Looking for assistance with improving your internet speed? Let me know if you'd like tips on optimizing your connection.
Looking for assistance with improving your internet speed? Let me know if you'd like tips on optimizing your connection.
We recently moved our internet service from Xfinity to Ziply Fiber. This experience is quite different from my previous use of cable, which I switched from dial-up in the 90s. We reside in an apartment building with only copper connections. My belief is that Ziply delivers fiber directly to the building’s network box, after which copper reaches each unit. We connect an RJ11 cable from the wall outlet to a modem, which then links to the router via an RJ45 Ethernet port. I’m on the "Gig Fiber" plan, but initially we received about 450Mbps. This limitation is attributed to the copper’s length and condition, as explained during installation. After researching, I learned that using a better quality RJ11 cable could improve performance. I purchased one on Amazon and connected it, which significantly boosted our speed to around 600Mbps. Now I’m curious—can altering the cable further help? Are there other options like upgrading the modem or choosing a higher-grade cable? I checked Cable Matters and found no listings for premium products. Changing the wall socket’s RJ11 port to a more robust model might also help. What advice do you have? I’m open to any suggestions, though I’m ready to consider this as my final option.
Would you like to share a photo of your cable or equipment? Provide details about your modem and router. Are you running a speed test over Ethernet to the router? You might already know there are various fibre types, with FTTP/H being the top choice—fibre reaching directly into your home. It seems you likely have FTTB, bringing fibre into the building and copper to each apartment. However, an RJ11 connection is typically used in AVDSL but isn’t gigabit ready. EDIT: I haven’t heard of Ziply; after checking, it appears they use G.Fast in MDU setups for gigabit speeds at short ranges. Edited April 12, 2025 by perigee
I switched from standard phone wire to a stronger "cat5e" RJ11 cable to boost performance.
Upon returning home, I'll check the modem model and capture images of the ports and connections. This is precisely what you're suggesting. The less copper there is, the quicker the connection will be.
Maybe 600 Mbps works well for G.Fast. Is this over WiFi or straight Ethernet to the router? EDIT: Did you check with your neighbors about their speeds? If they’re on the same plan, that’s good. Edited April 12, 2025 by perigee
The only area for improvement is when several phone lines on the same connection overlap, leading to signal issues. Disconnecting all but the broadband line helps resolve this.