How to Speed Up an Internet Connection

If your Internet connection is slow, there are a number of methods to speed it up. Some of the following suggestions can be tried on the spot; others are more complex.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cable Modems
• Modems
• DSL Lines
• ISDN Lines

1. Configure your browser so it won't display graphics, animations, sound, video or other multimedia content (see "How to Turn Off Sounds, Pictures or Video on Web Pages").
2. Surf when Internet traffic is low. Heaviest traffic is usually on weekends and evenings.
3. Use your cache effectively. "Cache" refers to storage space where your recently visited Web sites are saved. You may need to resize your cache allotment, or you may need to purge your cache periodically. Look through your browser's menus for items named Cache, Temporary Internet files and so on.
4. Upgrade your modem. 56.6 kb/s modems are the fastest telephone modems available.
5. Consult with your Internet service provider to ensure that your modem is configured correctly.
6. Replace your telephone modem with a fast-access connection such as wave, ISDN, DSL, satellite, a cable modem and so on.

Tips & Warnings

• Cable, ISDN and DSL connections may not be available in every area. Expect to pay a higher price than you would for a modem and normal telephone line (even a dedicated one).
• Configuring your browser not to display graphics and other multimedia content will speed up your surfing, but you'll miss out on content that's presented through sound, video or images.