Learn Who Has the Fastest Satellite Internet?

Who Has the Fastest Satellite Internet?

Last Updated: September 30, 2013

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For businesses and users in rural regions, satellite Internet service is a must-have, as other options such as DSL or cable broadband just aren’t available. Mobile coverage can also be spotty with substandard speeds, especially when you can’t find 4G service. So searching for the fastest satellite Internet is a requirement to stay connected at the best possible speed when in the hinterlands.

Satellite Internet Is Priced at a Premium for a Reason

Considering the strong demand for broadband connections in rural regions, satellite Internet service ends up costing more per bandwidth when compared to DSL or cable. But sometimes you don’t have a choice when it comes to high-speed Internet.

A few companies specialize in providing satellite Internet services: most notably, the satellite television company Dish Network and its DishNet service, and HughesNet, which shares a common corporate history with DirecTV. HughesNet used to be branded as DirecWay and, before that, DirecPC, hinting at the closer relationship with their former corporate brother.

Despite the relative fame of those two companies, the fastest satellite Internet service arguably comes from a new service formerly called WildBlue and now branded as Exede Internet.

Fastest Satellite Internet Speeds: Behind the Numbers

Exede Internet offers download speeds of up to 12 Mbps for all plans, which trumps most of HughesNet’s service tiers, although the latter recently introduced a 15 Mbps service called Power MAX. Power MAX is priced at a premium compared to HughesNet’s typical service offerings, which normally provide download speeds of 5-10 Mbps — the same speeds also offered by DishNet.

Thresholds on Bandwidth

One very important thing to remember when pricing satellite Internet services is that they all require thresholds that limit the amount of bandwidth you can use on a monthly basis. Exede offers unlimited bandwidth during the non-peak nighttime periods, and all companies give you the option of paying for extra bandwidth once you’ve used up your monthly allowance.

So when looking for the fastest satellite Internet, Exede Internet is probably your best choice, unless you want to pay extra for the premium HughesNet plan. Either way, expect these companies to continue in their battle to be the fastest (remember: check your internet speed regularly with a net speed test provided by BandwidthPlace.com).

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

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Learn Who Has the Fastest Satellite Internet?

How to Run a DSL Speed Test

Last Updated: September 23, 2013

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When you’re using the Internet, sometimes it helps to know how fast your connection is so you can be sure you are getting the speed that you paid for. A DSL speed test can be crucial to ensuring that your service provider is delivering Internet at the speeds they promise. Although testing your Internet speed might seem daunting, you can easily measure your speed in one click by using a bandwidth speed test.

What to Look for in a DSL Speed Test

When it comes to picking a provider for your DSL speed test, you should make sure the test works uniformly on both traditional and mobile setups. Having a single point to run the tests is crucial, because it will ensure that when you compare speeds, the results are accurate. Many speed test sites are available. Choose a speed test provider which uses HTML5 and responsive code. The benefits of these technologies is that the speed test can run in a variety of browsers, be they on mobile or traditional setups.

Other Considerations

Another key consideration is where the servers performing the speed test are located. Typically, the provider will have servers on the East and West Coasts plus servers in Central America, because those are the major areas where many websites house their servers. You should run speed tests on multiple servers, because distance from your computer to a server plays a significant role in determining data speed.

How to Improve Your Internet Speed

If it appears your Internet service provider is not providing you with the speeds it advertises, you might want to call the ISP’s customer service line and ask about the network performance in your area. Since Internet pipes are often shared by multiple customers, you might be having a slow connection due to distance from the data center or because of overuse by other customers. In many cases, the Internet provider will be able to send an engineer to survey the network infrastructure to resolve any trouble spots.

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Learn Who Has the Fastest Satellite Internet?

Home Internet Service Providers: What to Look For in an ISP

Last Updated: September 4, 2013

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There are many home Internet service providers, or ISPs, and finding the right one can actually take a little work. Most people take the easy route and grab the least expensive they can find or just go with whomever the local carrier is.

Is that the right decision? It depends on your needs as the consumer, but you may not always know what you’re really getting.

Bundles or Package Deals

Bundles are a very popular option offered by all major cable carriers. The cable companies offer to reduce the price of Internet if the consumer adds a local phone service and/or some kind of cable to their account. Many people don’t use land-line phones anymore and rely on their cell phones for day-to-day calling, but typically it’s cheaper to get the bundle than to just get cable and Internet separately.

On the other hand, if you’re a renter—and cable is already paid for—then it may be advantageous to get Internet by itself. Everyone should look into these options before jumping into a bundle deal. Also, make sure the pricing is permanent: many package deals start off with a great price, but the prices jump up after six months or a year.

When deciding if you’re going with a bundle, you also need to find out about Internet speeds. ISPs typically have speed packages available as well, which offer higher data transfer rates for those who need it for activities like frequent online gaming or streaming video. If you’re not sure what you need, then get the basic package and go to BandwidthPlace.com and take an Internet speed test. If things are running a little slow, upgrade for a month, and visit BandwidthPlace.com again to see the improvements in your connection speed.

