Improving Internet Speeds

Hello!

I have 50/5 at home and just looking for ways to get the best out of my internet"z". Last night, I ran a benchmark against my ISP's internet servers and then against Level 3 and a few others. My ISP's DNS servers are slower than frozen molasses compared to Level 3. So, I've since changed my DNS servers.

I run a Netgear 3800 router, with 2 Level 3 DNS servers set statically, and a 3rd set to Google's Public DNS (which is considerably slower - possibly due to distance/location). I have Cat 6a STP (I know, overkill) cables I purchased from Monoprice for pennies on the dollar. I know wireless will vary with signal strength, wireless interference, router/network load. I'm just looking for other ways to be a nerd and get the most out of what is available to me.

Aside from normal PC maintenance (Hard drive defragging, allowing caching for pictures/banners for faster loading), is there/are there any other things which I can do to ensure my wired/wireless internet connections are running top notch?

Try these 2 freewares:

1. Download DNS Benchmark (DNSBench) | PCWorld
2. SpeedGuide.net :: TCP Optimizer / Downloads

BoostAddicted said:

Hello!

I have 50/5 at home and just looking for ways to get the best out of my internet"z". Last night, I ran a benchmark against my ISP's internet servers and then against Level 3 and a few others. My ISP's DNS servers are slower than frozen molasses compared to Level 3. So, I've since changed my DNS servers.

I run a Netgear 3800 router, with 2 Level 3 DNS servers set statically, and a 3rd set to Google's Public DNS (which is considerably slower - possibly due to distance/location). I have Cat 6a STP (I know, overkill) cables I purchased from Monoprice for pennies on the dollar. I know wireless will vary with signal strength, wireless interference, router/network load. I'm just looking for other ways to be a nerd and get the most out of what is available to me.

Aside from normal PC maintenance (Hard drive defragging, allowing caching for pictures/banners for faster loading), is there/are there any other things which I can do to ensure my wired/wireless internet connections are running top notch?

Click to expand...

You won't get much messing with DNS.

The wireless speeds can be greatly improved just by using the correct settings and adjusting to the best possible channel combined with using channel bonding. We are talking on order of magnitude with a 6 fold increase in wireless speeds when compared to using the mixed wireless settings. The process is explained in more detail in the link.

http://www.eightforums.com/network-sharing/10053-wifi-status.html

Thank you for the reply. I did use the DNS benchmark. I will try the latter.