Since its inception, the internet has grown to play a fundamental role to corporations all over the world. If your company utilizes the internet for daily operations, you know how frustrating it can be to experience poor network performance. Faulty internet connection can hinder workplace productivity significantly, making it worthwhile to invest in a high-grade computer system. CableWholesale has a vast selection of network supplies to make your setup as efficient as possible. From bulk coax cables to cable management tools and trusty Ethernet cords, we have everything you need to ensure a quick and reliable connection with your network to keep your company online. In addition to our catalog of helpful cabling and network advice on our site, we offer you tips for how to increase your workplace internet speed. Read on to learn general internet terminology and methods for boosting your network speed.

Different Broadband Technical Terms Explained

To help make our guide to improving workplace internet connection comprehensive for folks with all kinds of technical backgrounds and experience, we’ve included a glossary of relevant technical terms. You’ll run into the following terms often when learning about business networks and internet connections.

• 3G: This term refers to mobile technology’s third generation. It’s common for smartphones, tablets, and laptops to utilize 3G to access the internet. 3G signal came after the release of 2G, which has lost popularity to its generational successors.
• 4G: This term refers to mobile technology’s fourth generation. 4G connection transcends 3G technology with superior internet speeds. Many evolved versions of 3G phones, tablets, and laptops regularly utilize 4G.
• 5G: 5G provides even speedier connections than 4G and can withstand a network with high demands.
• Anti-malware / anti-virus: Both programs work to rid your computer network of malicious software. Anti-malware strives to remove and prevent malware infections, while anti-virus programs try to safeguard your system from pesky viruses. The main difference between the two is that some anti-virus programs may check for malware, too, but many anti-malware programs merely scan for new malware.
• Bandwidth: This term refers to the capacity of a connection. It’s common for people to use “data transfer speed” when talking about bandwidth, too.
• Bluetooth: For wireless data transference over short distances, Bluetooth is commonplace. Phones, keyboards, and wireless mice are just a few items within your network that may utilize Bluetooth.
• Broadband: Broadband is a type of high-speed internet connection. Broadband is classified differently by regulatory groups around the world.
• Coaxial cable: Companies and homeowners use coaxial, or coax, cables to connect broadband and television services with their provider’s outlet. Coax cables are cheaper than fiber optic but still efficient for short distances.
• Data transfer rate: How fast data moves across a connection. Data transfer rate and broadband services are measured in kilobits per second (Kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), and gigabits per second (Gbps).
• Ethernet: Individuals use Ethernet for wired connection. Ethernet cable connections are considerably more reliable than wireless connections.
• IP address: IP addresses help businesses identify each device within their networks.
• LAN: LAN stands for Local Area Network. LANs are designed to cover limited areas, such as homes or offices, and will typically use Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables for connection.
• Modem: Modem is short for modulator-demodulator. Networks employ modems to facilitate communication between computers by converting data for transmission.
• Router: Routers are responsible for directing network traffic. Some routers include modems, managing both connection to the internet and networking your devices.
• WAN: Wide Area Networks are networks for large spaces. Academic institutions, large companies, and government groups are just a few examples of organizations that use WANs.

Tips for Boosting Your Workplace Internet Speed

Now that you’re familiar with common tech terminology when it comes to network optimization, let’s dive into our top tips for how to increase your workplace internet speed.

Find Out Your Internet Speed

Before you try to find the perfect fix for your internet woes, check your workplace’s internet speed. A simple internet test will tell you what internet speed your office is at.

Pro Tip: Run an internet test at different points throughout the day, noting whether the results vary.

Reboot Your Router and Modem

Rebooting your router and modem is one of the simplest attempts to improve your internet speed. Be sure to reboot your router and modem only when feasible, ideally after work hours.

Perform Frequent Scans for Viruses and Malware

Viruses and malware are infamous for bogging down internet connection rates. You can enlist anti-virus and anti-malware programs to run constantly and look out for these detrimental online bugs.

Assess Network Devices

Too many devices on one network can lead to unfavorable internet speeds. Assess all the devices on your company’s internet connection and whether they are all in use.

Pro Tip: If you notice unauthorized users on your network, be sure to upgrade your LAN or WAN’s password (or create one if you haven’t already). Ridding your network of unwarranted users will free up bandwidth for business operations.

Update Your Computer

Just like the rest of your network system’s equipment, computers have a limited lifespan. If you’ve had your computer for many years, it might be time to consider replacing it. Computer performance inevitably degrades over time, and after a couple of years, its degradation might just come to the point of replacement.

Check Whether Your Provider Enforces Data Caps

Sometimes data caps are the simple explanation for all your internet troubles. If you’ve surpassed your service’s data cap for the billing period, you’ll experience significant connection slowdowns. Your company will either need to be more mindful about usage or upgrade your service.

Upgrade Your Company’s Internet Service

If your company has expanded over the last year, and none of the mentioned tips to boost internet speed seem to work for your business, it may be time to upgrade your internet service. A new internet plan will be worth the investment. Invest in a plan that accommodates your business’s increase in online demands to reduce employees’ experiences with dodgy connections.