Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

In this article, you will learn how to improve streaming video, namely its quality and transmission speed. Most of the quality of streaming video depends on the speed and bandwidth of your internet connection, but there are some steps you can take to reduce buffering and improve video streaming from services like Netflix and even YouTube.

Steps

1. 1 Limit the number of tasks in progress. That is, do not download files and close unnecessary programs (and even tabs in the browser) when watching streaming video.
   • For example, close all background programs (Skype, Steam, second web browser, and so on) that you are not using while watching streaming video.
   • If something is downloading on your computer, smartphone or console, wait for the download to complete, or pause it.
2. 2 Temporarily disconnect other devices from the Internet. If other computers, smartphones and so on are connected to the network, when you watch streaming video, these devices take up the bandwidth of your Internet connection. Therefore, disconnect such devices from the Internet when you are going to watch streaming video.
   • If only a device that is streaming video is connected to the Internet, the quality and transmission speed will improve markedly.
3. 3 Watch streaming video during low activity of other users. If your family or friends are using your internet connection, the video streaming quality will decrease. Therefore, watch streaming video when other people are not using the Internet.
   • Find statistics on what time periods in your area / country there is a peak in Internet use. For example, on weekdays after work hours, the Internet speed decreases.
4. 4 Check your internet connection speed. If the download speed (in megabits per second, Mb / s) is significantly lower than that stated by your Internet provider, contact them and solve this problem.
   • If the download speed matches the stated, the source of the problem is most likely with you, and not with the provider.
5. 5 Restore your router to factory settings, if it's necessary. Do this occasionally to avoid slowing down your internet connection speed.
   • Rebooting the router will clear the router cache.
   • Resetting your router to factory defaults will disconnect smartphones, tablets, computers, and other devices from your wireless network.
6. 6 Upgrade your device for streaming content. Regardless of what kind of device it is - computer, smartphone, console, smart TV - update it. To do this, check for available updates every time you intend to watch streaming video.
   • This rule has some limitations for operating systems; If you are streaming video on an old device (such as a 3- or 4-year-old Windows laptop), it may not be able to update the operating system.
   • If you are watching streaming video through an app like Netflix, please update the app.
7. 7 Draw a visual line between the router and the streaming device. The more obstacles there are between the streaming device and the router, the worse the streaming content is. Therefore, ensure that there are no obstacles between the router and the streaming device.
   • If this is not possible, reduce the number of electrical appliances and bulky items between the router and the streaming device.
   • If you are using an Ethernet connection, skip this step.
8. 8 Use an Ethernet connection instead of a wireless connection. If your streaming device is connected to a wireless network, try using a wired connection. This will increase the speed and reliability of the Internet connection and prevent the streaming device from disconnecting from the Internet (unless the router disconnects from the network). What's more, with a wired connection, you don't have to worry about obstacles between the streaming device and the router.
   • If possible, use a shielded Ethernet cable if the router is far (for example, in another room) from the streaming device. Such a cable is more difficult to damage.
9. 9 Use the 5.0 GHz channel instead of the 2.4 GHz channel on your router. If you have a dual band router, it has two channels: 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz. The 2.4 GHz channel is used more often, so try connecting to the 5.0 GHz channel to limit the number of connections provided.
   • Most dual-link routers broadcast two wireless networks. The 5.0 GHz network name is a variation on your standard wireless network name.
   • Keep in mind that the 5.0 GHz channel provides a faster connection, but has a limited range, meaning the streaming device must be closer to the router.
10. 10 Change the quality of your streaming video. Unfortunately, you may have to compromise on video quality in order for it to load faster. Most streaming services and video players have a quality menu (usually marked with a gear icon) from which you can select HD (or a number equal to or greater than 720p) or SD (or a number equal to or less than "480p").
    • Many streaming services, such as Netflix, optimize the video quality for your internet connection during setup. This means that if you had a high-speed internet connection during setup and then dropped the speed, Netflix will still stream the highest quality video, which is not ideal for your current connection.

Tips

• For the best results, buy the latest router and streaming device and upgrade to a high-speed internet connection.

Warnings

• If the maximum download speed of your router is lower than the maximum download speed of your internet connection, you are wasting money.