How to get a better internet connection

Since the time of its mass adoption, the quality of internet connections has improved significantly; speeds are far higher than in the 1990s. Even so, you may not be completely satisfied with the quality and speed of your connection. What can you do for a better internet connection at home?

Internet connection options

The quality and speed of an internet connection depend largely on its type. Among the most common connection options today is ADSL (or the newer VDSL), which uses the well-known connection via classic telephone cables. A drawback of ADSL is often unstable speed or slower upload speed; another problem can be aggregation, where several users share a dedicated speed and the connection can slow down at peak times.

Another option may be a cable connection, which is often offered in packages together with TV services. A cable connection offers higher connection speeds, but its availability depends on existing networks, which so far are found mainly in more lucrative, densely populated areas.

Among the newer and fastest connection options is internet carried over optical fibres. The advantage is a more stable and faster connection, thanks to the nature of optical fibres, which are characterised by flexibility and high resistance to external influences. However, fibre connections are not yet very widespread.

Various providers also offer other types of connection, including wireless. This may sound tempting, but it has its disadvantages.

The router as the key to a quality connection

One of the key factors for a satisfactory internet connection is the correct placement of the Wi-Fi router. Ideally, it should be located in the middle of the space that you need to cover with signal. Where possible, the router should not lie on the floor – you will always do better by placing it on furniture or on a wall at eye level. Try not to place the router near other electrical appliances that could interfere with the signal. The setting of the antennas also plays a role. Most commonly available routers have omnidirectional antennas. To cover one floor, it is recommended to point the antennas slightly apart from each other; to cover two floors, it is better for the antennas to form a 45° angle.

The age of your router also plays a role. It is not necessary to change this device every year, but you should bear in mind that its performance declines over the years, as demands on the connection grow.

If you are worried about the range of the signal, you can help yourself with various accessories. Extenders that plug into ordinary sockets can extend the signal from your home router into other floors and rooms. There are also so-called amplifiers – they most often look like USB flash drives, and once connected to a laptop they improve the quality of signal reception, but only for the device to which the amplifier is connected.

Who offers more?

Internet connection offers from all kinds of providers can be really tempting. Be careful to watch out for traps in the form of phrases such as "up to XX Mbps" or "just XX CZK/month" and the like. When choosing a provider, consider your needs, the location you are in and other factors carefully. Remember also that not all services are available in all areas. You can check availability easily, quickly and reliably with the help of useful online tools.

When the internet slows down your internet

When solving connection problems, it is also important to realise that there are factors that can significantly slow down your connection, but that you can very easily influence. Even seemingly small things affect data consumption and the smoothness of your connection. When browsing the web, you can switch off elements you are not currently using, such as graphics and videos – various content blockers can help you with this. Some browsers also offer various extensions with which you can block unwanted content.

The choice of the right browser is also important. For this we have written an extra article, What to surf with – choose a web browser to suit you, which you can read separately for convenience.

Slow internet can also be caused by serious reasons, such as an infection of the computer. In all circumstances, make sure you always have an up-to-date and fully functional antivirus and firewall on your computer, including on Linux and OS X / macOS operating systems, which usually do not have problems with infections. Do not neglect regular computer maintenance, learn how to protect yourself against malware and always follow the basic security rules for using the internet.

Updated 5 March 2024