How to squeeze more bandwidth out of your ISP

How to squeeze more bandwidth out of your ISP

Before we begin head over to

Code:

http://speedtest.net/

Or

Code:

http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/

and run 3 speedtests on a server close to you. That will give you a good indication of what you are actually getting download wise. 


Lets start by changing out your DNS. Your DNS is what controls how domains are converted to i.p.'s for your computer to connect to. Get a slow one and you will have trouble loading pages and so forth. Get a fast one and you will increase your speed.


I recommend downloading and running:

Code:

http://www.grc.com/dns/benchmark.htm

It will run some 200 DNS for you and get accurate connect times for them based on your location. I could give you the DNS that I run....but I may be closer to that DNS then you and get a better connect then you. Its best to run the program and let it select the fastest for you and your area.


Now you need to put those fast DNS to work for you. I can only tell you how to change your DNS in XP as I got rid of Vista and can't remember the selections to make to change it. In XP go to 'settings', 'control panel', 'network connections' and then right click on the active internet connection (the one you use to connect to the internet). Scroll down to and select 'properties'. Next scroll down and highlight 'Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)' and select properties. At the bottom where it says 'use the following DNS server addresses' is where you put your new DNS.


Next lets run one more program:

Code:

http://www.speedguide.net/downloads.php

Most computers when they ship out of the box are not tweaked for a fast connection. They come with standard settings that will get you on the 'net and that is all. We need to tweak the registry settings in our computer such as MTU, RWIN, and even advanced ones like QoS and ToS/Diffserv prioritization. Once you run the program slide the dial to what you are supposed to be getting bandwidth wise. Don't go crazy with it and slide it all the way to 100+ if that is not what you are supposed be getting as it won't do any good. Once you have the dial slid to where you want it click on 'optimal' at the bottom and then 'apply changes'. You will see a window pop up and it will list all the changes it makes to your registry files by showing your 'old value' and 'new value'. You can hit 'OK' to select the changes. On the bottom left is a 'backup' box with a check mark. Leave it checkmarked as it will back up your settings just in case something goes wrong....here is a hint though I have ran this on all the computers in the house XP and Vista and had no problems with it.


Now head back over to

Code:

http://speedtest.net/

Or

Code:

http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/

and run 3 speedtests again on a sever near you and see if you have squeezed some bandwidth out of that greedy ISP. You should notice a difference.... !! Enjoy !!