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Whether you're a cordcutter without a subscription to cable or satellite TV, or you want the convenience of streaming content using DirecTV Everywhere or HBO Go, bandwidth remains a vital part of your video-on-demand experience. Trying to enjoy streaming video on a slow Internet service leads to buffering and ultimately a poor experience.

With that in mind, let's take a look at a few quick ways to ensure there is enough bandwidth for your video streaming enjoyment.

improve bandwidth for streaming media

First Off — Test Your Internet Speed

Before trying to optimize your bandwidth, make it a point to run a quick Internet speed test to see whether your service supports video streaming. Anything above 5 Mbps works for HD-video quality, although speeds greater than 10 Mbps perform better, especially if multiple users are accessing the same router.

Limit the Number of Users Accessing Your Internet Service

As mentioned at earlier, make sure to limit the number of users accessing your wireless router before streaming a movie. Even if you subscribe to broadband Internet service with a decent speed, multiple users sharing that service often hampers performance for everyone.

Invest in a High-end Dual Band Router

Dual band wireless routers provide you with essentially two different networks: one at 2.4 GHz (the same speed in single band routers), and a faster 5 GHz network that's optimized for streaming rich media content. A dual band router with a superior range will definitely improve the streaming experience of any device connected to your network.

Additionally, higher-end routers leverage a technology known as beamforming that optimizes the connection between the router and device. In short, if you plan on doing a lot of movie streaming and online videogaming at your house, an investment in a top of the line dual band router is a smart call.

Pay Attention to the Router's Location at your Residence

Routers are affected by location. Consider placing your wireless router close to your prime television viewing area to improve the overall streaming experience. This helps you get the most out of your bandwidth even without spending extra on a high-end router.

Paul Williams

Paul Williams

Paul Williams brings a wide range of experiences to his writing. He worked extensively in technology, as a software engineer, technical writer, and now a technology writer. Known as the leader of one of the top American Spacerock bands, his forward-looking music continues to be heard all over the world.