Six easy tips to improve business internet speed

If your business internet speed isn't up to snuff, it can have a big impact on daily operations. Slow uploads and downloads, constant buffering, and lost connections can all make it challenging for your small business to run smoothly. If you're experiencing these issues, it's likely that you're looking for ways to improve your company's internet speeds.

The good news is there are several easy changes you can make to boost your internet, some of which are extremely low-cost—or even free. Try out a few of these tips to get the fast internet for business that you need to keep your company at peak performance.

1. Start by running an internet speed test

The first step in troubleshooting most internet woes is to run a speed test. These free online tests usually take just one or two minutes to complete, and they measure your network's real-time upload and download speeds. When the test is complete, you'll be able to compare your actual speeds (listed in Mbps or Megabits per second) to the speeds offered by the internet plan you pay for.

If your speeds are significantly lower than what your plan advertises—for instance, if your plan offers 500 Mbps download speeds, but a test reveals your speeds are closer to 100 Mbps—you'll want to contact your internet service provider to troubleshoot the problem.

2. Upgrade your router

If you've been using the same internet router for several years, you may need to invest in a newer model. Most router brands recommend replacing your router every three to five years. After this period, manufacturers often stop releasing updates for older equipment, which can impact the router's performance.

To see if your router is still being updated by the manufacturer, you can check its last logged firmware update via the router's app. If it's been months or even years since the last update, it's definitely time to get a new router. Not only can an outdated router adversely affect your network speed, but it may also pose a security risk, as vulnerabilities aren't being patched.

3. Use wired connections when possible

While it may be somewhat inconvenient, connecting computers directly to your router via an Ethernet cord will generally improve internet speeds. Wired connections tend to provide the fastest possible speeds, making it useful for streaming content or gaming. The caveat, of course, is that you're physically tethered to the router. For this reason, Ethernet cables are typically only used for desktop computers—not laptops or tablets.

4. Relocate your router

The location of your router can have a significant impact on how well it's able to transmit a wireless signal across your workspace. While it's often tempting to hide your router in a closet or tuck it in a far corner of the office, this can result in slower-than-average internet speeds.

Ideally, routers should be centrally located within your workspace as they broadcast internet signals in all directions. You'll want to avoid placing it near any other major electronics or large metal objects and keep it away from microwaves. For the best results, elevate your router to around chest height by putting it on a shelf or counter.

5. Invest in a Wi-Fi extender

If you've noticed that you have spots in your office where the Wi-Fi isn't as strong, a Wi-Fi extender can be a worthwhile investment. These devices capture the Wi-Fi signal from your router and re-broadcast it, helping to prevent dead spots in larger spaces. However, the downside of Wi-Fi extenders is that most create a separate Wi-Fi network that you must then switch your devices to as you move around your workspace.

Alternatively, you may want to upgrade to a mesh router, like Ting Whole Home Wi-Fi, which works in a similar fashion. Mesh routers come with multiple nodes, or Wi-Fi access points, that you place throughout your home or workspace. The "satellite" nodes receive the Wi-Fi signal from the router's main unit and rebroadcast it to nearby devices. Mesh routers are an effective way to improve Wi-Fi signals throughout larger spaces, and all of the nodes function on the same network, which means no switching is required.

6. Upgrade your internet plan

There may come a time when your business internet speed simply can't support all of your company's needs. If you have a large number of computers and smart devices connected to your network, you're going to need a faster internet connection to keep everything running properly. Activities like video conferencing, reviewing footage from internet-connected security cameras and streaming high-definition content all require sizable amounts of bandwidth, and if these activities are part of your day-to-day operations, you may want to consider upgrading to fiber internet.

With fiber internet, your small business would get a superfast gigabit connection (equivalent to 1,000 Mbps) that can easily support all of your computers, phones and other smart devices. You would be able to run Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and point-of-sale (POS) systems seamlessly, and cloud storage would load as quickly as your local drives. If you're looking for fast internet for business, fiber is definitely the way to go. Fill out the form below to get access to Ting's Small Business ebook.

For lightning-fast business internet, upgrade to Ting's fiber internet today.