How to Improve Cable Internet Speeds: A Comprehensive Guide

As people continue to use the internet for different purposes, it’s necessary to improve the cable internet speed. In addition to quick downloads, faster internet can ensure a seamless online experience. You will also be able to communicate through VoIP calls when everything is running smoothly in the background. Fast cable internet speeds will also lead to incredible gaming sessions once everything keeps progressing smoothly. Businesses can also use an array of online services with improved internet connectivity. 

In this article, you will know more about cable internet and how you can optimize its speed. 

How Does Cable Internet Work?

Cable internet works by transmitting data across coaxial cables. Such types of cables are also used to deliver signals to the television.

• Firstly, the modem receives the data from the internet service provider and sends it to the location.

• The modem then demodulates the radio frequency signals and converts them into digital data. This kind of data is understood by devices set up at the location.

• Now, when the data is sent from a device connected to the home network, it sends it to the modem. The modem then sends the request to the internet service provider’s network.

• As soon as the request reaches the website’s server, it sends the requested data through the same route. At this instance, the request is sent in the reverse direction. This means that the data will be transmitted from the server to the ISP’s network and then to the modem and the router.

• Soon after receiving the data, the router distributes it to the device that the person is using.

What Factors Influence Cable Internet Speeds?

There are many factors that influence cable internet speed. Let’s check them out one after the other.  

Network Congestion

The internet speed can significantly slow down due to network congestion. This refers to a state when many users are using the internet at the same time.  

Distance

The distance between the location and the internet service provider’s office can affect the internet speed. If the distance is quite long, then it can degrade the signal and slow down the internet speed.  

Router’s Performance

The router’s processing power can actually impact the internet speed to some extent. The internet will certainly slow down in the case of a wireless connection. Hence, you have to upgrade the router to improve the internet speed.  

Interference

Interference due to electronic devices or surrounding Wi-Fi networks can also affect the internet speed. By reducing the interference, you can expect high-speed cable internet in the long run.  

Hardware Limitations

The overall performance of your computer can impact the internet speed significantly. If you’ve been using devices for a long time, you may face issues with the internet speed because they don’t support the current Wi-Fi standards. 

How To Evaluate Current Cable Internet Speeds?

When you wish to check the current internet speed, here’s what you need to follow/ 

• Firstly, you have to select the website that finds out the internet speed. You can also think about using a mobile app suggested by the internet service provider.
  
  Now, you have to close unnecessary applications or processes on the computer that might be running on high bandwidth. This will ensure that the results are not affected by activities that are running just because of the cable internet connection.
• Afterward, you have to click on ‘Begin Test’ or the ‘Start’ option. As soon as the test commences, the upload speed, download speed, and ping rate will be displayed on the computer screen. 
• Ultimately, you have to note down the speeds and compare the results as per the internet plan. This will help you know whether it’s worth paying for the internet plan.

How To Interpret The Internet Speed Results?  

The internet speed test results include the download speed, upload speed, and ping rate. 

• Download speed refers to the rate of data transmission from online sources to the device.
  
• Upload speed refers to the rate at which data is transmitted from the device to a certain website.
  
• The ping rate represents the total time taken by the data packet to travel from the device to the server and back again. If the ping rate is low, then it means that the internet connection quality is quite good. 

How To Find Issues With The Cable Internet Connection?

Now, let’s check out how you can find issues with the internet connection.

• To identify internet connection issues, you can compare the test results with the subscription plan. If the values are low, then it means that there are issues with the internet. 
• Apart from checking the results, you can also analyze the ping rate. A low rate will indicate that the internet connection is fine. But if the ping rate is quite high, then it’s because of the hardware or network congestion.
• In case the internet speed has been fluctuating for a long time, then it may be due to hardware issues. 

How To Optimize The Hardware Setup?

Optimizing the hardware setup may involve changing the position of the modem. You also have to check the compatibility of modem hardware and optimize the router.  

• When you’re placing the modem, make sure you choose a place that is centrally located in the area. This will help distribute the Wi-Fi signals evenly across the place. Additionally, you should also think about positioning the modem on a table. You also have to keep the modem away from objects that can disrupt the signals.
   
• To ensure modem hardware compatibility, confirm whether the modem is compatible with the ISP’s network technology. You also have to consider the maximum internet speed supported by the modem. The modem has to also support the DOCSIS version used by the internet service provider. 

Towards the end, you also have to optimize router hardware and ensure a proper cable internet connection. 

How To Manage Network Traffic For Faster Cable Internet?

Managing network traffic is important for the optimum performance of the internet. Here are some strategies you can consider for managing network traffic. 

Find Activities That Use Bandwidth

Initially, you have to find the activities that use a lot of bandwidth. Such cases will arise when you’re playing a game online or downloading large files. Once you have identified the activities, you will know what’s affecting the network’s performance. 