Pricing

The Internet is not a place where “you-get-what-you-pay-for” applies. Many companies will offer to make better deals than your local carrier. Read the fine print before joining any of them. Many ISPs are renting the lines, poles and data transfer from the local carriers and they can, in the long run, cost more than the local carrier.

Free ISP companies still exist, but there’s a catch. They all offer free services, but they want to run advertisements on the computer while you’re surfing the web. These advertisements are tracked and so are your Internet browsing habits, so the ISP can show advertisements that pertain to where you surf. The free ISPs may not be the safest choice, but for those users with few other options, this may work.

Customer Care

The Internet is a great place to find out about customer care considerations of an ISP service. Make sure there is 24-hour help service and that most of the customers are satisfied with the customer care offered. In some cases, if you lose Internet, the customer care department can get you going again just by performing a simple reset on your router.

Home Internet service providers offer many options. No matter which you choose, be sure to read the fine print. Cable companies sell all your information to third-party vendors, unless you specifically tell them not to at start up. Ask if they have parental control, anti-virus, and networking options.

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How to Run a Cox Speed Test

Last Updated: August 29, 2013

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If you’re like most people, you depend on the strength of your internet connection to keep your digital world afloat. When things start to slow down and laggy load times befall you, running a bandwidth speed test is a crucial step in figuring out what’s going wrong. Not only can these simple one-click steps tell you how quickly you’re able to download and upload files, but they can also verify whether or not you’re getting your money’s worth from your internet service provider (ISP).

As the third-largest cable entertainment and broadband provider in America, Cox Communications has earned its leading position by extending their services far beyond fast internet speeds. Among the many services Cox offers is a Cox speed test that allows you to evaluate the speed of your many devices’ connection to the internet.

Because it’s virtually impossible for any internet service provider to claim to provide impeccable reliability and coverage availability, spotty or slow internet is bound to happen. If you’ve been dealing with frustratingly slow internet or simply want some detailed insight into how your internet is working for you, conducting a Cox speed test is your one-stop-shop solution.

Using this guide, we’ll walk you through how to run a Cox speed test, help you understand your results, and answer any questions you may have about your Cox internet speed and web connection.

What is an internet speed test?
How to run a Cox internet speed test
What is considered fast internet speed?
What is considered slow internet speed?
What factors can alter my Cox speed test results?
Understanding my Cox internet speed test results
Why is my Cox internet speed so slow?
How can I speed up my Cox internet connection?

What is an internet speed test?

An internet speed test is an evaluation of broadband parameters. Speed tests work by sending a small file from the ISP server and analyzing the time it takes to download the file onto your local device and then upload it back to the server.

Internet speed tests report on a number of important features, including:

Download speed
Upload speed
Bandwidth
Ping
Jitter

Not all internet speed tests report on all of the aforementioned features, but download and upload speed and ping are standard measurements across all tests.

How to run a Cox internet speed test

Step 1: Prep your environment

Before you begin your Cox speed test, make the following adjustments to ensure your test is as precise as possible:

Disable any software that could slow down the test (anti-virus, multiple browser tabs, etc.)
Disconnect any hardware that could cause latency issues (firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, etc.)

Step 2: Access the Cox Speed Test

Here, you will simply be asked to “Start Test.” You will have the option of changing servers, but if you choose not to, the system will select the closest available server for you. The test should take no longer than 30 seconds for a full assessment. You’ll be able to watch the internet speedometer work its magic right before your eyes.

Step 3: Survey your results

Once complete, your final results will reveal your download, upload, ping, and jitter rates. To get a better understanding of what each of these measurements mean, refer to our glossary of speed test terms.

With both your upload and download speeds evaluated, cross-examine the speeds you’ve surveyed with the numbers touted within your ISP’s service plan. If there are significant discrepancies, it may be time to troubleshoot.

What is considered fast internet speed?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines fast internet as a web connection offering download speeds of at least 25 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps. These speeds can easily support common online activities ranging from High-Definition video streaming and online gaming to web-browsing and music downloading.

What is considered slow internet speed?

According to FCC evaluations, download speeds of less than 25 Mbps are too slow to be considered broadband, thereby objectively classifying them as slow internet speeds. Download speeds below 25 Mbps typically mean users will experience difficulty connecting multiple web-enabled devices, frequent video buffering, and a myriad of other laggy connectivity issues.

What factors can alter my Cox speed test results?

In order to yield the most accurate speed test results, it’s absolutely crucial that your environment is ideal for the test. There are a number of both external and internal factors that can alter your speed test results. These factors divide into either software or hardware discrepancies. Let’s break it down:

Software

Certain types of software programs can cause connectivity slowdowns—namely firewalls, anti-virus programs, and administrative tools, to name a few. These types of programs monitor each and every piece of input and output data transmitted to your device. And, in some cases, these applications also supply extra data to help with encryption. This can greatly alter your Cox speed test results if you don’t make a point to disable them before testing.

