Slow Broadband? What to Do When You Can’t Switch Providers

When you’re dealing with slow internet, the first thing you might be inclined to do is contact your internet service provider (ISP) or considering switching to a new one.

But what if you can’t switch? For example, during the moment of social distancing and businesses being closed. ISPs are not likely able to provide you with self-install kits or come to your home to help you. This makes it impossible to switch your ISP at this time.

So, what do you do?

In these situations, you don’t have to feel trapped. You can raise your poor broadband or Wi-Fi speeds by doing a few things.

Here are some things you can do to boost your broadband internet or Wi-Fi without switching providers:

Start by checking your router placement

If your router is too far away or blocked, you can experience slow internet. Try moving your router to a central location and make sure it is off of the floor. Reboot it and see if that helps. If not, consider these other technology options.

Explore other technology options

There are other technology options to get a solid internet connection, such as MoCA Network Adapters or Powerline Network Adapters.

These two internet connection solutions may boost and/or extend your broadband speeds.

Powerline network adapters and MoCA network adapters create a wired connection between your router and a device through the electrical wiring in your home. In some cases, this wired connection could be better for you than Wi-Fi. Both types of adapters use an Ethernet cable to deliver a reliable internet connection to a single device.

The difference between them is the wiring that they use to connect you to the internet. Powerline network adapters create a powerline network that uses the legacy powerline wiring in your home. MoCA adapter create a wired network that relies on the coaxial wiring. Both types of wiring should already exist in your home (especially the legacy powerline).

A wired connection like what powerline adapters and MoCA adapters offer is a great short-term and long-term solution.

Short-term: If you need something to get you through until ISPs can come to your home again.

Long-term: If you want reliable internet every single time you connect.

Whichever best fits your needs, these adapters will be a great help.

By simply using MoCA Network Adapters or Powerline Network Adapters, you can make your home network much more reliable and get speeds of up to 1 Gbps*. Learn more about MoCA Network Adapters and Powerline Network Adapters in Actiontec’s Complete Guide to MoCA or by checking out How powerline technology works.

*Actual speeds will vary depending on the condition and noise found on the coaxial or powerline wiring. 1.06 Gbps is the maximum throughput.