Speed up Cable Modem
Cable modems are generally faster than DSL or dial-up modems. The bandwidth used by cable modems is much higher than other kinds of networks, allowing for faster download and upload speeds on the Internet. Despite being relatively quicker than other modems, cable modems do have the tendency to slow down or lag for various reasons. Use these steps to tweak your modem to increase its speed.
Steps
- Test your download and upload speed.
- Visit http://www.bandwidthplace.com/ or use your web browser to search for a similar website for free Internet speed testing.
- Click "Start Test" and wait for your download speed to appear below. After your download speed appears, the upload test will automatically begin.
- Compare your Internet speed to either business or home average speeds. If your speed is under the "needs help" category, then your modem needs to be sped up.
- Determine if your slow speed is traffic-related.
- Using a cable modem on a grid with a high number of other users can cause slow Internet speeds at peak times of the day.
- Identify the promised speed of your brand and model of cable modem.
- Check the back of your modem's box or owner's manual to determine the speeds the manufacturer says you should achieve with their product. For example, if your modem promises 5 megabits per second and your test showed you receiving fewer than 4, something isn't right.
- Confirm that your cable modem is updated.
- Visit the cable modem manufacturer's website to check for recent updates or patches to the system.
- Contact a customer service representative for your Internet service provider and ask them if your modem itself is working properly. If it is, then the problem lies with your system's settings or other external factors.
- Remove unnecessary Internet plug-ins.
- Go to your application or program manager from your computer's control panel and remove anything you do not need.
- Visit your web browser to disable add-ons that might be slowing down your Internet speed.
- Update your web browser.
- Determine if your web browser is the problem by removing it, installing a different browser, and then checking your Internet speed. Web browsers can obtain bugs or need updates to work efficiently. If your browser wasn't the issue, you can reinstall your preferred browser.
- Examine your system for adware, spyware, malware or viruses.
- Run a virus test to scan for unwanted programs or bugs. A virus or multiple files of adware can slow down a connection considerably.
- Edit your registry.
- Click "Start," then "Run," and then type "regedit" into the search box.
- Pull down the menu and choose "Export Registry File."
- Save your file to your computer as well as another hard drive device.
- Open up registry folders and change your MTU, or Maximum Transmission Unit, values. Change this value to as large as your system allows. You might need to consult an online source such as SpeedGuide.net to determine the best value.
- Alter your MSS, or Maximum Segment Size, to 40 less than your MTU.
- Modify your RWIN so that it is 3 to 4 times larger than default values.
Tips
- Install a system firewall and run virus scans regularly to prevent hackers and other unwanted intrusions that can slow down your cable modem speed.
Warnings
- Do not change registry values without first understanding the consequences of each alteration.
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