How to Change the Modem Speed of a Computer

Change the modem speed for a smooth Internet browsing experience.

Microsoft Windows offers the PC owner many options to connect to the Internet. One of the option is using a modem. When using a modem, the user can change the settings to modify the modem speed. Choosing a greater speed for the modem generally make Internet surfing smoother. On the other hand, there may be no difference if the set modem speed is greater than that of the Internet service provider's. Check and make any changes necessary to the modem if you feel the Internet data transfer rate on your PC is slow, compared with what your ISP advertised.

Instructions

Internet Explorer

1. Click the "Start" button and go to "All Programs" on the menu.

2. Find and double-click the "Internet Explorer" icon.

3. Choose "Tools" to bring up a pop-up window. In the window, click "Internet Options."

4. Locate the "Connections" tab on top of the "Internet Options" window. Click the name of the Internet service provider you wish to modify. Press the "Settings" button to open the "Dial-up Connection Settings" window so you will have access modifying the settings.

5. Click the "Properties" button in the section of "Dial-up Settings" at the bottom of the window. This will bring up the Internet connection device/modem on your computer used for the selected Internet service provider.

6. Click the "Configure" button to open the "Modem Configuration" dialog box. Choose the first drop-down box at the top of the window. You will see a list of speeds (in bps, or bytes per second) for the modem. Click the maximum speed you want to have this modem operate at.

7. Click the "OK" button to confirm that modem speed setting. Close all the remaining windows. The change will be applied to your modem the next time you start Internet Explorer.

Other Browsers

1. Go to "Start" and click "Control Panel."

2. Click the "Device Manager" on the "Control Panel" menu. Scroll down the Device Manager list to find an item called "Modem."

3. Double-click "Modem" to open a pop-up window for the device.

4. Click the "Modem" tab at the top of the modem pop-up window. Under the "Maximum Port Speed" section, choose the modem speed you wish to have by using the down arrow next to the dialog box (300 to 115,200 bps).

5. Press the "OK" button at the end of the window to save the changes. The changed settings will apply to the modem next time you connect to the Internet.

Tips & Warnings

• There is free software on the Internet that may help speed up your modem.

• Tweaking the modem speed is not everything. Every computer will have different results. In fact, some may not see a speed difference at all. At least two other factors affect the browsing speed: your Internet service provider's (ISP) data transferring rate and the data distribution center's distance to your location. You have no control over either.

References

• Speed Up Now: Dialup Moden Speeds - 56K Users Need Speed Too!
• Cornell University: How do I Lower the Connection Speed
• Microsoft: Change the Masximum Modem Port Speed: Modems

Resources

• Modem-HowTo: What Speed Should I Use with My Modem?