For example, you should close any background programs (e. g. , Skype, Steam, web browsers, etc. ) that you aren’t explicitly using while streaming video. If your computer, phone, or console is currently downloading items, consider waiting for the downloads to finish (or pausing them) while streaming.
If your streaming item is the only thing connected to the internet, your streaming quality and speed should improve.
Pay attention to popular streaming times in your geographical area as well, since use during post-work hours on weekdays can slow down the overall Internet speed in the area.
If your download speed matches or comes close to the advertised download speed, the issue is most likely on your end rather than the ISP’s.
If your download speed matches or comes close to the advertised download speed, the issue is most likely on your end rather than the ISP’s.
Restarting the network, also known as “power-cycling,” clears the network’s cache.
This rule has some limitations, namely regarding operating systems; if you’re streaming on an older item (e. g. , a three- or four-year-old Windows laptop), it might not be able to handle an operating system update. When streaming through an app such as Netflix or Hulu, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using the most recent version of the app.
If this isn’t possible, try to minimize the number of electrical or solid items between the router and your streaming item. If you use ethernet, skip this step.
If possible, use a shielded ethernet cable if your router is across the room from (or in a different room than) the streaming item. Doing so will minimize the chances of damaging the cable.
Most routers that have two channels will provide you with two Wi-Fi networks when you go to connect to them; the 5. 0 channel’s name is usually a variation of the regular Wi-Fi channel’s name. Keep in mind that 5. 0 channels allow for faster Wi-Fi but do not have the same range as 2. 4 channels, meaning that your streaming item will have to be closer to the router.
Many streaming services, such as Netflix, will optimize your video quality for your connection at the time of setup. This means that if you started with a high Internet speed and the speed dropped, Netflix may still try to use the high-quality streaming even though it’s not ideal on your current connection.
