August 27, 2025

Increase Home Network Speeds: A Practical Guide

Discover effective ways to enhance your home network speeds with our comprehensive guide tailored for UK users. Learn practical tips and troubleshooting methods.

What you’ll build / learn

In this guide, you will learn practical methods to enhance your home network speeds. By following the steps outlined, you will be able to identify the factors that may be slowing down your connection and implement effective solutions. This tutorial is designed for beginners and will cover everything from basic troubleshooting to advanced optimisation techniques.

You will also learn about the importance of router placement, the impact of interference from other devices, and how to configure your network settings for optimal performance. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a clearer understanding of how to manage your home network and improve your internet experience.

Additionally, we will explore common pitfalls that users encounter when trying to increase their network speeds, along with best practices to avoid them. This comprehensive approach ensures that you are well-equipped to maintain a fast and reliable internet connection.

Why it matters

Having a fast and reliable internet connection is crucial in our increasingly connected world. Whether you are working from home, streaming your favourite shows, or gaming online, slow network speeds can significantly impact your experience. Understanding how to increase your home network speeds can lead to a more efficient and enjoyable use of the internet.

In the UK, many households rely on broadband services from ISPs like Virgin Media, BT, Sky, Plusnet, and TalkTalk. Each of these providers offers different plans and speeds, but even the best service can suffer from slowdowns due to various factors. By learning how to troubleshoot and optimise your network, you can make the most of your subscription and ensure that you are getting the speeds you pay for.

Furthermore, as more devices connect to your home network, the demand for bandwidth increases. This can lead to congestion and slower speeds, particularly during peak usage times. Understanding how to manage your network can help alleviate these issues and provide a smoother online experience for all users in your household.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the steps to increase your network speeds, there are a few prerequisites to consider. First, ensure that you have access to your router’s settings. This typically involves connecting to your network via a web browser and entering the router’s IP address. You may need the administrator password, which is often found on the router itself or in the documentation provided by your ISP.

Next, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of your current internet plan. Knowing the maximum speeds you are supposed to receive can help you identify whether your current performance is subpar. You can usually find this information on your ISP’s website or your service agreement.

Lastly, consider having a few tools handy. A speed test website or app can help you measure your current internet speeds, while a network analyser app can provide insights into connected devices and potential interference. Having these tools will facilitate the troubleshooting process and help you implement effective solutions.

Step-by-step

Start by testing your current internet speed using a reliable speed test tool, such as Ookla Speedtest. This will give you a baseline to compare against after making changes.
Check the placement of your router. Ideally, it should be in a central location, elevated, and away from walls or obstructions to maximise coverage.
Reduce interference by moving your router away from devices that may cause signal disruption, such as microwaves, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices.
Ensure that your router’s firmware is up to date. Log into your router settings and check for any available updates that may improve performance.
Change your Wi-Fi channel to one that is less congested. Use a Wi-Fi analyser app to identify the best channel for your network.
Consider switching to the 5GHz band if your router supports dual-band. This band typically offers faster speeds and less interference compared to the 2.4GHz band.
Limit the number of connected devices. Disconnect any devices that are not in use, as multiple connections can slow down your network.
If you have a large home, consider investing in Wi-Fi extenders or a mesh network system to improve coverage in hard-to-reach areas.
Regularly reboot your router to refresh the connection. This can help clear any temporary issues that may be affecting your speed.
Contact your ISP if you continue to experience slow speeds. They may be able to identify issues on their end or suggest upgrades to your plan.
Consider upgrading your router if it is several years old. Newer models often come with improved technology that can handle higher speeds and more devices.
Finally, review your internet plan to ensure it meets your household’s needs. If you consistently require higher speeds, it may be worth considering an upgrade.

Best practices & security

To maintain a fast and secure home network, it is essential to follow best practices. Start by regularly updating your router’s firmware, as manufacturers often release updates to improve performance and security. This ensures that your network is protected against vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.

Use strong, unique passwords for your Wi-Fi network and router settings. Avoid using easily guessable passwords and consider enabling WPA3 encryption if your router supports it. This adds an additional layer of security to your network, making it harder for unauthorised users to gain access.

Regularly review the devices connected to your network. Remove any that you do not recognise or no longer use. This helps to ensure that your bandwidth is not being consumed by unknown devices and enhances your overall security.

Common pitfalls & troubleshooting

When attempting to increase your network speeds, there are several common pitfalls to avoid. One of the most frequent mistakes is neglecting to check for interference from other devices. Even minor appliances can disrupt your Wi-Fi signal, so it’s crucial to assess your environment and make adjustments as needed.

Another common issue is failing to update router firmware. Users often overlook this step, which can lead to performance issues. Make it a habit to check for updates regularly to keep your router functioning optimally.

Additionally, many users do not realise the importance of testing their internet speed before and after making changes. Without this baseline, it can be challenging to determine if your efforts have been successful. Always document your speeds to track improvements or ongoing issues.

Alternatives & trade-offs

Option	Pros	Cons
Wi-Fi Extender	Increases coverage in larger homes	Can reduce speed; may require configuration
Mesh Network	Seamless coverage; easy to set up	More expensive than traditional routers
Powerline Adapters	Utilises existing electrical wiring for connectivity	Performance can vary based on wiring quality
Upgrading ISP Plan	Higher speeds; better performance	Increased monthly cost

When considering alternatives to improve your network speeds, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Wi-Fi extenders are a popular choice for extending coverage but can sometimes lead to reduced speeds. Mesh networks provide seamless connectivity throughout your home but come at a higher price point.

Powerline adapters are a viable option for those with wiring in good condition, as they can deliver reliable speeds without the need for additional cabling. Finally, upgrading your ISP plan is a straightforward way to achieve higher speeds, but it does come with an increased monthly cost. Assess your needs and budget before making a decision.

What the community says

The home networking community often shares valuable insights and experiences regarding network optimisation. Many users emphasise the importance of router placement and recommend experimenting with different locations to find the optimal setup. Others highlight the benefits of using dual-band routers, which can significantly improve performance in busy households.

Additionally, forums frequently discuss the effectiveness of various troubleshooting techniques, such as rebooting the router and checking for firmware updates. Users often report that these simple steps can lead to noticeable improvements in speed.

Community members also advocate for regular speed testing to monitor performance over time. By sharing their experiences, users help one another identify effective strategies for maintaining fast and reliable networks.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my internet speed is slow?A: You can determine if your internet speed is slow by conducting a speed test using a reliable tool like Ookla Speedtest. If your results are significantly lower than what your ISP advertises, you may need to troubleshoot your network.

Q: What factors can affect my network speed?A: Several factors can affect your network speed, including router placement, interference from other devices, the number of connected devices, and the overall quality of your internet service. Addressing these issues can help improve your speeds.

Q: Is it worth upgrading my router?A: Upgrading your router can be worthwhile, especially if your current model is several years old. Newer routers often support faster speeds and more devices, which can enhance your overall network performance.

Q: How often should I reboot my router?A: It is a good practice to reboot your router regularly, such as once a month. This can help clear temporary issues and maintain optimal performance.

Q: Can I use a Wi-Fi extender with my existing router?A: Yes, Wi-Fi extenders can be used with most existing routers to increase coverage in larger homes. However, be aware that they may reduce overall speeds, so placement and configuration are important.

Q: What should I do if my speeds don’t improve?A: If your speeds do not improve after troubleshooting, consider contacting your ISP for assistance. They may identify issues on their end or suggest plan upgrades to meet your needs.

Source

For further insights and community discussions, visit the original Reddit thread: How to Increase Network Speeds.