Internet speed is the amount of information that we receive per unit of time. And time for a modern person is worth its weight in gold. We are constantly nervous in queues, traffic jams, and the slow Internet aggravates the picture even more, brings us to a boil. Can we affect the communication speed? When choosing a provider and equipment, you need to understand whether the Internet speed depends on the modem, or whether the slow connection to the World Wide Web is caused by some other reason.
Of course, internet speed is determined by many factors:
- type of connection to the network (fiber-optic or telephone lines, 3G, satellite communications);
- technical capabilities of the provider (availability of a sufficient amount of equipment, its modernity, quality of communication lines, frequency of coverage);
- tariff plan (the provider can artificially limit the access speed);
- the software on the computer, the correct settings for the network, the presence of viruses, software errors, etc.;
- the parameters of the sites themselves that you visit (possible server problems, congestion, etc.);
- weather conditions (rain, hurricane, snow, thunderstorms can create troubles on the line, equipment failure, lack of communication with towers and servers).
To figure out whether the modem affects the Internet speed, let’s analyze the different types of connection.
Fiber optic connection
Fiber optic cable has high bandwidth and provides the fastest data exchange. It often happens that the optical fiber is simply brought to the building, and then twisted pair goes through the premises (apartments), which significantly limits the speed (up to 100 Mbit / s). In this case, a modem is not required – the cable can be connected directly to the computer’s network card, but a router may be required. This is a more sophisticated device that allows you to create local and Wi-Fi networks indoors, connect various mobile and stationary devices to them. The maximum speed in such a network is determined by the capabilities of the router.
If the provider offers to bring the fiber-optic cable directly into the apartment (or office space), then you will need a special modem. As a rule, the operator provides it himself and includes the payment for it in the tariff plan. In this case, the Internet speed depends on the modem and, perhaps, the company will offer you different options in terms of cost and functionality.
Telephone connection
At the time of the appearance of the Internet, access was made through a telephone network using the Dial-up technology with a very low connection quality (up to 56 Kbps). At the same time, while working in the network, the telephone line was busy. Nowadays, this outdated communication method has been replaced by ADSL technology, which allows you to use the Internet and the phone at the same time. However, even in this case, the connection speed technically cannot be higher than 24 Mbps. In practice, due to the poor condition of the lines, the figure is much lower, and this is precisely the determining factor. But with the correct setting of the ADSL modem, the communication speed can be increased.
At the same time, the model of the modem affects the speed of the Internet – on the same line, a more modern, expensive device will allow you to achieve better performance. The difference can be up to 2-3 times. In addition, the slowness is due to frequent freezing, unstable communication.
To improve your internet speed, pay attention to the following:
- Do not allow the device to overheat, provide adequate ventilation, and do not stack items on top. Overheating causes braking, freezing, and malfunctioning.
- Contact your provider for recommendations on hardware and software configuration. Some operators offer a file with parameters for a specific model.
- Update device firmware. Outdated software may restrict communications.
Connection via 3G / LTE / 4G network
3G / LTE / 4G communication is gaining popularity as it allows you to literally carry the Internet with you. A small device, similar to a USB flash drive, easily fits in your pocket, allows you to connect your laptop to the World Wide Web wherever a cellular operator works. It is for this type of connection that you can be sure whether the increase in the speed of the Internet connection depends on the correct choice of the modem model.
First of all, the communication standard itself determines the speed of data exchange. 3G gives up to 2 Mbit / s, LTE already up to 299.6 Mbit / s, and 4G theoretically can even reach 1 Gbit / s. Naturally, the higher the technical capabilities, the more expensive the equipment.
In addition to technical parameters, there are also factors on how the Internet speed depends on the modem:
- If the network is loaded, that is, many users download or upload large amounts of information, the modem switches to a lower communication standard, which affects the speed of work.
- Overheating of the device can lead to a slowdown, this is a problem for budget models.
- The quality of the receiving antenna is poor. Even if the operator provided good network performance, the device simply isn’t able to fully capture the connection.
- Incorrect settings for the device, operating system and software.
There are several ways to improve your network speed a little:
- Using the gpedit.msc command (Start Menu – Run).
- In the “Group Policy” window, select “Administrative Templates”, then “Network” and find “QoS Package Manager”. There you need to enable the limitation of the reserve bandwidth (put a tick and the value 0%). This will increase the speed by 20%.
- Buy a USB extension cable to move your device to a better signal, such as closer to a window. Remember that the cable should not be too long, otherwise it will cause the opposite effect and loss of speed. Desirable meter, but in any case no more than 3 meters.
- The signal quality can be improved by connecting an external antenna. You can buy in a store, or you can do it yourself using a variety of video instructions on the network.
Thus, it is impossible to say that the Internet speed depends on the modem and only on it. Many factors affect the speed of work, they are often interdependent. Nevertheless, you can solve the problem of slow Internet, or at least significantly improve the situation, with the help of the correct choice and configuration of the modem.