Latest news with #internetconnection
CNET
a day ago
- CNET
I Tried Using a Mobile Hotspot as My Primary Home Internet Connection. Here's What I Learned
A mobile hotspot can help you stay connected when you've lost internet during a power outage or need Wi-Fi on the go. But have you ever thought about using a mobile hotspot at home in place of your regular internet connection? That may sound counterintuitive. After all, why connect to a hotspot when you can just use your traditional home internet connection? But in full transparency, I took this assignment after a CNET colleague asked, "Why can't you just use a mobile hotspot at home and bypass your home internet provider?" Challenge accepted. Here's what I discovered after using my mobile hotspot at home. First off, what is a hotspot? A hotspot is a physical location where people can connect wirelessly to the internet. There are three different types of hotspots: private, public and mobile. Each type of hotspot serves as a different way for you to connect to the internet. Let's take a closer look at the types of hotspots available. Public hotspot Public hotspots are specific locations established by businesses or public spaces that provide free Wi-Fi. You can find these in libraries, cafes and even shopping malls. Public hotspots allow anyone within range to connect to the internet and usually lack the security you'd find with a private hotspot. Most public hotspots are not encrypted with passwords, which makes it easier for hackers or outside threats like malware and viruses to intercept connected devices. If you are handling sensitive information while connected to a public hotspot, you should take extra security measures, such as using a VPN. Private hotspot On the other hand, a private hotspot is not free, but it is more secure than a public hotspot. For example, your home network can be characterized as a private hotspot. A private hotspot can wirelessly connect devices to the internet using a router supported by your internet service provider. Your network will likely be encrypted with a strong Wi-Fi password and only certain people will be able to access it. Mobile hotspot The cellular network that your mobile phone is connected to can also be used as a hotspot. If your phone is nearby, you can connect devices such as your computer, tablet, smart gadgets and more to the internet. Many mobile providers such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon offer users the built-in personal hotspot feature. Locating local internet providers Using a mobile hotspot at home: Yay or nay? I tested my mobile hotspot for three days by using it as my primary internet connection method. Before setting up my hotspot, I made sure my phone was near my computer. Then, I disconnected from my Wi-Fi on my phone, went into my iOS settings and turned on my personal hotspot. Next, I opened the Wi-Fi panel on my computer and waded through the different networks and connected to my phone's hotspot. My mobile provider is AT&T, and I was on the 60GB Unlimited data plan. My discoveries after conducting this experiment at home might surprise you. Here's what I found The first thing that leaped out at me was the speed. On average, I was getting less than 10 megabits per second in download speeds and about 10Mbps in upload speeds. Yeah, that's a no from me. When using my mobile hotspot, I received an average download speed of less than 10Mbps and only 10Mbps in uploads. Ookla/Screenshot by CNET Speed is usually not a deal-breaker, since I don't game excessively or stream that frequently. But working from home means conducting video conferences, which require at least 10 to 20Mbps, according to CNET's speed guide. I used Ookla to perform an internet speed test over my mobile hotspot. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) I averaged less than 10Mbps in downloads and 10Mbps in uploads, daily. For context, the Federal Communications Commission defines broadband to have speeds of at least 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload. Comparatively, I saw much faster speeds when I used my traditional Wi-Fi router, which was receiving an average of over 530Mbps in downloads and 240Mbps in uploads. Besides the intermittent lagging during video conferences, sending large files and emails also took a hit. CNET's How-To expert Nelson Aguilar encourages users to avoid connecting their computers to a mobile hotspot. 'The only time I ever use a mobile hotspot is when I'm sharing it with someone else's phone or tablet," says Aguilar. "A mobile device typically uses less data than a computer, and so the performance is much higher than with a computer, which often runs several high-bandwidth tasks in the background that can quickly consume data and slow down performance.' Mobile hotspot use and battery life Since your mobile hotspot acts as a router, sending and receiving signals, using your mobile hotspot throughout the day can lower your battery. Unless your phone is continuously charged, using a mobile hotspot may not be an ideal way to connect to the internet long term. A mobile hotspot at home can be convenient (until it's not) Trisha Jandoc/CNET My mobile hotspot use abruptly stopped while I was on the train on my way to the office. I was attempting to connect my computer to my mobile hotspot in hopes of accessing the internet to send some emails. My laptop would say connected on the Wi-Fi panel, but there was no internet. Thankfully, I was on the way to the office and could access the internet there. But the next day, I was working from home, and the looming question came: What do I do now? I was on AT&T's 60GB Unlimited data plan and as you can imagine, I was very confused. Did I really burn through 60GB of data in the two days I used my mobile hotspot? Thankfully, I