Your browser of choice—be it Chrome, Safari, Edge, or Firefox—may be the reason behind your poor speed test results. Each browser offers different levels of performance capacity, which ultimately plays a huge role in your device’s internet speed. If you were to conduct one Cox speed test through Chrome and another through Safari, you may see different results. We recommend running the test through your preferred browser to get an accurate glimpse of the everyday speeds and rates you can expect.

Hardware

All types of web-enabled devices can produce incredibly different speed test results even if they’re using the same exact ISP. In most cases, the results you’d yield on a tablet or other mobile device would likely be different from the results you’d see from a desktop computer speed test. This is largely due to stark differences in available bandwidth, internal hardware, and connection type.

Your internet speed is largely dependent upon the availability and quality of certain network equipment. This usually includes the router or ethernet cable—the two essential hardwares responsible for connecting you to the web. Do note that if you use a wireless WiFi router connection, the odds are highly likely that your speed test results will be much slower than that of the speed you’d receive from a direct, wired ethernet connection.

Understanding my Cox internet speed test results

What is download speed?

Download speed measures the time it takes for data to be transmitted from the internet to your device. Traditionally, the majority of bandwidth connections are designed to deliver faster download speeds than upload speeds. This is because most common online activities, like streaming videos and loading webpages, are dependent upon fast download speeds.

What is upload speed?

Upload speed is the rate at which data is transferred from your device to the internet. Upload speed measures how many megabits of data per second you are able to send from one device to a server or separate device via the internet. Everyday online activities, such as sending emails, video-chatting, and tournament-style games, require speedy upload rates. Upload speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

What is ping?

Ping is the reaction time of your connection, recording how fast you’re able to get a response after you’ve sent out a request. The faster your ping, the more responsive and functional your connection. This especially true of applications and programs where timing is everything. Ping is measured in milliseconds (ms).

What is latency?

While often used interchangeably with ping, latency is the measure of time between a request and a result. In essence, latency tells you how much time it takes for a signal to travel to your ISP’s server and back. Lower latency means shorter lag time— the lower the number, the better. Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms).

What is jitter?

Jitter, also referred to as packet delay variation, measures the fluctuation of latency over time. Think of it as a disruption in the normal sequence of data transmission. Jitter often results in packet loss and network congestion, effectively slowing your internet down. Jitter is measured in milliseconds (ms). Acceptable jitter rates should be below 30 ms.

What is Mbps?

Mbps is the abbreviation for “megabits per second.” This unit of measurement evaluates the bandwidth capacity of an internet connection, determining how much data can be transferred each second.

What is bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted via internet connection within a specified amount of time. Though often mistaken for internet speed, bandwidth refers to the volume of data that can be sent rather than the rate in which it is sent. Bandwidth is traditionally measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

Why is my Cox internet speed so slow?

If you’ve been struggling with a frustratingly slow Cox internet connection, there are several possible reasons that could explain why. Take a look at these common issues that may be holding you back from blazing fast web speeds.

You’re on a low-tier internet plan

Like most internet service providers, Cox Communications offers several different service plans that work on a tier system—the more robust the plan, the more expensive.

If you’re unsure of what internet speeds your Cox plan promises, log into your online Cox account and access your monthly plan details. From there, you’ll be able to locate the details about which speeds you’re paying for versus the speeds you actually get as proven by your Cox speed test.

In the event that your Cox speed test results do not match up with what your plan offers, reach out to Cox Support to speak with a representative who can explain or mend your connectivity issue. Should you find that you’ve outgrown your current internet plan and require a mightier connection, contact an ISP representative.

Your WiFi signal is bad

It is next to impossible to get anything done quickly or efficiently when you’re dealing with a weak, spotty WiFi signal. Grating internet traffic slowdowns, absurdly long download times, and frequent WiFi disconnection are all tell-tale signs of a failing router.

Though WiFi routers are robust pieces of technology, they can break down with age just like any other digital device. While many basic issues can be solved with a simple router reboot, more complex problems may require a complete router replacement to restore your connection’s high speed.

Network latency is too high

The speed of your internet performance is largely dependent on two essential elements: bandwidth and latency. As mentioned before, when latency is too high, performance suffers. Unfortunately, there are a number of factors that are out of your control when it comes to monitoring and managing network latency rates. Some geographic areas are more prone to the effects of congestion and throttling than others, and if you live among those areas, your web speed may suffer, too.

Your device may have a virus

If the device your testing on has any sort of malware or virus, your web connection will likely suffer. These malicious software programs can infect your computer and make your internet speeds crawl. Spyware, in particular, can monopolize your internet connection and ruin your PC performance altogether.

