How to Maximize Modem Speed

Increasing modem speed can increase efficiency.

Having a slow modem speed can be frustrating; it can result in slow-loading Web pages and frozen screens. In fact, anything below 500 kilobytes per second is considered behind the times in the world of technology. With advances in online services, dial-up remains the slowest of available Internet services; cable Internet providers remain one of the fastest options. There are many ways you can maximize your modem's speed to ensure you are getting the most from your online experience.

Instructions

1. Switch to a high-speed cable Internet service, which usually provides download speeds of 4-6 Mbps. Broadband cable Internet is more than 70 times faster than a standard 56K dial-up Internet connection. Check in your area for other high-speed choices, such as fiber optic connections.

2. Perform regular maintenance on your computer. Run a trusted virus scan, malware scan and disk defragmentor. Delete any old, unneeded or temporary files and any software programs you no longer need. Never allow the amount of free space on your C: drive to become less than 10% of the total RAM size.

3. Refrain from sharing a modem with others in your home or office, if possible. Sharing an Internet connection can potentially slow down your computer. If connecting multiple computers through a single Internet connection is required, ensure that an Internet connection sharing host is enabled.

4. Reset your home network settings. If you have a router (typically used with wireless Internet connections), unplug or insert a pin in the back of your router to reset your home network. Resetting the router can drastically increase your Internet speed.

5. Buy a new router and modem. Using devices that are several years old can cause your Internet connection to drag. Most Internet service providers will provide users with updated devices upon request.

6. Configure your router's download limit. Depending on the type of router you have, the automatic download limit may be set too low. By default, Windows Internet Explorer 7 and older versions limit the number of downloaded files to one or two. Installing Windows Internet Explorer 8 can increase the number to six.

7. Check whether background programs are slowing your connection speed. Programs such as updaters and antivirus software can use your Internet connection without your knowledge. Click "Start," then "Run" and then type "cmd" (without the quotes) into the "Run" box to open a black Command box. Type "netstat -b 5 > activity.txt" into the Command box, and then hit "Enter." Hold down the "Ctrl" key, and press "C" to open a list of programs that are currently using your Internet connection.

8. Hold down the "Ctrl" + "Alt" + "Delete" keys at the same time to open up Task Manager. Click the "Processes" tab to see all the programs running on your computer. Close any programs that do not need to be running by clicking the "End Process" button. Never close any unknown processes -- doing so can cause programs to not function properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on the operating system you are using, the details of completing steps that include selecting on-screen options may slightly differ from what is described here.

References

• Microsoft: Why Is My Internet Connection So Slow?
• HP: Microsoft Windows Vista Advanced Customization: Increase Bandwidth for Network and Internet Connections
• Microsoft; Slow PC? Optimize Your Computer for Peak Performance; Chris Tull

Resources

• Microsoft: To Test a Modem