Are your video calls freezing or games lagging even with fast internet? The issue might be your upload speed, not download. Here’s how to check it.
Change this one setting to get faster internet speeds
Slow internet speeds are incredibly frustrating. You pay a boatload of cash to your internet service provider, and your connection is spotty and slow.
Many things could be causing delays in your connection speed. We’ll go over each of these things at the end of the article, but we’re going to focus on your DNS or domain name system for now.
What’s that, you ask? A DNS is essentially a map of the internet. Think of it as a road map, with all of the web addresses you frequently visit and millions more that you don’t.
When you sign up for internet service, your provider assigns you to its DNS server. However, that isn’t always the best one to use. It could be bogged down with traffic, running inefficient software or any number of other problems.
If your computer can’t look up IP addresses quickly, it seriously slows down browsing. Fortunately, there are other DNS servers out there you can use. Keep in mind that speed isn’t the only reason to choose a new DNS. Many DNS systems include filtering to block inappropriate websites or other sites you don’t want to see.
Why your DNS server matters
While having your ISP assign your DNS servers automatically is convenient, it opens up its own set of issues. Depending on your provider, its DNS systems can be slow and inefficient, gumming up internet speeds.
Another issue is security. Using your ISP’s DNS servers allows it to track your activity like searches and the sites you visit, opening up all sorts of privacy issues. Many tech companies are opening up their own speedy and secure DNS systems to the public to address these concerns.
Phone book for the internet
A DNS or domain name system is often called the phone book for the internet. It’s a critical component of how the whole internet works, and it can dictate how fast and secure data is delivered to you.
Here’s a simple way of putting it. A DNS server translates IP addresses of websites to domain names that are easier to read and remember. For example, Google.com is translated to the IP address 74.125.239.2 and vice-versa. The communication between your computer and a DNS system is critical to direct web traffic correctly.
Best DNS servers you can try
Americans will pay $32K for internet over a lifetime. Here are 3 ways to cut your bill
If you feel like you’re paying an arm and a leg for internet every month, you’re not imagining things. Americans really do pay more for internet service over a lifetime than almost any other country on earth.
Our internet isn’t exactly the fastest or most stable compared to other countries, so why the high costs? It isn’t government-subsidized for starters, and service providers take a decent sized cut of the profit. Tap or click here to see how to reduce your data usage.
NYC to London in 1.5 hours: NASA’s officially working on commercial aircraft with speeds between Mach 2 and Mach 4, or from 1,535 to 3,045 miles per hour — twice the F/A-18’s Mach 1.8. That’s so fast your in-flight peanuts will catch up with you at the baggage claim.
T-Mobile and Sprint join forces - here's what's coming
T-Mobile and Sprint have officially merged to create the New T-Mobile. The new supercharged Un-carrier will deliver a transformative 5G network, better products at low prices, and continue to be a brand consumers love.