The maximum broadband speed offered in UK is 50Mbps by T-Mobile. But the average speed attained across the country is less than 8Mbps across the country. There is a considerable rise in the penetration of broadband while the speed has not shown much improvement. Many users are dissatisfied about the difference between the offered speed and the actual speed obtained. However, all the ISP´s in UK have taken enough measures to improve the broadband speed and help more users to stay connected without disruption.

There are many factors that can affect the speed of an Internet connection. Users can try out the below mentioned ways to boost their broadband speed.

1. Browser Optimization

Mostly Internet connections are used for browsing using web browsers like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, etc. By default, all the browsers are set to log the history and other relevant information, so that it can help users during their next visit to the website. However, this stored information can slow down the performance of the browser. Also installing too many tool bars and add-ons can decrease the speed of the Internet since all these mini applications access the connection automatically. So it is important for the users to optimize the browser and keep it light weighted. Now-a-days many applications automatically install a browser tool bar during setup. So it´s important for the users to identify if the tool bar is of any use to him or her. This can help users to keep away from spyware which monitors browsing activity.

2. Remove Viruses and Spyware

Internet speed can also be affected by malicious programs like virus, spyware, malware, etc. These programs mostly get installed from the Internet. Also some of these programs are capable of communicating using the Internet which can eat up a lot of bandwidth. Moreover these programs reduce the performance of the Internet by affecting the web browsers and the various networking protocols available in the operating system. Users can overcome these issues by installing any reputed security software like Norton, Mc-afee, Kaspersky, etc. This software can be used to regularly scan the computer and protect the computer from these malicious programs.

3. Remove too many Anti-virus or Firewall

Sometimes users tend to install more than one anti-virus software or firewall, to protect their computers. Users install this software to make their computer more secure or sometimes forget to remove the previously installed security software during an upgrade or change to new software. However, multiple security software can slow down the performance of the Internet as well as the computer. These programs can be identified and removed from the computer either from add or remove programs or using the disk clean up utility which is available in all the windows operating system.

4. Replace faulty Cables and Devices

Network speeds can also be affected, if there is any damage in the Ethernet cable or devices like modem and router. Damage of these cables and devices shall not be necessarily external; it can also be an internal damage. Even an outdated firmware for the modem or router can cause loss of data packets, which in turn slows down the computer. Users who maintain a home network with multiple computers, may observe if there damage in the cable or networking device. Replacing the faulty devices and cables would help in boosting up the Internet speed.

5. Replace faulty Ethernet cards

Ethernet or NIC (Network Interface Card) is one of the important components in a computer which helps to access the Internet. These cards can also slow down the Internet connection or might not be reliable if it is damaged. Also corrupted drivers for these cards have to be updated in order to obtain the maximum speed.

6. Avoid Bandwidth overhead

Broadband providers can slow down the speed of the Internet if excess bandwidth is used during the peak hours. Most of the times excess usage happen without the knowledge of the user. All the programs installed in a windows based computer get added up to the start up item automatically. These programs initializes as soon as the computer is turned on. Applications used for chatting, file sharing, updates, etc, get connected to the Internet as soon as the connection is turned on and eats up most of the bandwidth. This can lead to excess usage and slow down of Internet speed. Users might remove some of the unwanted start up items and monitor the usage of the Internet on a regular basis.

7. Usage of Download Accelerator

There are many third party applications that can help users to increase the speed of download by various compression methods. These applications compress the download data and increase the download speed to more than 10 percent. Ex: Onspeed

8. Use Speed Boosters

Many speed booster devices are also available in the market which can increase the speed of the Internet. These devices are fit in between the telephone jack and the actual modem. These devices filter the broadband signals and avoid any electrical and magnetic interference and improve the speed of the connection. Ex: BT-I-Plate.

9. Check if Wireless Connection is secured

Wireless broadband connection have become most popular among the users as it provides more mobility and sharing of the Internet. But security is one of the most important points of consideration while using a wireless Internet. These routers should be protected properly using network encryption keys like WEP and WPA, in order to block unauthorized usage. If not protected these devices can be accessed by any nearest wireless enabled computer or laptop which can eat up bandwidth and reduce the speed of your Internet connection.

10. Increase the offered speed or Change the ISP

If trying out all the above steps did not result in the increase of broadband speed, then users can try upgrading their service to higher speeds. Also users can consider changing the ISP´s to get better access, if not satisfied with the present one. Broadband regulators like Ofcom instruct the providers to follow code of practice to ensure the speed of the connection. However, users can raise a complaint to the respective ISP´s or directly to Ofcom for any false expectations.