If you suspect a virus is terrorizing your broadband connection, consider running your system through an antivirus check. Doing so will help you determine whether or not a digital infection is the culprit behind your laggy web speeds.

How can I speed up my Cox internet connection?

Before grabbing your phone and dialing up Cox Support, check to see if there are any DIY ways to speed up your Cox internet connection without any professional assistance. Believe it or not, there are a number of easy, cost-free ways to make your internet connection work better for you.

Whether that means terminating bandwidth-hogging programs or upgrading your internet plan, there are several viable avenues for speeding up your Cox internet.

Method #1: Reposition your router

Is your router in a random, isolated corner of your house? While you may like it out of sight and out of mind, you’re likely compromising your web connection while you’re at it. Oftentimes, your WiFi signal is only as good as you position it, so be sure to position your router in a central place.

Keep in mind that because WiFi signals travel perpendicularly, placing the router somewhere elevated, like a shelf, coffee table, or fireplace mantle, will yield far more impressive connectivity results than a router placed on the floor.

Method #2: Switch to ethernet

Across the nation, the vast majority of people rely on WiFi. With such high volume of people using WiFi, bandwidth can become easily overwhelmed and cause slowdown—especially if there are several devices or routers near each other.

To get around the bottleneck problem, switch to using an ethernet cable. Establishing a direct, wired connection from your router to your PC almost guarantees that your connection is superior to that of a wireless web connection.

Method #3: Upgrade your internet plan

Even if you live in a rural locale home to just one ISP in your town, odds are in your favor that any ISP offers a number of different plans. If you’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your speed test is as accurate as possible, it may be time to upgrade your plan for a more robust connection with faster speeds.

Call your provider and ask about alternative plans. Do be sure to do your research before calling so you can go into the conversation with a solid idea of what you need and what price you’re expecting.

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Learn Who Has the Fastest Satellite Internet?

How to Test Verizon Internet Speed

Last Updated: August 28, 2013

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Your digital world hinges on the strength of your internet connection. Whether it’s work or play, your regular online tasks are an integral part of your day-to-day routine. When your connection is beleaguered by slow load times, running those usual tasks can become frustrating and laggy. Running a Bandwidth speed test is a crucial step in accurately assessing what’s going on.

Verizon Wireless is one of America’s largest telecommunication companies and internet service providers (ISP). Hailed as America’s most reliable wireless network, Verizon has an incredibly impressive repertoire of premier internet solutions. Among the many services offered is a Verizon speed test that analyzes the speed and efficiency of your internet connection.

It’s impossible for any internet service provider to claim to provide a flawless and consistently uninterrupted signal, so, spotty or slow internet is an inevitable reality for most. However, if you’ve been dealing with regularly sluggish internet or simply want to measure your internet performance, conducting a Verizon speed test is the most important first step.

Using this guide, we’ll walk you through how to run a Verizon speed test, help you understand your results, and answer any questions you may have about your Verizon internet speed and web connection.

What is an internet speed test?
How to run a Verizon internet speed test
Understanding my Verizon internet speed test results: Glossary of terms
What is considered fast internet speed?
What is considered slow internet speed?
Why is my Verizon internet speed so slow?
Troubleshooting: What factors can alter my Verizon speed test results?
How can I speed up my Verizon internet connection?

What is an internet speed test?

An internet speed test is an evaluation of a broadband connection. During a speed test, a small digital file is sent from the ISP server to your local device. The test measures how much time it takes for that file to download to your computer, tablet, or smartphone, and then measures how much time it takes to upload it back to the ISP server.

Internet speed tests report on a number of essential features, including:

Download speed
Upload speed
Bandwidth
Ping

Keep in mind that not all internet speed tests report on all of the above features, but download and upload speed and ping are standard measurements across the board.

How to run a Verizon speed test

Step 1: Prep your environment

Before initiating your Verizon speed test, make the following conditional adjustments to make sure your test is as accurate as possible:

Close any software programs that could slow down the test (anti-viruses, games, multiple browser tabs, etc.)
Disconnect any hardware that could cause latency issues (firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, etc.)
Disable any connected Bluetooth devices (smartphones, baby monitors, voice assistants, etc.)

Step 2: Access the Verizon Speed Test

Here, you will simply be asked to “Get Started.” The system will automatically select the closest available server to you and begin the test immediately. The test should take no longer than 60 seconds for a full assessment.

Step 3: Survey your results

Once complete, your final results will reveal your download, upload, and latency rates. To gain more insight into what each of these measurements signifies, refer to our glossary of speed test terms down below.

With both your upload and download speeds evaluated, cross-examine those speeds with the numbers advertised within your ISP’s internet plan. If there are significant inconsistencies, it may be time to troubleshoot.

Understanding my Verizon internet speed test results: Glossary of terms

Conducting an internet speed test does not require any prior knowledge. Although, there is a bit of research required to truly understand the rates and measurements your speed test reveals. If you’re unfamiliar with industry jargon, we’re here to help you decipher and decode.

