How to Increase Internet Speed | Start with CAT6 Ethernet Upgrade

■ How to Improve Internet Speed and Optimize Network Efficiency: Start by Changing the Network Ethernet Cable

A slow or unstable internet connection can disrupt everything, from streaming and gaming to virtual meetings and remote work. The good news? You can significantly boost your internet speed and improve overall network performance with a few smart changes.

✅ 1. Test Your Current Internet Speed 

It is necessary to understand your starting point prior to commencing the optimization process, which may include tools such as: 

• Speedtest.net

• Fast.com 

Measure your: 

• Download speed 

• Upload speed 

• Ping (latency)

Evaluate your speeds against those in your internet service plan. You might need to optimize your network setup if you are not getting the data transfer speeds for which you are paying.

✅ 2. Choose to Use a Wired Connection Whenever Possible 

Wi-Fi is easy and thus often unreliable. A wired connection is faster, more stable, and more secure. 

Devices that benefit most from Ethernet include: 

• Desktop computers 

• Gaming consoles 

• Smart TVs 

• Network-attached storage (NAS) 

If physical wiring is difficult, consider using any of the following: Powerline adapters, MoCA (Multimedia over Coaxial), which is the best option for extending wired connections using a home’s existing infrastructure.

■ Upgrade Your Ethernet Cable to CAT6 or Higher 

If the users do not use the latest Cat5 and low-quality cables, their individual speeds will be dropped to under 100Mbps. 

If you are subscribed to 300 Mbps or more, but the connection still feels slow, your Ethernet cable might be the one choking your speed.

Why Upgrade to CAT6 Cable or Better? 

• Supports up to 1 Gbps over 100 meters 

• Reduces crosstalk and interference 

• Mainly for HD/4K streaming and gaming, and high/large files transferring 

• Features include increased reliability and endurance 

Tip: If your devices and router support Gigabit Ethernet but you're still getting low speeds, replace your Ethernet cable with a certified CAT6 or CAT6a cable. Ensure connectors and ports are rated for Gigabit performance.

✅ 3. Upgrade your router or modem. 

Old routers may not even conform to the higher internet speed or modern protocols. Switch your router to: 

• Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) [or] Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) 

• Dualband or tripleband frequency 

• With advanced features like MU-MIMO, Beamforming, and QoS 

Recommended models include: 

• TP-Link Archer AX73 

• Xiaomi AX6000 

• RT-AX82U ASUS 

• Huawei AX3 Pro

✅ 4. Optimize Your Wi-Fi Settings

✔️ Utilize the 5GHz Band 

Wi-Fi with 5GHz brings faster transmission rates with less interference (suitable for long distances). 

✔️ The Wi-Fi Channel should be changed 

Minimize interference by picking a channel with low congestion using WiFi Analyzer. 

✔️ Consider QoS (Quality of Service)

QoS gives priority to important applications like video conferencing or online games over other non-essential ones.

✅ 5. To fix the signal issue, improve your router's location. 

Choosing the wrong position for the router means the coverage is low and the signal is weak. Putting these tips into practice will help you: 

• Place the router in a central and high position. 

• Avoid corners, walls, and metal (or similar) obstacles. 

• Keep away from microwaves and big appliances. 

• For houses of larger sizes, consider installing Mesh Wi-Fi systems.

✅ 6. Reduce Background Bandwidth Usage

Whether be it through multiple applications and devices, which might be working together, bandwidth usage can happen unnoticed. Here’s how to do this: 

• Get rid of auto-updating on all devices. 

• Disable syncing on the cloud (Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, etc.). 

• End all unused downloading apps or Taps. 

• Disconnect devices that are no longer in use.

✅ 7. Get Your Firmware and Drivers updated 

• Recurrent updates of your router firmware to maintain speed and security. 

• Update network card drivers on your PC/laptop. 

• Weekly restart of your router is essential for its regular and high-quality functionality.

✅ 8. Secure Your Network

Make sure you take the necessary steps to avoid bandwidth theft by doing the following: 

• Create a very strong password with WPA2 or WPA3. 

• Disconnect guest networks sutured not to be used. 

• Use MAC filtering to obtain possession of devices being connected to your router's network.

✅ 9. Consider Upgrading Your Internet Plan

One reason for this is your plan's door capacity. An upgrade is highly recommended if you: 

• You have several users or devices streaming, gaming, or working simultaneously. 

• Your current speed is below 200Mbps. 

• There is Fiber-optic (FTTH) service available in the area. 

✅ 10. Use a VPN or Accelerator (Optional) along with the registration

In a place where ISP throttling takes place or regional restrictions operate: 

• Connect to VPN with high-speed servers. 

• Explore the possibility of video or gaming accelerators, such as NetEase UU or ExitLag. 

• ⚠️ Reminder: Consult local laws and ISP conditions, and keep in mind VPNs.

✅ Quick Diagnostic Checklist

Here’s a fast way to check whether your network is properly optimized:

■ Final Thoughts 

The combination of hardware updates (like CAT6 cables and better routers), smart software settings, and acceptable user habits is a gold key for truly maximizing your internet speed. Start with a strong foundation of wired—updating the Ethernet cable first—and then build up from there.

Need high-performance networking products? 

We supply Ethernet cables, fiber optics, and custom networking solutions for homes and enterprises. 

Contact us today to learn more.

James is a technical manager and associate at Zion Communication. 

Specializes in Optical Fiber communications,  FTTH Solutions, 

Fiber optic cables,  ADSS cable, and ODN networks.

james@zion-communication.com

+86 13777460328