Get more from your internet connection kcomhome.com
Introduction An unpredictable internet connection can be as frustrating as a pen with no ink. The good news is you can make simple improvements to maximise your connection from the comfort of your home. Don t know your bits from your bytes? Haven t the foggiest about download speeds? This easy-to-follow guide cuts out the technical gobbledegook to explain how you can get more from your internet. Visit kcomhome.com/help
Visit KCOM s speed checker Connect your computer to your router Check your connection Speed testing Firstly, visit www.kcomhome.com/products/ broadband/speed-check to find out your area s broadband speed range, and speedtest.net to check what speed you re actually getting. Remember: You ll need to connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet or network cable for the best results. If you use laptops, tablets and other devices through a wireless connection, you ll get slower speeds. Need help? Call Technical Support on 01482 606101
Boost your wireless signal Wireless channels You and your neighbour could share more than a wall you might also use routers that operate on the same channel, which can cause signal interference and slow down your internet. Here s what to do: Search for wireless channel at kcomhome.com/help for stepby-step guides for all KCOM-supplied routers. Your router model and version details can be found on a sticker on the underside of the device. Powerline adaptors Also known as home plugs, Ethernet and wireless powerline adaptors are plugged into the wall socket in different rooms to deliver the broadband signal to remote parts of the house perfect for hard-to-reach places like the loft. Devices such as baby monitors, cordless phones, microwaves or even Christmas tree lights (especially the blinking ones) can also interfere with Wi-Fi signals. But it s easy to change your router channel if this is affecting you Wi-Fi survey Our engineers can visit you at home to pinpoint and fix any issues affecting your Wi-Fi network. This service costs just 29 and can be booked by calling our Technical Support team on 01482 606101. Something to think about: These devices need to be powered by the same electrical switchboard if your home has more than one. Visit kcomhome.com/help
Router position Moving your router a few metres can help to ensure a reliable signal strength throughout your home. Keep your router clear of mirrors, doors, walls and other large objects. You may notice an improvement if you move it to a flat surface in a clutter-free area. Don t place the router in the kitchen or electrical cupboard where it s more likely you ll get interference from other signals. Wireless booster or repeater A wireless repeater catches the Wi-Fi signal and sends it back out strengthening the signal so it s more likely to reach remote areas of the house. We don t supply wireless boosters and advise them as a last resort they can be difficult to programme and could actually reduce your network s performance. Try a few different locations to see which one gives you the best signal. Need help? Call Technical Support on 01482 606101
My broadband speeds are still slow what else can I do? Check your cables Make sure your Ethernet cable is in good condition and connected properly. Extension leads It s usually better to plug your router directly into a wall socket (try it and run a speed test). If you need to use an electrical extension lead, make sure it s good quality and the shorter the better. Microfilters Landline phones, paid-for TV boxes and fax machines need to be filtered from the Wi-Fi signal using a microfilter in each phone socket used for these devices. You ll have received a microfilter when you signed up to one of our broadband packages, and if you need more you can buy them at our store on Carr Lane, Hull city centre. Upgrade or improve devices If your computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone is old or unreliable then it could prevent you from getting more from your internet. You can also try using a different web browser (Google Chrome instead of Internet Explorer, for example) and clear the cache to boost performance. Firefox Google Chrome Safari Microsoft Edge Internet Explorer Visit kcomhome.com/help
Don t leave apps running Apps such as Skype, Netflix, SkyGo and BBC iplayer are increasingly popular but close them when they re not being used. They can slow your connection when left to run in the background. Check whether you can upgrade to fibre On our standard broadband packages you ll usually get speeds of between 2Mbps and 18Mbps (depending on where you live). If you re in a Lightstream superfast fibre area (more than 57,000 properties on our network are) we offer speeds of up to 250Mbps. You can check whether your property can get this at kcomhome.com/broadband. Or give us a call on 01482 602555 to find out. Clear your cache, cookies and internet history: (Windows users): Press Ctrl-Shift-Delete where you d enter a website address in your browser s address bar. (Mac users): Press Command-Shift-Delete where you d enter a website address in your browser s address bar. Need Help? help? Call Technical Support on 01482 606101
Finally Our hints and tips should help to improve your internet browsing experience but we re on hand to help if you re still encountering problems. Technical Support will be happy to help on 01482 606101 if you re having any internetrelated issues, including router difficulties. Our Technical Support team can also arrange a home visit to check your in-home configuration. Give us a call on 01482 606101, if you also want to arrange an in-home visit. Our MyTech experts are available on 0800 915 5116 for our instore services such as PC health checks, system reinstalls, data back-ups and smartphone and tablet set-ups. Technical Support: 01482 606101 Customer Services: 01482 602555 kcomhome.com KCOM16-04HB04A