If you’re experiencing slow broadband speeds, the reason could be simple. Many homeowners are unaware of the number of devices connected to their router, with the average British household having around 16 web-connected accessories. Devices like video doorbells, constantly online and sending data, can hinder activities like video calls and streaming services such as Netflix, especially in homes with basic internet access.
Broadband can be likened to a road – the more traffic it handles, the slower it becomes. Full-fibre connections offer larger capacity to manage increased traffic, while older copper cables may struggle.
Another issue arises from ‘phantom’ devices, which remain connected to the router even when not in use, consuming bandwidth by checking for updates or sending data back and forth.
To improve connectivity, consider upgrading to faster full-fibre speeds if your home is filled with smart gadgets. Disconnect any unused devices to potentially boost speeds instantly. Unused gadgets constantly communicate with the router, clogging up the connection and causing buffering during activities like movie streaming or gaming.
Max Beckett, a broadband expert from Uswitch, emphasized the importance of managing connected devices and highlighted that some gadgets consume bandwidth even when not actively used.
Perform a digital spring clean by disconnecting any unused devices from WiFi or powering them down completely. While a full-fibre broadband connection is ideal for avoiding buffering, simple steps like device management and limiting high-definition video streaming can significantly improve your experience.