What is download speed?

Download speed measures the time it takes for data to be transmitted from the internet to your web-enabled device. In the vast majority of cases, ISPs offer much faster download speeds than upload speeds. This is due to the fact that most common online activities, like loading webpages, video-chatting, and streaming, are dependent upon fast download speeds.

What is upload speed?

Upload speed measures the rate at which data is transmitted from your device to the internet. In simpler terms, upload speed measures how many megabits of data per second you can send from one device to a server or separate device over your internet connection. Common online tasks, like video-chatting, sending emails, and gaming, all require speedy upload rates.

What is bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transferred via an internet connection within a specified amount of time. Though frequently mistaken for internet speed, bandwidth actually refers to the volume of data that can be sent rather than the speed in which it is transmitted. Bandwidth is traditionally measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

What is Mbps?

Mbps is the abbreviation for “megabits per second.” This unit of measurement calculates the bandwidth capacity of an internet connection and tells you how much data can be transferred each second through your individual internet connection.

What is latency?

Latency is the measure of time between a request and a result. Latency effectively records how much time it takes for a signal to travel to your ISP’s server and back to your local device. Lower latency means shorter lag time. Latency is measured in milliseconds (ms).

What is considered fast internet speed?

According to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) standards, fast internet is defined as a web connection offering download speeds of at least 25 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 3 Mbps. These baseline speeds can easily support everyday online activities ranging from High-Definition video streaming and moderate online gaming to web-surfing and music downloading.

What is considered slow internet speed?

The FCC has asserted that download speeds of less than 25 Mbps are too slow to be considered broadband. Download speeds under 25 Mbps typically mean users will have difficulty connecting multiple web-enabled devices, experience frequent buffering when streaming videos, and several other laggy connectivity complications.

Why is my Verizon internet speed so slow?

Have you been running into trouble with an excruciatingly slow Verizon internet connection? There are several possible reasons that might explain why your speeds are so sluggish. Take a look at these common issues that may be preventing you from reaching peak performance levels.

Your WiFi signal is bad

When dealing with a weak, spotty WiFi signal, it’s next to impossible to get anything done quickly or efficiently. Jarring slowdowns in internet traffic, excessively long download times, and frequent WiFi disconnection are all tell-tale signs of router failure.

While WiFi routers are sturdy pieces of technology, like any other digital tool, they can break down over time. While a simple router reboot can solve many basic issues, more complex issues may require a total router replacement to restore your original connectivity performance.

You’re on a low-tier internet plan

Verizon Wireless, like most Internet service providers, offers many different service plans that operate on a tiered structure—the more comprehensive the package is, the more you’ll pay out of pocket.

If you’re uncertain of what internet speeds your Verizon plan offers, log in to your Verizon account and access the details of your monthly contract. From there, you’ll be able to locate the relevant information regarding the speeds you pay for compared to the speeds you actually get, as proven by your Verizon speed test.

If your Verizon speed test results don’t match what your service plan promises, contact Verizon Support to talk to a representative who can explain or mend your connectivity problem. In the event that you find you’ve outgrown your current and require a more powerful connection, contact an ISP representative to survey your available options.

Network latency is too high

Your internet speed depends largely on two essential elements: bandwidth and latency. As already mentioned, performance suffers when latency is too high. Unfortunately, when it comes to controlling and maintaining network latency levels, there are a range of factors beyond your control.

Some geographical regions are more prone to congestion and the sluggish effects of throttling than others, and if you live in those areas, your web speed may also suffer.

Your device may have a virus

If the device you’re testing on has any sort of malware or virus, your web connection will likely suffer. These malicious software programs can infect your computer and make your internet speeds crawl. Spyware, in particular, can monopolize your internet connection and ruin your PC performance altogether.

If your testing device has any kind of malware or virus, it is likely that your web connection will suffer. These malicious software programs infiltrate your computer system and can cause speed bottlenecks. Spyware, in particular, can commandeer your internet connection and altogether ruin your PC performance.

Troubleshooting: What factors can alter my Verizon speed test results?

In order to achieve the most realistic speed test assessments, it’s important to first ensure that the digital atmosphere is suitable for testing. There are a number of variable external and internal factors that can influence the results of your internet speed test. These factors are either associated with software or hardware discrepancies. Let’s take a closer look:

Software

There are certain types of software programs that could potentially trigger a bottleneck in connectivity—namely firewalls, anti-virus systems, and administrative devices, to identify a few.

These types of programs inspect each and every incoming and outgoing piece of data transmitted to your device. In some situations, these programs also provide additional data to assist with encryption. This can dramatically impact your Verizon speed test results if you fail to disable them before testing.

