Broadband Speeds

What is ADSL2+?
What is ADSL?
How do I check the broadband services available to me, and which speed should I expect to receive?
Factors that may affect your speed
Tips to speed up your broadband

Your broadband service will always try to connect at the highest possible speed that is available via your telephone line, which is why, when we refer to our broadband services we use the term ‘Up to’ when referencing the speed that is associated with a particular broadband service. We offer two types of broadband service.

What is ADSL2+?

Is the next generation of ADSL broadband that offers much higher download speeds at distances further from the telephone exchange. Our range of ADSL2+ broadband services available from Demon are below. These products are delivered over the Cable&Wireless Worldwide Local Loop unbundled network. For more information click here.

• Home2+
• HomeOffice2+
• Business 2+
• Business 2+ Pro
• Business Lite +
• Business Unlimited

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What is ADSL?

Short for asymmetric digital subscriber line, ADSL is a type of DSL broadband communications technology used for connecting to the Internet. Our range of ADSL broadband services available from Demon are below. For more information click here.

• Home 8000
• HomeOffice 8000
• Business 2000
• Business 8000
• Business Lite

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How do I check the broadband services available to me, and which speed should I expect to receive?

To check which broadband service is available to you, please enter the telephone number, postcode and property number or name of the address you wish to have Demon Broadband Services installed. The Broadband Availability Checker will show you the available broadband services along with an estimate of the maximum download speed you could receive. The broadband speed shown will be the maximum your line can support and is based on the distance between you and the nearest telephone exchange and is subject to the following factors which may affect your speed.

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Factors that may affect your speed

Distance From Exchange

Generally the closer you live to the telephone exchange, the higher the broadband speed your phone line can support. There are other things that can affect the broadband speed you receive, but this is by far the most important factor.

Phone Line Quality

Your telephone line consists of two insulated copper conductors twisted round each other. Damaged, corroded copper or poor connections between cables may effect the speed you receive.

Bad Weather

Heavy rain or thunderstorms can play havoc with broadband speeds. In fact, a severe storm could even damage your equipment permanently. We’d suggest unplugging your equipment from the telephone line and power socket. You can plug them back in after the storm has passed.

Electrical Interference

TVs, lighting and power cables produce electrical interference that can affect your broadband speed

Telephone Faults

In nearly all cases, once the telephone line is fixed the broadband will be too. Connection problems tend to clear up immediately, with slow speeds it’ may be a few days before your speed gets back to normal.

Time Of Day

Peak times can slow speeds.

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Tips to speed up your broadband

Adjust Browser Setting

Most people use Internet Explorer, the Microsoft package that’s already installed on your PC. Version 6, which many people are still using, downloads all files on a web page in sequential order. This is inefficient and means that a page with lots of pictures will take longer to download. By upgrading to the latest version – Internet Explorer – version 9, or by using an alternative browser such as Chrome, you could reduce the time it takes to download a page.

Reposition Your Router

You can help reduce electrical interference by making sure your position your router on either a desk or table and away from the floor. Also plug your router into the main phone line socket instead of an extension cable, this can help to reduce interference.

Upgrade Your Router

If you have recently upgraded to a faster broadband service and still have an old wireless router, it may not be able to provide the broadband signal a more up-to-date router can provide. Please contact our Sales Team on 0800 027 3737 who will be able to provide pricing.

Secure Wireless

If you have wireless broadband, make sure you password-protect your network. If you are unwittingly sharing your connection with unauthorised users they will be using up valuable bandwidth – not to mention the security threat this poses.

Check Background Applications

There are a whole range of applications that may run in the background on your computer and some will be discreetly using your broadband connection for tasks such as installing updates or uploading data. Make sure that all unnecessary applications are shutdown to prevent this. Having a large number of browser windows or tabs open may also have an effect on your download speeds. Try closing some web pages to see if it improves your speed.

Use Microfilters

Make sure all other phones/faxes/digiboxes/etc in the house or office are connected via a microfilter. Microfilters prevent other devices connected to your telephone system from interfering with your broadband signal. Every device connected to the phone system should use a microfilter. If you still have problems, unplug all devices and gradually add each one back until you identify which one has caused the problem. If you’re using free microfilters supplied by your ISP or with your router, consider paying for more expensive microfilters with good user reviews – it’s possible one or more of your filters is faulty or of poor quality.

Check Usage

Make sure we have not capped your speed because you have exceeded the limits of your monthly usage allowance or traffic management policy. Please click here for more information on our Fair Usage Policies and click here to see your download usage.

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