While cable and DSL connections are a vast improvement over a modem
connection, you may not be getting the most out of your investment. Here are
some tips for getting more speed.
Apply all operating system updates, particularly any available updates to
Windows sockets (WinSock) and dialup networking (DUN). Windows updates are
available online.
If you used a tweaking program to optimize your dialup modem connection, find
a way to remove the tweaks, particularly MTU settings. Those tweaks could affect
your broadband performance.
Set the TCP Receive Window to between 32,000 (enough for typical broadband)
and 64,000 (one-way cable modem or satellite). Windows uses defaults of 8K
(Windows 95/98/NT) or 16K (Windows Me/2000). These Windows defaults are meant
for LANs or dialup connections and are too small for broadband.
Don't tinker with TTL (time to live). If it's too small, you won't be able to
reach the remote site. Making TTL larger won't make any difference. The default
is usually fine.
Tweaking the IRQ has no effect.
The default MTU (maximum transmission unit) of 1,500 is normally best.
However, a value of 1,400 may help with certain PPPoE and/or VPN
connections.