Broadband Performance Inside the home

Electronic devices

For both ADSL and VDSL broadband, other electronic devices in your home, can produce electrical interference, including halogen desk lamps, electrical dimmer switches, stereo and PC speakers and fairy lights.

If you are experiencing broadband performance issues, try unplugging these and other electronic devices to see if this makes a difference to your internet speed.

Modems

Use the best quality wired (Ethernet) or wireless modem to connect your broadband to the internet.

A new device will usually connect faster than an older modem. It is recommended that you place your modem on a shelf or table, not the floor.

Aim to locate it as centrally as possible and place it away from sources of electrical interference.

Try not to obstruct the wireless signal between your router and device, for example, white ware, fish tanks or thick walls.

Computer

The age of your PC or laptop, your browser settings and virus protection can affect your broadband speed. For maximum performance it may also be necessary to update your wireless device software and drivers.

Phone jacks

If you are using ADSL broadband, check that you have broadband filters, also known as ADSL line filters installed on your existing phone jack points that are connected to landlines, fax machines, security alarms or Sky Decoders.

Extension cables and sockets between your modem and the jack point can reduce the speed of your broadband connection. Ideally, your modem should have a single short cable connecting it to the jack point.

If you are using Wi-Fi for your internet connection, the location of your Wi-Fi equipment and certain building materials can have an impact on your broadband performance.

In general, the further your computer is from your wireless router, the lower the signal strength will be and your broadband speed will decrease.

Remember that the range of your Wi-Fi is affected by concrete walls and materials containing metal.

Wireless interference can also be caused by microwave ovens, cordless phones, baby monitors and Bluetooth devices.

Your router sends its wireless signal on a set frequency, or channel.

If someone nearby, like a neighbour is using the same channel, the signals may experience interference and this can reduce your wireless performance.

If several people in your home share the same connection at the same time, your broadband performance can suffer.

If for example, someone in your home is watching a video or downloading large files, their device will be using a lot of bandwidth and any other devices on your network accessing the internet will be left using the remaining bandwidth.

Internal wiring can affect the delivery of services and speed of your broadband connection.

Ideally, internal home wiring should be of Cat6e or better to get the full benefits of your broadband connection.