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How to Optimise Your Netflix Streaming Experience

September 3, 2015 9:22 pm

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Image courtesy of knowyourmobile.com

The increasing popularity of online streaming from providers like Netflix has begun to clog Internet connections. As more people subscribe to streaming sites, Australian Internet becomes slower, with the web choked by high data usage.
Based on Netflix’s own data estimates, the top five fastest Netflix download providers in Australia have average speeds slower than counterparts in New Zealand, UK, and the US.
Netflix’s Vice President of Product Innovation, Chris Jaffe, addressed Australians saying people think they have the worst Internet in the world, but the company knows better than that. Australian Internet speeds are sufficient for Netflix, even in remote or rural areas.
Ppeople have become increasingly interested in online flicks and TV shows and this has had a huge impact on Internet speeds. Users are getting poorer quality of service with regards to delivery of content, regardless of what form it comes in (movies, photos, text, etc).
The rollout of the National Broadband Network is underway, but some areas might need to wait longer to get connected.
While waiting for a NBN Fibre Broadband Plan, here are a few tips on how to optimise Netflix streaming.
Switch browsers – Update or replace your web browser to give your Internet speed a boost. Our top three picks are:

  • Chrome (Google)
  • Opera
  • Internet Explorer

Update or upgrade routers – Routinely reboot your Wi-Fi router for software updates to take effect. If that doesn’t do anything to improve your signal, it may be time to replace your router with a newer and faster unit.
Stop background running apps – Web-hungry apps may be slowing you down. If you have multiple programs and apps running in the background, end them so they don’t hamper your speed. To do this, press Ctrl+alt+del if you have a windows PC, and Command+Option+Esc if you have a Mac. From there, you can close unnecessary running apps.
Install and run antivirus programs – Spyware does not only slow your system, but affect your browser and Internet connection negatively as well. Install and regularly run antivirus/antispyware programs to get rid of any existing spyware infection.
Time it right – There is such a thing as Internet Rush Hour. If you are not careful, you could end up downloading content or going on a Netflix binge during peak periods. In which case, you can expect things to be slow. Time your online activities accordingly and see how that impacts your Internet speed performance.
We recommend holding downloading sessions early in the morning or late at night as these are the least congested hours.
 
 

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