All articles tagged with #internet speed
A new hollow optical fiber design using glass 'straws' could significantly increase data capacity and transmission distances, potentially leading to faster and more efficient Internet and telecommunications systems. Developed by researchers at the University of Southampton and produced by the startup Lumenisity, this innovation promises transformative improvements in data transfer speeds, especially in data centers.
Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology and Sumitomo Electric set a new internet speed record of 1.02 petabits per second using advanced fiber optic technology, enabling incredibly fast data transfer, though this speed is currently only achievable in a lab environment and not available to the public.
Many users experience slow internet speeds when using VPNs due to the encryption and location masking processes. To improve VPN performance, users can try switching to a closer server, adjusting encryption settings, changing VPN protocols, updating the VPN app, closing background apps, or considering a faster VPN service. ExpressVPN and Surfshark are recommended for their speed and security features. It's important to balance speed and security, and if issues persist, contacting VPN support or switching providers may help.
Researchers at UK's Aston University have achieved a data transfer rate of 301 terabits per second using a single fiber optic cable, which is 1.2 million times faster than the average American broadband connection. By accessing new wavelength bands normally unreachable in existing optical fibers, the team utilized an optical processor to access the never-before-used E- and S-bands, achieving these speeds without the need for new, high-tech fiber optic lines. This breakthrough could potentially allow internet providers to significantly increase standard speeds without overhauling current fiber optic infrastructures.
The FCC has redefined broadband by increasing the speed requirements to 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload, quadrupling the previous benchmark of 25Mbps download and 2Mbps upload, in an effort to improve internet access and close the deployment gap in the United States.
The Federal Communications Commission has voted to raise the benchmark for broadband service, now requiring at least 100Mbps download speeds and 20Mbps upload speeds, replacing the previous 25Mbps/3Mbps standard. This decision reflects consumer usage patterns and aims to push for faster deployment of advanced telecommunications capability to all Americans, particularly in rural and Tribal areas. The new standard could lead to potential regulatory actions by the FCC to promote competition and accelerate deployment, with a long-term goal of 1Gbps download speeds and 500Mbps upload speeds.
The FCC has raised the standard for broadband internet to 100 Mbps downloads and 20 Mbps uploads, a significant increase from the previous 25 Mbps / 3 Mbps requirement set in 2015. The agency's report highlighted the lack of broadband deployment in rural and Tribal areas, with around 24 million Americans still lacking fixed terrestrial broadband service and nine percent lacking adequate 5G cellular speeds. The FCC also set a long-term goal of 1 Gbps down / 500 Mbps up. While the FCC cannot force ISPs to increase speeds, it can prevent them from marketing subpar services as "broadband."
The Wi-Fi Alliance has certified the new Wi-Fi 7 standard, 802.11be, promising speeds of almost 5.8 Gbps, thanks to features like increased channel bandwidth, 4K QAM, MLO, improved latency, and MU-MIMO enhancement. While backward compatible, older devices won't fully benefit from its new features. Wi-Fi 7 is ideal for 8K movies, AR/VR gaming, and smart home devices, but its short wavelengths may limit long-range performance. Some Wi-Fi 7 routers are already available, but they come with a hefty price tag, and it's advisable for most people to wait until more devices support Wi-Fi 7 and prices come down.
A new internet standard called L4S (Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable Throughput) aims to reduce latency and improve internet speed by minimizing queuing and congestion. L4S allows packets to indicate if they have experienced congestion during their journey, enabling devices to make immediate adjustments to prevent further congestion. Companies like Apple, Google, Comcast, and Nokia have shown interest in L4S, and some cable modems already support it. While L4S is not widely deployed yet, it has the potential to significantly improve the user experience of web browsing, video streaming, and real-time applications like game streaming and VR.
China has unveiled the world's fastest internet speed service, capable of transferring data at 1.2 terabits per second (1,200 gigabits per second). Developed as part of China's Future Internet Technology Infrastructure (FITI), the backbone network, a collaboration between Tsinghua University, China Mobile, Huawei Technologies, and China Education and Research Network (CERNET) Corporation, surpasses expert predictions and is faster than existing internet backbone networks. The network covers a distance of 3,000 kilometers and has the capacity to transfer the data equivalent of 150 high-definition films in just one second.
A Wi-Fi expert has shared a simple trick to instantly boost router speed by changing channels on the Wi-Fi router, selecting channels 1, 6, or 11. Switching from 2.4GHz to 5GHz can also help due to less congestion. Protecting the router from malware, keeping it up-to-date, and replacing outdated hardware every four to five years are recommended. Placing the router in a central, elevated location away from obstructions can improve signal strength. Avoiding peak hours and limiting the number of connected devices can prevent network congestion. Lastly, a quick reset by turning off and on the router can resolve many slow internet issues.
Slow Wi-Fi speeds can be improved by changing the channel on your wireless router. Most routers default to channel 6, causing congestion if your neighbors are also using it. By accessing your Wi-Fi admin page or using an app, you can switch to a less crowded channel. This is particularly useful for 2.4GHz routers, while it is recommended to let the router choose the channel for 5GHz or 6GHz Wi-Fi.
Placing a wireless router near certain household items can significantly slow down Wi-Fi speeds. Common culprits include microwaves, shiny surfaces like mirrors and metals, large furniture or dense objects, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, and even fish tanks. These items can interfere with the router's signal and create dead zones in your home. To improve Wi-Fi signal, experts recommend avoiding placing the router in the kitchen, staying clear of metal, centralizing the router in a frequently used area, lifting it off the ground, and keeping technology up-to-date. Additionally, decluttering unnecessary electronics and using powerline adapters or Wi-Fi extenders can help boost internet signal.
The positioning of Wi-Fi router antennas can significantly impact internet speed. For routers without visible antennas, ensure the router is placed in an optimal location. For routers with two antennas, position them perpendicular to each other, with one horizontal and the other vertical. Routers with three antennas should have the middle one straight up and the side ones at a 45-degree angle. For routers with four antennas, two should be straight up and two at 45-degree angles in opposite directions. Consider the layout of your home and the devices you use to determine the best antenna positioning.
Three easy tricks to improve Wi-Fi speed at home include placing the router centrally, away from metal objects or competing signals, shutting out unauthorized devices by monitoring and removing them from the network, and contacting the internet service provider to inquire about swapping old routers for more compatible ones.