How to Increase Internet Connection Speed

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Internet connection
• Web browser
• ISP telephone number

1. 1
   Find out from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) what Internet connection speed your paying for. Make sure the speed your paying for is the speed programmed in their network.
   
2. 2
   
   Speedtest.net
   Test your Internet connection speed. You can do this by going to one of these speed test websites: Speakeasy.net/speedtest or Speedtest.net. Record your results.
   
3. 3
   Compare the speeds from step one and step two. If your getting the speed your paying for go no further. If your not, go to the next step.
   
4. 4
   
   Manage Add-ons screen
   Disable web-browser Add-ons that can slow down your Internet connection speed. Check to see if you have multiple web browser Add-ons operating with your browser. For example, if your web browser is Internet Explorer, go to Tools, select Manage Add-ons, and look at what Add-ons are enabled. Disable the ones you do not want to use.
   
5. 5
   Run anti-virus, adware, spyware, and malware scans. All of these, if found on your computer, could negatively affect your Internet connection speed.
   
6. 6
   Run Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter from your System Tools menu.
   
7. 7
   
   SG TCP Optimizer
   Download TCP Optimizer software to optimize your computers MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) values, RWIN (Receive Window) values, and broadband related registry keys. The most popular and FREE TCP Optimizer that I found is called "SG TCP Optimizer". You can download it at CNET: http://www.download.com/SG-TCP-Optimizer/3000-2155_4-10488572.html?tag=lst-1 or at PCWORLD: http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,68524-order,1-page,1/description.html.
   
8. 8
   
   Speakeasy.net/speedtest/
   Retest your Internet connection speed by going to one of these speed test websites: Speakeasy.net/speedtest or Speedtest.net. Record and compare these results with the results obtained from steps one and two.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, depending on what medium and ISP your using, your Internet connection speed can vary. For example, DSL speeds can be negatively affected by distance and the quality of your phone line. Cable speeds can be negatively affected by the quality of the coax and the amount of users sharing the Internet connection with you. In FTTC (Fiber To The Curb) & FTTP (Fiber To The Premise) applications, the quality of the coax/Cat5 network between your computer and the ISP's fiber network, could affect connection speeds.
• Make sure you understand how TCP Optimizer software interacts with your computer. Read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) link.