This article shows you how to increase the download speed of an electronic device connected to the internet. In addition to adopting general solutions, such as minimizing the number of devices connected simultaneously to the same internet line and reducing the number of programs or applications running simultaneously on the device, it is also possible to use a customized DNS server in order to try to exploit the segments of less traffic, an aspect that allows you to increase the speed of downloads.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: General Solutions
Step 1. Measure the current download speed of the internet line.
The easiest way to do this is to do a Google search using internet speed keywords; choose the first link from the list of results that appeared (it should be related to the SpeedTest.net website), then press the button Start Test. This way you will get a fairly reliable estimate of the current download speed of the internet line.
- If the detected download speed is much higher than that of the file you are downloading, it means that the problem is most likely not with the internet line.
- On the contrary, if the detected download speed is much slower than that declared by the telephone operator that manages your connection to the web, it means that you most likely need to decrease the number of devices currently connected to the network.
Step 2. Proceed by disconnecting all unnecessary electronic devices from the internet
The greater the number of devices connected to the network at the same time, the slower the download speed will be. If you can, disconnect game consoles, smartphones, tablets, televisions, and other computers from the network. In this way, your machine will be the only one to have access to the web being able to take full advantage of the maximum download speed.
Step 3. Stop any applications you don't use
When you need to download a large file (but this concept also applies to small ones), it is very important to stop all apps and programs that are not used, but which can occupy a part of the internet connection bandwidth.
For example, programs like BitTorrent, which remain running in the background, should be closed when you need to download Windows Update updates
Step 4. Disable streaming media services
Netflix, Hulu and YouTube itself are web services that tend to occupy the entire download bandwidth of the internet connection. Even if slightly, disabling these services will increase the download speed of the device.
It is also important to close any internet browser windows or tabs that you are not currently using
Step 5. Try connecting your computer to the network router using an Ethernet cable
If your computer is currently connected to the internet via a Wi-Fi connection, try connecting it to the router managing the network using an Ethernet cable, then check if the download speed has increased.
- If the download speed has really increased, it means that the wireless connection signal of the network router is not strong enough. To fix this, try moving your computer closer to the router, or consider purchasing one that can generate a stronger wireless signal.
- Conversely, if the download speed remains unchanged, it means that the cause of the problem lies in the router that manages the network or in the computer in use.
- You can try clearing the router's cache by disconnecting it from the power supply along with the modem and leaving both devices off for about a minute. After that, plug them back in and turn them on.
Step 6. While you are trying to download content from the internet, avoid sharing files on your computer or uploading to the web
While actively contributing to torrent file sharing within the community you join is an admirable and generous act, doing so while you are trying to download content from the internet is counterproductive to your purpose as it negatively impacts download speed.. Temporarily suspend sharing activity until all active downloads are complete or until you have finished using your internet connection (for example, while you are at work or sleeping).
Step 7. If you are using a torrent file download service it forces the use of a data encryption protocol
In this way, the information you are downloading will be hidden and your ISP will not be able to change the download speed of your connection based on the type of data requested (unfortunately, this is a very common practice whose purpose is to limit the 'use of services such as BitTorrent). To do this, follow these instructions:
- Access the menu Options the BitTorrent or uTorrent client;
- Choose the voice Preferences;
- Select the option BitTorrent;
- Access the "Outbound" drop-down menu;
- Choose the voice Forced;
- At this point, press the buttons in succession Apply And OK.
Step 8. Consider purchasing a new router
If the one currently in use has been in operation for more than two years, it means that it is an outdated device that is not able to keep up with the technological progress of telecommunications, so it would be appropriate to replace it with a more modern one capable to better manage the network connection.
When considering purchasing a network router, make sure it can handle the data transfer rate of your internet line (ideally, it should be able to handle a faster line than what you currently have)
Step 9. Increase the speed of your internet connection
The cause of the problem, at times, is simply represented by the internet connection that is not able to support the weight generated by downloading large files, as happens more and more frequently when installing video games for consoles and computers. Many ISPs offer packages designed specifically for "Gamers" with the aim of optimizing download speeds. However, these types of offers usually come with a hefty monthly subscription cost compared to an offer for a standard internet line.