Your internet browser of choice—whether it’s Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or Edge —may be the reason behind your lackluster speed test results. Each individual browser provides varying degrees of processing capabilities, which plays a vital role in your device’s performance capacity.

If you were to perform one Verizon speed test through Chrome and one through Safari, you might see different results. We suggest that you run the test using your primary browser to get a realistic insight into the regular speeds and levels you can experience at any given time.

Hardware

All types of web-enabled devices will yield remarkably different speed test results even if they are using the same ISP and connection. For example, the results you’d see from a speed test conducted on a tablet or other mobile device would likely be different from the speed rates you’d see from a desktop computer speed test. This is largely due to robust differences in available bandwidth, internal hardware, and connection type.

Your internet performance is most directly influenced by the availability and quality of your network devices. This generally includes the router or ethernet cable—the two central devices you need to foster a network connection. Note that if you have a wireless WiFi router interface, it is very likely that your Verizon speed check results will be considerably slower than the speeds you’d generate via a direct, wired ethernet link.

How can I speed up my Verizon internet connection?

Before you pick up your phone and dial Verizon Support, check to see if there are any DIY options you can pursue to speed up your Verizon Internet connection without any expert help. Believe it or not, there are a multitude of convenient, cost-free solutions to optimize your internet connection.

Whether that means disabling all bandwidth-heavy programs or modernizing your internet plan, there are a number of workable ways to speed up your Verizon Internet.

Method #1: Relocate your router

Is your router positioned in a random, secluded corner of your home? Although you may like it out of sight and out of mind, you’re likely compromising your web connection at the same time. Oftentimes, your WiFi signal is only as good as the place you put it, so be sure to relocate it to an area that is more central and open.

WiFi signals travel perpendicularly, which means when relocating your router, placing it somewhere like a shelf, bookcase, coffee table, or fireplace mantle will serve you best.

Method #2: Switch to ethernet

All across America, people are becoming increasingly reliant on WiFi. With such a high volume of people utilizing WiFi, bandwidth can become clogged and slow everyone down—especially if there are multiple devices or routers near each other.

Switching to a direct ethernet connection allows you to dodge the growing bottleneck dilemma. Establishing a direct, wired line from your router to your computer also ensures that your web connection is superior to what you’d receive from a WiFi web connection.

Method #3: Upgrade your internet plan

Even if you live in a rural, middle-of-nowhere city or town, odds are highly likely that among the few available ISPs in your area, there are multiple internet subscription plans you can choose from. If you have taken every precaution to confirm that your speed test is as precise as possible, and you’re still unhappy with the results, it might be time to update your contract or switch ISPs to land higher speeds.

Contact your provider to inquire about alternative solutions. Before you dial, make sure to do some homework so that you can come into a negotiation with a clear understanding of what you need and what price you’re expecting.

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Learn Who Has the Fastest Satellite Internet?

Do Hardcore Gamers Still Need the Power of a Desktop?

Last Updated: August 12, 2013

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In today’s world there are three types of gamers: casual gamers, mid-level gamers, and hardcore gamers. The casual gamer is someone who plays Facebook games all day. The mid-level gamer loves the high-end graphics of a console. Then there is the hardcore gamer, who not only plays the most memory-absorbing, graphic-pounding games out there, but also has to do it with the best hardware. But which machines are best for each type of gamer? And do hardcore gamers still require the advanced power of a desktop?

Tablets

These little touchscreen computers are coming up fast in the technology world. Yes, some short games can be played on them, but these are more for the casual gamer.

Laptops

These dynamos can do almost everything desktops can do, but they’ll cost you more money. You’ll have to pay a lot more to have the same level of power as a desktop compacted into a lightweight laptop. Laptops also don’t have the same ease of replacing parts as desktops. While they usually meet the requirements for playing most games when you first purchase them, later when the new release or the expansion comes out, they might not. One big advantage the laptop has over the desktop is mobility, but the consumer has to decide if the mobility is worth the price.

Upgrading a laptop can be difficult because parts are harder to replace than in a desktop. Adding new memory or a new hard drive may require you to bring the laptop to a professional, unless you buy an external hard drive, which cuts down on the laptop’s main advantage, its mobility. Video card upgrades are a very complicated process, and if you want a larger screen, you’ll have to purchase an external monitor. By the time you buy the external hard drive, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, you may realize that a desktop would have been much cheaper in the long run.

Laptops are best for the mid-level gamer, but hardcore gamers that can afford to purchase a new laptop every couple years may benefit from them as well.

Consoles

These expensive toys are selling better every year. New features and unique games keep the consumer coming back for more. The great thing about consoles is that they are made to play games: Their memory cards are designed to play games, their video cards are designed to play games, etc. Many games are made specifically for the console, so you don’t have to worry about whether your system has the requirements necessary to play them. Matt Peckham wrote in Time about his desktop, “Truth be told, I played two, maybe three games on it. The rest of the year I spent on my Xbox 360 and PS3….”

