How to Increase Internet Upload Speed
If your home or business internet upload speed is slow, make sure you're getting the upload speed for which you're paying your internet provider. Understand whether you have asynchronous service, which provides faster download speeds than upload connectivity, or synchronous service, which divides bandwidth equally.
Consider switching from Wi-Fi to a wired network, and make sure your computer is free of malware and other software that may be using your connection without your knowledge.
Internet Upload Speed
Uploading means to send files or other data from your computer to a server or another machine on the internet. You might do this to publish business documents and other materials like videos, images and music. A faster upload speed can help you get information out there faster or support live streams from your home or business.
If your upload speed isn't where you want it to be, there are steps you can take to increase throughput and get the speed you're looking for. You can do some of these things yourself, while others require working with your internet service provider.
You can find a variety of online speed-test tools to test your upload and download speeds. You may want to run these to determine whether you're getting the advertised speeds from your internet provider. Then you can decide whether you need to contact your provider to upgrade your service or first take steps to get the speed you're paying for.
Synchronous and Asynchronous Service
Many internet service providers, especially those offering home internet, sell what is called asynchronous internet service. This kind of service allocates more bandwidth to downloading files than uploading them. It's useful for users who spend more time streaming media or downloading web pages than creating their own content, but it can be detrimental if your hobby or business depends on uploading data.
Check your contract or your internet provider's customer home page to determine whether you have synchronous or asynchronous service. Consider shopping around for a package with synchronous service if you plan to do many uploads.
Wi-Fi and Wired Internet
Wi-Fi connections are often slower than wired ones because of limitations on bandwidth in the wireless protocols and because of the potential for interference with Wi-Fi from other devices on your network and other sources of radio noise.
If you're using Wi-Fi and you find your connection slow, consider switching to a wired connection. Most routers and modems support standard Ethernet cables to connect your devices.
If you must use Wi-Fi, make sure your computer and router support the latest Wi-Fi standards and there aren't other devices on the network potentially making it default to a less sophisticated version of the standard. Try to use a Wi-Fi channel with fewer other nearby networks on it, and place your computer as close as possible to the router, with few obstacles in between, to reduce interference.
Cable, DSL and Fiber
Different types of internet connections provide different maximum upload speeds. Fiber-optic connections are often the fastest broadband connections of all, followed by cable modem and DSL service. Satellite and wireless internet providers are generally slower. Fiber providers are also more likely to offer synchronous service.
Talk to your internet provider and any others serving your area if you're unhappy with your service. See what options are available that might deliver you faster upload and download speeds.
Malware and Other Software
If other software on your computer is using your internet connection, it may slow your uploads down. Scan your computer for malware with trusted security software, but also consider other software that might be downloading updates, uploading data or otherwise using your connection.
Disable unnecessary software when you're working on a critical download or upload to conserve bandwidth.
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Warnings
- Many ISPs (even ones advertising “unlimited data”) also have a monthly data transfer cap, often mentioned in fine print. If you exceed this cap, the ISP may slow your service speed. Usually, the cap is quite large, and you shouldn't exceed it under normal circumstances. However, three or four people transferring large files on a regular basis could exceed this cap. Check your bill carefully, as it should list the amount of data your company has transferred over a billing period.
Writer Bio
Steven Melendez is an independent journalist with a background in technology and business. He has written for a variety of business publications including Fast Company, the Wall Street Journal, Innovation Leader and Business BVI. He was awarded the Knight Foundation scholarship to Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.