Slow connection

[ThomasIsUnderrated]

I have DSL with a maximum download rate of 3 Mbps. Now, I realize that getting very close to that maximum speed is rare, but I've tested my speed a number of times with a number of different utilities from a bunch of sites at all times of the day and I've never gotten a result higher than ~1200 kbps. The response from my ISP has been the usual canned response that they make no promises when it comes to transfer rates.

Is there anything I can do on my end to help improve the situation? I've already changed the RWIN, MTU, AND MSS settings to the suggested values for my connection.

[DoctorDoom]

There are several factors that can drop the speed: distance from the Central Office; line noise; corrosion on connection points; crosstalk between lines; etcetera.

The utilities usually measure line speed from websites via a standard file transmission time, so you'll include the delay of the Internet in the test.

Ergo, you might get 3 Mbps on your connection from the CO to your box, but you'll never get that in the real world. As they say on Mad Avenue, "Your mileage will vary."

[Rhino]

More people using the same digital switch can also slow things down. Same for cable modems.