How channel bonded broadband could help you get faster internet speeds

Ask anyone about common internet headaches, and wishing for faster internet is usually top of the list. If you’ve tried everything from upgrading your equipment to moving your router, then it might be time to look for some out-of-the-box solutions. 

That’s where channel bonded internet could be the answer you’re looking for. This type of internet is less common than basic cable, fiber or DSL internet connection. Here’s everything you need to know about what channel bonded internet is, where to find it and how it can help speed up the internet and Wi-Fi connection at your home.

What is channel bonding?

Put simply, channel bonding is a way to maximize your internet speed by combining two broadband lines. This can be done by combining multiple DSL connections, DSL and cable, or even Wi-Fi and LTE from your smartphone. 

If you’ve never heard of channel bonding, you’re not alone. Using this method to boost your home broadband connection and Wi-Fi goes by several other names, so you may hear channel bonding also called:

• Pair bonded
• Ethernet bonding
• Bonded internet 
• Wi-Fi bonding 
• Broadband bonding 

How can channel bonded broadband help you?

Determining the speed you need for all your online activities is typically calculated by factoring in your online activities (gaming, streaming, browsing), plus how many devices you have connected to the internet at once. But, you might be limited in the maximum internet speed that you have access to due to your location. 

Want to know if bonded internet might be helpful for your home? Check to see if your home fits any of these scenarios:

• You live in a rural area.
• There is only one internet provider in your area.
• The only internet options where you live are DSL or satellite.
• Your DSL service is reliable, but too slow for your household needs.
• You live in a newly-built home.
• You use a VPN or work from home. 

If those descriptions fit your current situation, channel bonded internet could help. So, what should you do if the download and upload speed you require isn’t offered by any internet service provider (ISP) in your area? We’ll show you how to get bonded internet at your location.

What internet service providers offer channel bonded internet?

First, you need to know what providers offer channel bonded internet service. Most DSL providers, such as Frontier, CenturyLink, AT&T and Windstream, may offer this option. Other regional internet providers may also have this option. The best way to find out if bonded internet is available in your area is to speak with a local technician or contact customer support. 

What are the technical requirements for channel bonding?

There are two types of DSL lines: ADSL and VDSL. The main difference between the two is the speed of broadband internet they are able to support. Regardless of which type you have at your home, bonding two lines together is possible as long as there is an available line, or port.

Extra equipment may need to be installed to bond the lines, such as a bonder or an additional modem. Be aware that bonding lines will likely cause your monthly internet fee to increase, and you may be responsible for installation or technician visit fees as well. Reach out to your ISP to inquire about channel bonding in your area. Be aware that some companies may only offer channel bonded internet to business internet customers. 

Other ways to get bonded internet at your home

If you’ve tried getting bonded internet from your provider and were told it was not possible, don’t give up hope for faster internet just yet. There are channel bonding programs that can have a positive impact on your speed without having to physically bond the lines. 

You can try Speedify, which is a pay-per-month downloadable program. Speedify’s “channel bonding technology allows you to use multiple internet connections simultaneously to optimize performance.” Technically, Speedify is a type of VPN that routes your online traffic to prioritize activity that requires faster speeds, such as putting your important Zoom meeting ahead of basic web-browsing when necessary.  

And lastly, make sure to run a speed test before and after you make any changes to your network so that you can measure how much of an improvement in internet speeds you are gaining. Not sure what speed you’re currently getting? Use this speed test to find out.

Channel bonded broadband FAQs

How do you bond internet connections?

You will need a technician to physically bond the internet connections to your home. However, if you can also use a load-balancing VPN, such as NordVPN, to virtually bond the various internet connections you already have running in your home, such as your smartphone 4G and your home Wi-Fi signal.

Is channel bonding good?

Yes. Channel bonding can increase your internet speed by nearly 50%. This means if you have a download speed of up to 6 Mbps, you could potentially get up to 12 Mbps with channel bonding. Increasing your internet connection speed would allow for more devices to be connected at once or for better quality online activities, such as streaming or gaming. 

What is a bonded phone line?

A bonded phone line is when two or more DSL lines (these can be either ADSL or VDSL, depending on internet speed) are connected by installing and connecting additional dry-loop lines (i.e. a telephone line, without active phone service, which is only meant to carry an internet connection). 

How do I request a channel bonded connection?

Contact your ISP’s customer service department to see if channel bonding is an option in your area. Or, if your ISP has an office near you, it may be quicker to speak with a local technician to find out whether they can set up a channel bonded connection for you. 

Want to learn other ways to optimize your home internet connection? Check back at the Resource Center or follow our experts on Facebook and Twitter.