Many households may not realize that the number of connected devices in their homes could be affecting their broadband speeds. Recent findings from Uswitch suggest that the average British home has around 16 internet-connected devices spread throughout their living spaces.
Certain devices, like video doorbells, constantly use internet bandwidth by sending and receiving data. This continuous activity can hinder activities such as video conferencing and streaming services like Netflix, especially for homes with basic internet services.
Think of broadband like a road – the more devices using it, the slower it becomes. While full-fibre connections can handle high traffic, older copper cables may struggle. Additionally, inactive “phantom” devices that remain connected to the network can further impact speed and performance.
To enhance connectivity, consider upgrading to faster full-fibre broadband if your home is filled with smart devices. Removing unused gadgets can also lead to immediate speed improvements by reducing background data traffic.
Max Beckett, a broadband expert at Uswitch, highlights the importance of identifying and disconnecting dormant devices to avoid unnecessary bandwidth consumption. Conducting a digital cleanup by powering down or disconnecting unused devices can optimize network performance.
While full-fibre broadband offers the best solution to buffering, managing connected devices and limiting simultaneous high-definition streaming can significantly improve your internet experience.