The console is another good choice for the mid-level gamer crowd.

Desktops

The desktop appeals to the hardcore gamer because it can be altered at a moment’s notice. If the video card stops working, you can run out to Best Buy and pick up a new one, go home, install it, and continue playing. As new games come out with more intense requirements, you can easily upgrade the desktop to meet the evolving needs of the game. The desktop computer’s upgradability is the main reason the veteran gamers require it (remember: analyze your internet speed before any big purchase with a speed test).

But does the hardcore gamer need a desktop? No, not really. There are so many games out there to play now. Many people like the shorter games they can find on a console, not the games that require years to play and will never be beat. In fact, many games that require monthly payments to play are switching to a play-for-free mentality. Times are changing, and the hardcore gamer will have to adjust with the times.

And according to Popular Science, smartphones will be the only device hardcore gamers need in the future.

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The Kindle Fire Tablet and Its Target Audience

Last Updated: August 6, 2013

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The Kindle Fire tablet has ignited many a person’s interest since it was first launched, but who was the primary audience Amazon had in mind when they created this unique little tablet?

Compared to the almost universal reception of enthusiasm and excitement which greeted the advent of Apple’s iPad, the Kindle Fire failed to generate the same sort of buzz. However, Amazon never expected to capture the same section of the market as the iPad. Here’s why.

Making a Good Thing Better

The initial Kindle was hugely popular and revolutionized the way we read books. It was cheap, accessible, and — because it was an Amazon product — offered a bookstore without equal. The Kindle wasn’t the first e-reader on the market, but compared to its rivals it quickly became the most popular. However, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos saw an opportunity for his company to grow by tapping into a market Apple’s iPad had not ventured very far into, and the plucky visionary grabbed that opportunity with both hands.

A Real Bargain

The Kindle Fire tablet was hailed by some, upon its launch, as the “iPad killer.” It wasn’t quite that, but suddenly a Kindle not only allowed you to read books but also let you watch movies, play music, view photos, and download apps, all for a fraction of the price of an iPad. All in all, it was a full-color multimedia tablet that wouldn’t cost you the earth.

So Who Is the Audience?

Sized somewhere between an iPhone and an iPad and with an irresistibly low price, the Kindle Fire has real appeal for anyone on a low income, particularly young people and students, who want a tablet that does a lot but doesn’t retail for a lot. For regular Amazon customers, the Kindle Fire tablet is also a dream come true, because it automatically links your Amazon account with the easily accessed bookstore, app store, music store, and Lovefilm, not to mention the traditional Amazon store where you actually buy physical items. The Kindle Fire tablet also allows you to view an unlimited stream of your personal photos and documents, as long as they’re stored on the Amazon Cloud (remember: make sure you perform a Kindle speed test to analyze broadband performance before using the cloud).

The Final Analysis

Critics will argue that the Kindle Fire tablet is the “poor man’s iPad,” but it answers a market need for a low-cost tablet and is making more people question the price of the higher-end tablets in general.

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Top Five Ways to Faster Gameplay: Reduce Lag While Playing Online Games

Last Updated: July 22, 2013

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High-end gamers have a need for speed when playing their favorite online games. No matter how fast they push the button, press the keys or wave around the controller, they want faster gameplay. If lag hits it can cause the player’s character to die, hurt an in-game friend, or worst of all, destroy a group of players during a raid. Lag cannot be avoided, but most of the time it can be minimized. One of the first things to do is go to BandwidthPlace.com and take an Internet speed test.

Internet Speed

Internet speed may have to be upgraded for some games. The faster the Internet speed, the more data that can be downloaded to the device. This can usually be done by calling the local cable company and having a boost added to the account. Be careful of the salesperson on the other line as they may try to sell a gamer’s package. This “gamer’s package” could cost $100 to $500 more per month. In most cases the device will not handle the 1Gbps speed the salesperson is trying to sell.

Hardware

There are several potential lag issues that can arise within a gamer’s hardware. Below are some of the most common suspects:

Modem: These days, the modem is usually supplied by the Internet carrier. Unless a new one is purchased, there isn’t anything that can change the modem speed. If there are severe issues, the Internet carrier can be contacted and a replacement can be issued, or an update can be installed.
Router: Users get what they pay for. The better the router, the better the performance. If the wireless or network card cannot support the speed of the router, then a more expensive router is worthless. They all have to be upgraded to see a significant change.
Memory: Memory is mainly used in conjunction with the processor to increase performance, but it depends on the developer of the game. High-end games need more video memory, which is the memory on the video card. Many developers are using machine-language code to enhance video performance.
Wired vs Wireless: This makes a big difference. Wireless connections are much more convenient, but they also lose bandwidth. Distance, radio waves, and high magnetic areas can all be factors in bandwidth loss. Players always get faster gameplay from a wired connection.

