How to Improve Your Internet Performance

Practical, low-cost steps to get faster and more stable internet at home.

Updated 4 November 2026 · IPandNet Guides

Before paying for a faster plan, work through these steps. Most cost nothing and fix the majority of slow or unstable home connections. Run a speed test before and after each change so you can see what helps.

Quick wins (5 minutes)

  1. Restart your modem and router. Unplug both for 30 seconds, plug in the modem first, wait until it is online, then the router.
  2. Test with a cable. If wired results are good but Wi-Fi is poor, focus on your Wi-Fi rather than your plan.
  3. Pause background activity: cloud backups, game downloads, system updates and torrents.
  4. Use the faster Wi-Fi band. Connect to the 5 GHz (or 6 GHz) network when you are within range of the router.

Improve your Wi-Fi

  • Place the router centrally, raised up, and away from thick walls, metal objects and fish tanks.
  • Do not hide it in a cupboard or behind the TV.
  • Update the router's firmware from its admin page.
  • For larger homes, use a mesh Wi-Fi system or a wired access point instead of cheap range extenders.
  • Replace routers older than about five years – newer Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 models handle many devices far better.

Reduce lag and jitter

  • Enable QoS or Smart Queue Management (SQM) on your router if available; it keeps latency low while someone is downloading.
  • Connect gaming consoles and work computers by Ethernet.
  • Check with our jitter test before and after.

Check your devices

  • Update your operating system and network drivers.
  • Try a different browser, and disable extensions while testing.
  • Test with your VPN off – VPNs often reduce speed.
  • Replace damaged or very old Ethernet cables (use Cat 5e or better).

Try different DNS

A faster or more reliable DNS resolver will not raise your download speed, but it can make websites start loading sooner. Use our DNS Comparison tool to find the quickest one for your location.

Talk to your provider

If wired tests are consistently far below your plan, or you see dropped connections, contact your ISP. Share your results from the Connection Health Report. If your needs have grown, ask about higher-tier or fibre plans.