Fastest Broadband

The fastest types of broadband that are available to UK customers at present are ADSL2+ Broadband and Cable/Fibre-Optic, which, in anecdotal speed tests using line checker tools, consistently rank at the top of the table for download and upload speeds. The technological advantages of cable over copperwire mean that Fibre-Optic Broadband will give you an overall better performance, but if you live relatively closely to your telephone exchange and ADSL2+ Broadband products are available in your area, then chances are you'll be able to receive a broadband service that can match a cable connection in terms of speed and reliability.

Fastest Broadband

The technological advantages of ADSL2+ and Cable Broadband mean that if speed is of the essence, then you are better off signing up for these services if they are available to you. On average these provide the fastest download and upload speeds, although if you are unable to receive these services, or you do not want to, then there are a number of things you can do to help improve the performance and speed of your broadband service.

If you're connecting to the net via a wireless router, it's important to remember that the positioning of your router in the house is important. Try to avoid placing in a such a way that mirrors or large metal object will interfere with the path of signal between your computer and the router - imaging an invisible line of sight between the two which passes between any walls in the house, and try to make sure that the path is clear of anything predominantly metal or reflective.

Also, installing an interstitial plate (also known as an I-Plate) or isolating the third wire in the master socket can also help to reduce electronic 'noise' and interference from surrounding electrical equipment, which can all contribute to poor broadband performance.

The third wire, also called the 'bell wire' runs alongside the pair of cables which carry broadband and telephone signals to and from the house. In ye olden days of telecommunications, the bell wire was needed to generate the ringing sound by powering the hammer inside a telephone's bell - since this is not the case in today's world of cordless handsets and electronic ringtones, the bell wire is a source of unnecessary interference. Cutting the bell wire or simply installing an I-Plate by unscrewing the plastic cover and slotting it in, can considerably improve the speed and performance of your broadband package.