was on the unlimited data plan, so I would not be charged data overage fees if I reached maximum data. Besides the slow speeds, you should always consider that your mobile hotspot is less reliable than traditional Wi-Fi. There could be different factors, such as network outages, poor signal, proximity from your provider's nearest cellular tower, and or, in my case, technical issues (which I'll get into in a bit). These things are outside your control and ultimately disrupt how you stay connected. The following day, I had to call AT&T and troubleshoot my mobile hotspot in order to continue working from home. How to troubleshoot your mobile hotspot at home when it's not working There are different ways to diagnose issues with your mobile hotspot from home. Whether you're an iPhone or Android user, sometimes the easiest action to start with is to simply turn your phone on and off. If that doesn't solve it, try the following steps. Turning off battery-saving mode: If restarting your phone doesn't work, you can try turning off battery-saver mode in your phone settings. According to Asurion, low-power mode can interfere with your mobile hotspot. If restarting your phone doesn't work, you can try turning off battery-saver mode in your phone settings. According to Asurion, low-power mode can interfere with your mobile hotspot. Disconnect from your VPN: While using a VPN can protect your network from outside threats, it can also disrupt your mobile hotspot signal. A VPN may not be necessary if you are using a private hotspot (connecting to your mobile provider's network). While using a VPN can protect your network from outside threats, it can also disrupt your mobile hotspot signal. A VPN may not be necessary if you are using a private hotspot (connecting to your mobile provider's network). Updating your phone's software: Before you know it, it's been over six months since you updated your phone. It happens to the best of us. Conducting a software update on your phone could prevent issues that arise from your mobile hotspot. To do this, simply go into your iPhone or Android settings and check if any updates are needed. This software update could take some time to complete, so keep this in mind if you have any time-sensitive things you need to do quickly. Reset your phone's network settings Trisha Jandoc/CNET If you're like me and these tips did not improve your mobile hotspot, the next thing to do is contact your mobile provider. I called AT&T's tech support number and expressed my issue to them. The AT&T representative confirmed over the phone that I still had plenty of usage left in my data, so my concern about burning through my data was not why I was facing issues. The AT&T rep gave me the following instructions on how to restart your network settings. While I followed these steps on my iPhone, I also included instructions for Android users. iPhone To change or update the name of your mobile hotspot, go to Settings > General > About > Name > change the name to [user's iPhone]. To change your mobile hotspot password, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot > Update your password. To reset your phone's network settings, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. (Important note: If you get to this step, your phone will automatically disconnect, restart and forget all the Wi-Fi passwords your device is connected to.) Android To change or update the name of your mobile hotspot, go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > click hotspot name > Change name. To change your mobile hotspot password, go to Settings > Wi-Fi network > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > click Password > change password. To reset your phone's network settings,go to Settings > Click System > (Advanced) > Reset Options > Reset Network Settings > click Reset. If you're still stuck, I would consider contacting your mobile provider for further assistance. Using a mobile hotspot at home: Pros and cons While using a mobile hotspot has some unique benefits, you should also be aware of a few drawbacks if you're aiming to use it at home. Pros: Convenient: As long as you can access your mobile device, a hotspot is easy to use. As long as you can access your mobile device, a hotspot is easy to use. A solid internet backup: It's always safe to have an internet backup option, especially in cases of emergency. Whether your power went out, severe weather affected your internet connection or your wired internet provider is experiencing a massive network outage, a mobile hotspot can be an easy way to stay connected to the internet. Cons: Costly: At first, it may seem like using a mobile hotspot is a cheaper alternative than paying for your traditional home internet service, but this could prove to be more costly down the line. On average, customers pay a monthly bill ranging from $20 to $50 for their phones. On top of this, you may also incur additional data overage fees for every certain block of data used . If you're on an unlimited data plan, you won't have to worry about paying overage fees, but you may face annoyingly slow speeds once you've reached your data cap. At first, it may seem like using a mobile hotspot is a cheaper alternative than paying for your traditional home internet service, but this could prove to be more costly down the line. On average, customers pay a monthly bill ranging from $20 to $50 for their phones. On top of this, . If you're on an unlimited data plan, you won't have to worry about paying overage fees, but you may face annoyingly slow speeds once you've reached your data cap. Slow, unreliable speeds: Generally, you'll find faster speeds with traditional fixed home internet. Even if you can only access a fixed wireless or satellite internet connection, most home internet