Step 10. Contact the customer support of your internet connection provider
If you have tried all the solutions described in this section of the article without solving the problem, please contact your ISP's customer service and describe in detail the issues you are facing.
In some specific cases (for example if you live in a rural area away from large population centers), you may need to change the telephone line operator
Part 2 of 2: Using a Custom DNS Server
Windows systems
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking the icon
It features the Windows logo and is located in the lower left corner of the desktop. Alternatively, you can press the ⊞ Win key on your keyboard.
Step 2. Choose the "Settings" item
It is characterized by the icon
and is located in the lower left part of the "Start" menu.
Step 3. Click the "Network and internet" icon
It is located at the top of the Windows settings window.
Step 4. Choose the Change adapter options item
It is located within the "Change Network Settings" section of the adapter State.
Step 5. Select the name of the currently active network connection
It should be located inside the "Network Connections" window.
Step 6. Press the Change Connection Settings button
It is positioned at the top of the window. This will display the configuration settings of the chosen network connection.
Step 7. Choose the item "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP / IPv4)"
It is located inside the "This connection uses the following elements:" pane of the properties window of the selected network connection.
If you can't find it, it means you will most likely need to select the tab first Net of the appeared window.
Step 8. Press the Properties button
It is located in the lower right part of the "Properties" window of the network connection.
Step 9. Select the radio button "Use the following DNS server addresses"
It is located at the bottom of the "Properties" window that has appeared.
Step 10. Enter the IP address of the DNS server you want the network connection to use
To do this, use the "Preferred DNS Server" field at the bottom of the window. The most secure and reliable DNS servers are:
- OpenDNS - Enter the IP address 208.67.222.222;
- Google - Enter the IP address 8.8.8.8.
Step 11. Set up an alternate DNS server
To do this, you will need to use the "Alternate DNS Server" field below the previous one. Based on which DNS server you have chosen as your favorite, use the other as an alternative:
- OpenDNS - Enter the IP address 208.67.222.222;
- Google - Enter the IP address 8.8.8.8.
Step 12. Press the OK button
This way the network settings related to the DNS server will be saved and applied.
Step 13. Press the Close button
It is located at the bottom of the window.
Step 14. Restart your computer
After the restart is complete, try to test the network connection is working properly and check the download speed. If the cause of the problem was the default DNS server of the internet connection provider, the download speed should now be increased.
Mac
Step 1. Enter the "Apple" menu by clicking the icon
It is located in the upper left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Choose the System Preferences option
It is located at the top of the drop-down menu that appeared.
Step 3. Click the Network icon
It is characterized by a globe and positioned in the central part of the "System Preferences" window that appears.
Step 4. Select the Wi-Fi network connection currently in use
It is located inside the left panel of the "Network" window.
Step 5. Press the Advanced button
It is located in the lower right part of the "Network" window.
Step 6. Go to the DNS tab
It is located at the top of the newly appeared window.
Step 7. Press the + button
It is located below the "DNS Server" box.
Step 8. Enter the IP address of the DNS server you want the network connection to use
Google's DNS servers and OpenDNS are among the fastest and most reliable available:
- Google - Enter the IP address 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4;
- OpenDNS - Enter the IP address 208.67.222.222 or 208.67.220.220.
- If you need to enter both the primary and alternate DNS servers, type the IP address of the former (for example 8.8.8.8), then type a comma and a blank followed by the IP address of the second (for example 8.8. 4.4).
Step 9. Go to the Hardware tab
It is located in the upper right part of the window.
Step 10. Select the "Configure" drop-down menu, then choose the Manually option
It is placed at the top of the card Hardware.
Step 11. Select the "MTU" drop-down menu to choose the Custom option
The "MTU" drop-down menu is located below the "Configure" menu.
Step 12. Enter the number 1453 into the text field that appeared below the "MTU" drop-down menu
Step 13. Press the OK button
It is located at the bottom of the page.
Step 14. At this point, press the Apply button
This button is also located at the bottom of the page. This way, the new settings will be saved and applied to the currently active Wi-Fi network connection.
Step 15. Restart your computer
After the restart is complete, try to test the network connection is working properly and check the download speed. If the cause of the problem was the default DNS server of the internet connection provider, the download speed should now be increased.
