Improve your internet performance
DISCOVER THE BEST WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR CONNECTION TO THE WORLD.
ONCE YOU’VE IMPROVED your network’s stability, it’s time to focus on performance. Step one is to look at your current internet connection. Is it fast enough for your needs? The explosion in streaming and online gaming means that regular broadband connections can’t cope with the growing demands of the modern home.
If you’re looking to add HD or even Ultra 4K streaming into this mix, then investigate If the NBN is available in your area, and what kind of speeds you can expect from local provioders. Many ISPs offer services up to 100Mbps, but you’re unlikely to get near those theoretical maximums based on several factors: distance from the exchange, number of users sharing the line, and the wiring quality to your home. Some broadband providers can provide a more accurate speed estimate based on your phone number and postcode. These speeds are more than enough for those wishing to stream multiple 4K streams at once (never mind the rest).
Stuck in a rural area? Satellite broadband appears tempting: prices are falling and download speeds have increased to around 36Mbps, but satellite connections have high latency rates, which rule out online gaming and video conferencing. Also look out for usage caps, which place serious limits on media streaming, particularly at 4K.
EXTEND YOUR WIRED NETWORK
If you do maximise your internet connection this way, you’ll need to make sure your home network is capable of handling uploading and downloading of so much data. That means connecting your Apple TV 4K to your wired network rather than via Wi-Fi. If it’s in a different room to the router, invest in two or more powerline adapters to carry the wired network signal.
Like Wi-Fi, powerline’s real-world speeds are nowhere near the quoted maximums, but AV1200 units should be able to deliver 150 to 400Mbps, more than enough for multiple 4K streams and other traffic. You’ll need at least two adapters: one for your router, and one for each room you’re extending to.