Member Avatar for EriCartman13

My grandparents just got dsl and it is a bit slow. At first it was 28k slower than the dial up they had. Now it is at 257.9 Kbps. I am just wondering if there is a way to speed it up.

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Dani AI

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As pointed out, DSL slowdowns usually come from a mix of line, modem, wiring and PC issues. Below are concise, practical checks and easy fixes that do not require buying anything and are suitable when helping nontechnical users.

  • Plug one computer directly into the DSL modem with an Ethernet cable (no router or wireless). Run a browser speed test two or three times at different hours to see if throughput changes.
  • Reboot the modem and wait a few minutes before testing. Record the modem's status page values: sync rate, SNR margin and CRC/frame error counts. These numbers are the best facts to give if escalation is needed.
  • Remove any extra phone extensions and make sure only one microfilter is used per phone device. Try the master wall jack if one exists; extension wiring often causes loss.
  • On the PC: update or reinstall the NIC driver, temporarily disable background apps (antivirus scans, file sharing, updates), and repeat the wired test. Old hardware or drivers can cap throughput long before the line does.
  • If wireless is in use, test wired performance first. Older wireless gear or interference can cut real-world speeds dramatically.

A few small cautions: back up important files before any system refresh or reformat, and do not change router/modem advanced settings unless a clear guide is followed (wrong MTU or PPPoE tweaks can break browsing). If modem stats show persistent errors or very low SNR, note those values and share them with support so they can investigate the physical line.

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Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

Depends on who is providing the DSL, what speed package they got, how long the cable that is servicing them is from the main switch, whether they configured everything correctly, and the quality of their internal wiring and the wire used to connect to the modem. As you can see, there are many variables. I also forgot to mention that their system can affect this. If their system is messed up somewhere, that can affect speeds.

How long has their connection been running since it was set up? Most DSL ISPs recommend letting the connection run fully for 72 hours so that the line can be optimized.

Have you contacted the ISP to request a line test? Sometimes there is a problem with the line that they didn't detect when they installed it.

Member Avatar for EriCartman13

Verizon provides it. It was very slow at first, but it is faster now. I know that they got the lowest package, but I was wondering if there are other things to do that can optimize your connection.

Member Avatar for EriCartman13

Thanks very much. Yea cause they are not computer friendly people, and they have a very old computer. So I was just wanting something that didn't cost money and would be easy. It stunk though becuase they got a Network Interface Card installed an they had to do a windows 98 refresh. And it totally reformatted there whole computer. Those idiots at Best Buy.

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