How Do You Get the Most Download Speed From a DSL?

There are simple fixes for slow DSL download speeds.

If you have been experiencing slow download speeds and are on a DSL connection, you are not alone. In fact, the U.S. is ranked ninth in overall broadband speeds among the rest of the world. America trails far behind such leaders as Japan and Korea who provide connections that are up to 10 times faster than that of the US. Luckily, you are not at the sole mercy of your DSL provider.

Things You'll Need

• DSL connected computer

Instructions

1. 

   Reset your DSL modem.

   Reset your DSL modem. This is possibly the easiest and most overlooked way to increase DSL download speeds. By unplugging the power cord from the back of your DSL modem for 60 seconds and plugging it back in, you are allowing the DSL connection to be refreshed.

2. Add a "Size Request Buffer" value to your registry, (experienced users only).

   Click the "Start" button, run, and type "regedit" in the box provided. This will take you to your computer's registry where you can make changes to deeper system files than you normally would.

   Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters. Beneath the values presented in the white box to the right, right-click and select new DWORD (32-bit) value.

   Change the name of this new value to SizReqBuf, and the data to 4410 as a hexadecimal.

   Close the registry window and restart your computer.

3. 

   Contacting your DSL provider to see if there are any outages in your area.

   Contact your DSL service provider. Often, experiencing slow DSL download speeds can be attributed to a service outage in your area. A representative from your DSL provider will be able to tell you if there is in fact an outage, and give you an estimate as to when it will be fixed.

   You may also ask your DSL provider if there is anything that they can do to increase your DSL connection. This may include "tweaks" to your connection from their end, or they may recommend you purchase a higher bandwidth service.

Tips & Warnings

• Never modify your computer's registry without fully understanding the changes you are making. Changing or deleting the wrong registry value can result in the complete loss of function of your computer.

References

• PCWorld.com: The Embarrasment of American Broadband
• arstechnica.com: CWA survey: average broadband speed in US is 1.9Mbps
• slideshare.net: How to Increase Your Broadband Speed
• support.microsoft.com: How to modify the default SizReqBuf in Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003
• broadbandinfo.com: How to Improve Your Broadband Connection Over a LAN Line