How to Optimize your Broadband Connection

So you have DSL, cable or another type of broadband connection and feel like a king now? No? Or are you expecting more speed? That’s what I thought! In this guide you will find out how to optimize your broadband connection to get the maximum speed, the right way, without any fancy programs or hacks!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Broadband connection
• Time

1. Tweak your MTU Settings.
   
   Now you are wondering "How the heck am I going to “change” my MTU? Well, I can't tell you exactly, since your setup will differ, but usually you can login to your router to change the MTU settings there.
   
   Below are the recommended MTU settings based on different connections.
   
   
   
   ADSL PPPOE = 1492 MTU
   ADSL STATIC IP = 1500 MTU
   SDSL = 1500
   VDSL = 1500
   HDSL = 1500
   IDSL = 1500
   CABLE = 1500

2. Change your DNS to OPENDNS
   
   OpenDNS is faster
   
   You use DNS every time you use the Internet. The speed of your DNS service determines how quickly websites load for you. That's why you want your DNS service to be blazing. OpenDNS is so fast because we run some of the largest DNS caches around and do it on our own high-performance network.
   
   http://www.opendns.com/start/

3. Secure your wireles network. If your network is open, others may be using it and slowing down your connection.
   
   See my other article called 'How to Secure your Wireless Network' to learn how.

[shirleybill]

on 2/7/2009 I am not that computer savy, but it would be worth trying.

[silenc3r]

on 10/29/2008 for me it effect for a while,but after that it change automaticly to empty DNS. how can i solve this problem.

[favefive]

on 12/17/2007 Great tips...

[JohnA.Rish]

on 8/14/2007 Hey Frank, Thanks for the information, but you call that easy! Messing with MTU settings is not for the faint of heart! Here is something better and easier, and I do NOT work for them. I just use their "free for home use" product, and boy does it work great! It will also tell you the DSL speed that you are getting for free. The website is speedguide.net. Of course, you have to agree to the terms & privacy policy, but that is everywhere now. Check it out! Oh yes, and it works in the background. I hope your system resources are not running low. Finally, you don't need a degree in IT to be able to use it. REALLY!!! Good luck, J. Rish