providers can deliver speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark with 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload . Generally, you'll find faster speeds with traditional fixed home internet. Even if you can only access a fixed wireless or satellite internet connection, most home internet providers can deliver speeds that meet the Federal Communications Commission's broadband benchmark with 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload Not accessible everywhere: Your actual speeds will probably not match the advertised speeds of your plan. Your mobile hotspot relies heavily on your mobile provider's cellular tower. Depending on your proximity to the tower, your speeds can vary. More importantly, for those who live in less populated or rural areas, access to a 5G connection may not always be guaranteed. Your actual speeds will probably not match the advertised speeds of your plan. Your mobile hotspot relies heavily on your mobile provider's cellular tower. More importantly, for those who live in less populated or rural areas, access to a 5G connection may not always be guaranteed. Can reduce phone battery: Overall, using your mobile phone as a hotspot throughout the day may not be ideal. Unless you can keep your phone charged at all times, a mobile hotspot may not be ideal when you're on the go. Bottom line: It's a no for me on using a mobile hotspot at home, but it can still be a lifesaver in other cases After completing this experiment, I confirmed that it doesn't really make sense to use your mobile hotspot as a primary source of home internet connection. The purpose of having a mobile hotspot at home is to act as a backup option in times of emergency. When your power goes out or your internet provider is experiencing a network outage, a mobile hotspot is a great way to stay connected. However, using a mobile hotspot as your primary mode of connecting your home to the internet isn't ideal. You'll find a faster, more reliable internet service with a fixed broadband connection. If you love traveling, then a mobile hotspot might be something you use pretty frequently. For typical household usage, you'll want to turn to your mobile hotspot only as a secondary option. Should you use a mobile hotspot at home FAQs What is the difference between a hotspot and Wi-Fi? The two are related. A hotspot is a specific location where you can connect wirelessly to the internet. It can be public (typically libraries, airports, malls or cafes) or private (your home network, for example, or using your phone to connect other devices wirelessly). Wi-Fi is a broad term used to describe connecting to the internet wirelessly. Is using a mobile hotspot better than using your Wi-Fi router at home? Not really. While a mobile hotspot is convenient and portable, making it easier to stay connected on the go, it shouldn't be your primary way of connecting to the internet at home unless it's your only option. Usually, a fixed internet connection will provide you and your household with better performance at home.
CNET
26-05-2025
- CNET
Don't Suffer the Buffer: Free Your Internet From Annoying Lags With My Easy Tips
Summer is upon us, baseball is in full swing, and if you're opting to stream any games this season, you must ensure your internet connection is up to par. (Yes, I realize I just mixed my sports metaphors.) No one wants to lag and miss a late-inning home run to the tune of your neighbors cheering upstairs. The hard truth is that when you're streaming significant events at the same time as everyone else, there will always be a bit of lag or delay. There's not much that you -- or your neighbors -- can do about that collective baseline lag. It's just a consequence of how our internet connections work. But if your neighbors upstairs consistently seem several seconds ahead of you, odds are that your home network might be slowing you down. You can optimize your internet in a few quick steps, which I'll walk you through below. If you still struggle with slow streaming speeds, you may have to make long-term changes, like upgrading your Wi-Fi router. But for now, let's focus on easy, quick improvements you can tackle in just a few days. Run a speed test The first step to getting a faster internet connection is to figure out what internet speed you're actually getting. I have a sneaking suspicion that many of you aren't sure what speed you should be getting. If you're not certain, check your account online and verify what speed you're paying for. Next, run a simple internet speed test to determine whether you're getting sufficient download and upload speeds in the room where your TV is located. The best, most thorough approach is to run multiple tests at different times of day to get a complete picture of your connection's speed. Why? Average download and upload speeds vary depending on how congested the network is, so make sure you're aware of factors like that when testing. Locating local internet providers There are plenty of free internet speed tests, but I most frequently use the Ookla speed test. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) I've got the app on my Apple TV and can see the results on my LG TV, but you can also run it in your browser or by using a free speed test app on your Android or iOS device. Get your speed test results right on the big screen. Trey Paul/CNET In our CNET guide to how much internet speed you really need, we recommend a minimum of 25Mbps for streaming 4K video per FCC guidelines, so that's your starting point. Overall, most households should aim for minimum download speeds of at least 100Mbps, if speeds like those are available and affordable at your address, especially considering the number of smart devices connected in our homes (which we'll touch on just below). Now that you've tested your speeds, compare them to the speeds you're paying for. If the numbers are far off, it might make sense to contact your internet service provider and find out if something is awry on that end, or if possible, you could even try to negotiate a faster plan for less money than you're paying now. If you've been with your ISP for a while, you may be surprised to discover that better, cheaper plans are now available. Check your layout Wi-Fi is incredibly convenient, but it could slow you down if your equipment isn't centrally located. Put simply, the farther away from the modem and router your streaming device is, the lower its wireless speeds will be. If speeds are low enough, you'll start to see buffering as the streaming device struggles to pull the video content over the air fast enough to show it to you in real time. For context, my colleague at CNET pays for gigabit speeds but wasn't getting those speeds until she optimized her Wi-Fi setup. I mentioned earlier that I ran my Ookla speed test from my Apple TV. My wife and I decided to connect our Apple TV directly to our router via an Ethernet cable instead of using a Wi-Fi connection. We wanted our streaming services -- Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV Plus, etc. -- to access the fastest speeds in our house, which isn't possible via Wi-Fi. If you can manage to configure it that way, a wired Ethernet connection will boost the speeds of any device you connect to, like your TV. If you cannot connect via Ethernet cable, the next best option is to watch the show on a device or TV in the same room as your modem and router. The less distance between your router and your Wi-Fi streaming device, the better your chances for uninterrupted performance. Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:15 Loaded : 100.00% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:15 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Revive Slow Gigabit Speeds Without Panicking Use your router to check your household bandwidth usage If you're still encountering problems even though your download speeds seem to be up to snuff, you may be having trouble with your router. The first thing to try is the oldest trick of turning it off and back on again. I know that can be frustrating to hear, especially if you've ever asked for help from anyone in tech services and the first response is, "Have you unplugged it and plugged it back in?" The truth is, sometimes it can be that easy -- restarting your router helps it reset and function better. Something else worth considering is the number of people and devices using your network. We mentioned earlier that the ideal download speed for streaming 4K video is 25Mbps, but each device on your network uses bandwidth, making it harder for your TV to consistently get the needed 25Mbps. Our homes are now filled with a myriad of connected devices, including mobile phones, laptops and smart TVs. There are also gaming consoles, security cameras, voice assistants, connected speakers/sound systems, smart thermostats, smartwatches and countless other smart home gadgets. These are all vying for bandwidth. Take an inventory of the smart devices in your household and, with your partner, roommate, kids or whoever else is at your abode, agree on what can be temporarily removed from your network to allow a less congested network as you try to stream your favorite programming. On that note, if you have people in the home who want to watch something different than the live event you want to stream -- consult with them beforehand and see if you can come up with a list of shows or movies that can be downloaded before your event. Maybe download some episodes of Bluey for the kids. Or perhaps your roommates would enjoy binge-watching some episodes of Severance or classic episodes of The Office. Whatever it may be, take the time to get your household on board and those alternatives downloaded early, and you can avoid strife, arguments and backed-up bandwidth during your live event. Run a final checklist OK, you've done several practice runs. Now it's Go Time. Just before your live event is about to start, it's time to run through the steps one last time to ensure your internet is ready. Rerun that speed test The fantastic download speeds you registered several days prior won't do you any good if they're lacking on the day you need them most. It's always wise to check your download speed before marking off any other items on your list. Return to your router and double-check the bandwidth status If your speeds are slow, run back through that checklist: Can you remove any smart devices from your network? Do you need to remind other family members to stick to the game plan and hop off the streaming services or gaming sites? Ensuring everything is in order before the event starts will help minimize any lag and frustrations during the event. Now you're set to get the best experience possible for your home's current setup. You've done all you can. So, sit back, grab your ice-cold beverage and a bowl of your favorite snacks and enjoy! Don't suffer the buffer FAQs Is it a bad idea to stream a live event? While many people still watch live events on over-the-air networks, more are watching via streaming platforms. So, as long as you're prepared and have the proper setup, there should be no issues if you choose to stream live events. Should I upgrade my router to get a better connection? While your router might be holding you back from a perfect stream, you should try the other steps listed in this article before buying an entirely new piece of hardware. It's also important to note that your connection speed is still limited by what you're paying your provider for -- that will always be the speed at which you're capped.