Adjust QoS Settings

By configuring the QoS settings, you can prioritize crucial activities. This will ensure that sufficient bandwidth is available even during peak hours. For instance, you can consider video conferencing more important than playing online games. This will not only help in delivering a great experience but also reduce latency. Let’s check out the steps for configuring QoS settings. 

Steps To Follow While Configuring QoS Settings

1) Double-click on the web browser’s icon and enter the router’s IP address. You will come across the IP address when you observe the router closely.

2) Now, you have to enter the router’s ID and password. This information can be easily found on the router’s surface itself.

3) After logging in, you have to go to the QoS settings present on the interface. 

4) If you observe that the QoS setting is disabled, then you have to enable it right away. Enabling the setting will help prioritize network traffic. 

5) During this step, you have to create QoS rules depending on the devices and protocols. For instance, you can prioritize applications that enable you to make voice calls or gaming traffic.

In the end, you have to set the priority levels to make sure the bandwidth is allocated to the traffic related to the rules. Later, you have to save the settings so that the configuration is applied to the router.

How To Control And Monitor Connected Devices?

When you’re monitoring connected devices, you should use certain tools to check the devices that are using more bandwidth. As you browse the internet, a few tools can help track the utilization of data and observe which devices are consuming more. After finding out the connected devices, you can set the extent to which data can be used. You can also set a suitable time when the devices can run along with the internet. 

How To Update The Firmware To Improve The Internet Connection?

Updating the firmware of the router is important for improving network stability and performance. Here are the steps that you need to follow.

1. Firstly, you have to visit the manufacturer’s website and check for firmware updates. Many manufacturers provide relevant updates and instructions on their websites.
   
2. If the update is available online, then you have to download the firmware for the router. At those instances, you have to ensure that you download the right firmware version that’s compatible with the router and its model number.

3. Before you proceed with updating the firmware, you should remember to backup the router’s configuration settings. This step will be helpful, specifically when something goes wrong and you have to restore the settings.
   
4. Now, you have to open the web browser and enter the router’s IP address. By entering the right IP address, you will be led to the router’s web interface. In case you are not aware of the router’s IP address, then you have to go through the manual or documentation.
   
5. Soon after logging in to the web interface, you have to go to the firmware update section. You will be able to find this section under ‘System’ or ‘Administration’ settings.
   
6. Under the firmware update section, you will be able to install the firmware through an option. At this point in time, you have to select the downloaded firmware and commence with the update.
   
7. Subsequently, you have to be patient until the firmware gets updated. As the update process moves ahead, you shouldn’t turn off the router or stop the process suddenly. Apart from damaging the router, the interruption can lead to issues with the firmware.
   
8. Once the firmware update is complete, the router will automatically reboot. Hence, you have to wait a few minutes until the new firmware is applied. 

Eventually, you will have to confirm whether the firmware has been updated successfully. This can be confirmed by checking the firmware version in the web interface. After a while, you will also have to test the router to ensure faster cable internet.

How To Reduce Interference For The Internet?

When you have to reduce network interference, here’s what you can follow.

• Make sure that you place the router at a central location for uniform coverage and less signal interference. You should also ensure to keep the router away from obstacles that can interfere with the signals. These obstacles include metal objects, walls, and various electronic devices.
  
• As you try to reduce signal interference, you have to adjust the Wi-Fi channels from the surrounding networks. This adjustment can be made with the help of the router’s web interface. Once you access the router’s settings, you can choose the channels with less interference. Beamforming can also be implemented to reduce signal interference.
  
• Think about segmenting the network into separate VLANs to isolate traffic. This will also help to reduce interference between different types of devices. A Wi-Fi extender will also help to extend the coverage area of the existing network. Besides enhancing the signal strength, it will also help to cover areas where signals are weak. 

Finally, you can be a part of online forums to resolve issues or improve your best internet connection. But, when you follow the steps and tips stated above, you will surely enjoy a great internet surfing experience. However, you should always remember to maintain the network and try optimization techniques. 

Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)

How To Ensure That The Cable Internet Speed Is Low?

If you observe frequent disconnections or slow loading times for web pages, then that indicates low internet speed. A speed test can also be helpful to measure the internet speed.  

What Affects The Cable Internet Speed?

Cable internet speed can be affected by network congestion, bandwidth limitations, and the quality of the router. 

How Frequently Should I Update The Router Firmware?

For optimum cable internet performance, you have to update the router firmware, usually after two months.  

What To Do In The Event Of Network Disruptions?

When the network gets disrupted, you should think about restarting the router and updating the firmware. You should also check whether there’s service outrage at your place. If you need assistance, then contact the internet service provider immediately.  

Can I Optimize The Internet Speed Without Any Technical Assistance?

You can certainly optimize the internet speed without seeking any assistance. In that case, you can place the router properly and update the firmware.