) Use wires not WiFi
Going wireless is obviously a lot neater, but going old school and plugging your computer or laptop into the router directly can massively improve speed.
An Ethernet cable means faster data transfer and less interference.
3) Keep routers away from other devices
Wireless routers can also be subject to interference from other electrical goods.
To test this, run a speed test then try switching off all electrical devices except your router and run another test to check any difference.
Items like cordless telephones, halogen bulbs, baby monitors, dimmer light switches, TVs and screens can all affect your broadband speed if you are too near the router.
4) Use a wireless booster
Wireless boosters are gadgets that can supercharge your signal across your home.
This is normally done by people in large homes or in properties with blackspots for signals.
But these boosters only extend the signal you have, they can't improve it.
Your broadband supplier might send you a free booster if you can't get signal in certain rooms.
5) Turn off WiFi devices not being used
The more devices that are connected to your WiFi, the slower the overall speed.
Switching devices off can help get better connectivity, so try turning off the WiFi reception off when these items are not in use.
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