A simple modem reboot can improve connection speeds
When DSL was first unveiled in the 1990s as a high-speed alternative to dial-up Internet connections, the speed boost was amazing. Today, DSL may seem as poky as dial-up did in years past. Cable and fiber optic technologies offer connection speeds many times faster than DSL. If you live in an area where only DSL is available--or can't afford faster broadband options--you can still take practical steps to improve your DSL connection speeds.
Instructions
1. Reboot your DSL modem. Many factors may cause network speeds to decrease over time. Rebooting the modem resets the connection and can improve your connection speed. Unplug the power to the modem and wait at least 30 seconds until plugging the modem back in.
2. Determine you actual connection speeds. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or websites like Speedtest.net, Testmyspeed.com or Bandwidth.com can confirm the actual connection speeds achieved through your DSL line. If the download and upload speeds differ much from what you were promised by your ISP, contact your ISP for repair service.
3. Eliminate other network activity using your DSL connection. If you use a wireless router to connect your computer to the DSL modem, make sure the wireless network is secured with a password. Unsecured wireless networks will allow anyone in your area to use your network connection to access the Internet without your knowledge. Other users downloading files or videos to their computers using your DSL connection will slow your Internet downloads.
4. Upgrade your wireless router. If your wireless router uses the older 802.11b technology, the DSL connection may be faster than the wireless network. Upgrade to newer 802.11g or 802.11n technology. These newer wireless technologies will be much faster than the fastest DSL connection.
5. Check the connection to your DSL modem. If you have an older computer that is using a USB 1.1 network adapter to connect to the modem, the data speed between the modem and your computer may be slower than the connection between the modem and the Internet. Install a network card by inserting it into an available expansion slot on your computer. Plug the modem directly into the network interface card.
