Three Vital Tips to Limit Bandwidth Usage

In the perfect world, the internet signal supporting your home or business would always be exceptionally fast, bringing information and entertainment to you in seconds and sending it out again just as fast. Unfortunately life is slightly less than perfect and so the strength of your internet connection will vary from time to time. Most people are likely to experience some highs and lows throughout the day as people log on for “peak hours” and then off again as they do other things. There is not much that can be done to change the impact of peak hours on your personal internet bandwidth, but there are several strategies that Ebox users can implement to preserve as much useful bandwidth as possible and keep information flowing smoothly in every direction.

1- Minimize Access to Online Streaming Content

Streaming video and audio services are some of the most bandwidth-intensive websites of all. Even one user streaming music or videos can disrupt the bandwidth of an entire network of computers, slowing everyone’s internet access down considerably. In workplaces, blocking streaming sites like Netflix and YouTube is the easiest way to prevent this from occurring. At home, parents can implement periods of time when streaming is not allowed. This allows people working or studying to use the internet without having to compete with people watching movies.

2- Adjust Automatic Cloud Backup Functions

Many workplaces make use of frequent automated cloud backup to preserve important files and provide on-going access to electronic resources. Productivity software and other programs are also making using of cloud-based storage to back up data and user files. While all this oversight provides valuable support and security, frequently backing up data to the cloud servers eats up bandwidth and can slow workflow to a crawl.

Backup functions sometimes feature user options that allow for completely turning of automated saving and will save only when commanded to by a user. Others will allow you to time backups for hours of low activity, preserving bandwidth during the busiest hours.

3- Centralizing Software Updates

Virtually every modern software application is designed to automatically download security patches, bug fixes, and other updates. Some applications update on a frequent basis, which can take up valuable bandwidth; this is a particular concern when many workstations inside an office are downloading updates at the very same time.

Centralizing this whole process can be done with the help of specialized software. Users can see at a glance which applications need updated and can run those updates at a time when bandwidth resources are not being utilized. Network administrators can assist with the process of centralizing updates.

Keep Internet Bandwidth Free for Work and Study

Your bandwidth is an importants :

• Block bandwidth-intensive websites or regulate their use
• Minimize automated data backup to the cloud server
• Centralize software updates and set them to take place during periods of low activity

With a few simple changes you can preserve your internet strength for all the important tasks that require attention at work, school, and home. If you find that you simply need more internet bandwidth, contact Ebox.