Software

Drivers: The main issue in this category is drivers. Every piece of hardware has software drivers that tell them what to do. Keep the most recent drivers updated for the device.
Updates: Keep the most recent updates installed on software products like Flash or the operating system.
Anti-virus software: Check anti-virus software. Many times the internal firewall will be active and it can stop or slow down packet exchanges from the game to the device.

Game Time

It may seem silly to some, but what time of day the gamer plays can be important. If the game gets too many players on at the same time, it will lag. The less people playing, the better the experience.

Internal Game Settings

Most games have internal settings that can be adjusted by the player. Players like to assume that their device can handle the best of settings, but this is not always true. Changing background noises and video filters can give the game a much better flow.

The first thing to getting that faster gameplay from a device is to take Internet speed test. Gamers can go to BandwidthPlace.com for all their devices’s needs. Once they know that the Internet is solid, they can just go down the list and decide what is financially feasible.

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Mobile Phone WiFi Testing is Easy

Last Updated: July 17, 2013

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Testing your mobile phone WiFi connection is a great way to make sure your Internet is operating at the speed promised by your service provider, but you aren’t limited to running those tests on your desktop computer. Mobile phone WiFi testing is a perfect way to test the power of your WiFi signal at various places in your home or office. Additionally, it is a great way to compare the quality of service between your home Internet provider and your mobile Internet service subscription.

How to Run a Mobile Phone WiFi Speed Test on your Smartphone

Running a WiFi speed test on your smartphone is a simple task. Most convenient are the speed tests that are able to run in your smartphone’s mobile web browser. Just follow the simple on-screen prompts to begin the test. If the online test doesn’t save your results, take a screen shot after the finished test to provide a history.

Some tests are available as apps for both the iOS and Android platforms. To use these, download the app you want. Then follow the instructions to run the test and save your result.

Checking for the Optimal Spot for WiFi at Your House

Using an Internet test service that allows you to download and save the test results makes it easy to check the quality of your WiFi connection at various locations in your house when you perform the test on your smartphone or even a tablet computer. Does that all brick in the family room hamper your WiFi signal? Mobile phone WiFi testing lets you easily check your entire house, even a screened-in Florida room, to find an excellent WiFi connection.

Simply save the test results in a spreadsheet or word processing document labeled for each room in which you performed the test. Now you will know the best and worst places to wirelessly access the Internet in your house.

Comparing Your Home WiFi with Your Carrier’s 3G or 4G Signal

Another great application for mobile phone WiFi testing is comparing the quality of the signal between your home WiFi connection and your mobile phone provider’s 3G or 4G signal. Sometimes the speed of a 4G network can rival that of a cable Internet or DSL connection, and bandwidth testing on a smartphone is a great way to find out. The test results might be the determining factor in spending a bit extra on your monthly data allowance.

Whatever your reasons for performing an Internet speed test, the convenience of running that test on a smartphone allows you more insight into the quality of your WiFi connection that isn’t possible on your desktop computer. Take advantage of your mobile phone for WiFi signal testing.

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Android Speed Test: Five Quick Ways to Get Your Smartphone Running Fast

Last Updated: July 16, 2013

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So you’ve performed an android speed test and it seems that the phone could be running a bit faster. Thankfully, you aren’t alone and probably won’t need to replace your phone before the contract period is up. Normal day-to-day usage of any smart phone tends cause it to slow down over time for a variety of reasons.

What are some of the best quick and easy ways to get your Android mobile device running at its optimal efficiency after performing an Android speed test? Here are five of the top techniques to try out on your phone.

1. Clear the App Cache

Any computer’s application cache — including those on smart phones — eats up memory and other system resources over time. There are a few apps available at the Google Play store to help manage a smartphone’s app cache. The best ones allow you to set the cache to clear automatically after a certain period.

2. Uninstall or Disable Unused Apps

With the large number of free apps available on the Android platform, it is easy to download one, try it out, and forget that it’s installed on your phone consuming memory. Make sure to periodically go through your app collection and delete the ones you don’t need. If you may use it again in the future, simply disable it.

3. Use a Third-Party App Launcher

Though a third-party app launcher is not something that will free up system resources or memory, installing one of the many that are available for Android can enhance your smartphone’s usability factor, which makes the device easier to navigate.

4. Reduce App Bloatware and Clutter

Not everyone owns a Google Nexus, so most Android smart phones are laden with pre-installed carrier bloatware. Take the effort to delete any apps you never wanted in the first place in addition to any extra widgets and shortcuts you may have installed over time. Remember, these all use system resources and will slow down your phone.

5. Disable Background Data

Many installed apps, like social media or news apps, periodically check the internet for updates. Each time they ping the internet, it takes up battery power and system cycles. Make it a point to disable or even limit an app’s usage of background data which is a good way to save on your monthly data allowance.

Following these five simple steps will go a long way in improving your Android phone’s speed, as well as its power and data usage. Running that Android speed test doesn’t have to mean bad news!