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Tips to Optimize Your Home Internet Usage

Last Updated on June 04, 2020 at 12:00 AM

Originally published June 04, 2020

By UC Staff

UTEP Communications

The University offers the following tips to optimize home internet usage.

Check Your Plan

  • For starters, check your internet plan. What speed of service do you subscribe to? Is it enough to meet any new demands? FCC consumer guides on household broadband use and broadband speeds may be helpful for you to determine your home Internet usage needs.

Test Your Speed

  • If your speeds are slower than expected, you should contact your internet service provider to find out if they offer troubleshooting tips, or if there is an outage or service disruption in your area that may be affecting your speeds.
  • Sometimes a simple router reboot—by powering it off and then back on again—can resolve a problem.
  • If these tips don’t work, you may have an equipment issue, such as an outdated router.
  • Search the model number on your router to see if it’s capable of providing your subscribed speeds. It might need to be updated to take advantage of higher speeds.
  • If updates aren’t available, you may need to purchase a new router or rent an upgraded router from your service provider.


Create an Internet Schedule

  • Even the latest Wi-Fi routers with fast service speeds can get bogged down by a family of users trying to do things simultaneously.
  • Set guidelines with your family members and discuss daily schedules to avoid performance issues and prioritize usage.
  • If your job offers flexible hours, you may be able to work around high-traffic times on your home network.

Microsoft OneDrive

  • UTEP faculty, staff and students have the option to use Microsoft OneDrive for Business.
  • The University-supported cloud storage system is accessible anywhere, anytime, from any device.
  • Current faculty, staff and students can utilize Microsoft OneDrive for Business to store, sync and share files across all their devices.
  • Learn more: www.utep.edu/technologysupport/ServiceCatalog/DATA_OneDrive.html


Explore Your Options

  • If you get a good cellular signal in your home, another way to alleviate home Wi-Fi network congestion is to disconnect your cellular devices from your Wi-Fi network.
  • You may also be able to use your cellular device as a mobile hotspot.
  • Before switching any of your devices to cellular-only service, check your data plan to make sure you won’t go over any data caps and incur overage charges. You can also explore options for fixed wireless service or other cellular alternatives in your area.
  • If you’re not seeing congestion on your in-home Wi-Fi network, turning on Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi calling from your smartphone can conserve data and reduce potential congestion on mobile networks.
  • Many service providers have committed to providing free Wi-Fi hotspots during the national coronavirus emergency. Some are offering discounts or temporary upgrades at low or no cost during the crisis, or eliminating caps on data plans.
  • Learn more about the FCC’s Keep Americans Connected initiative here.