Updated: May 11, 2012
A broadband Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is one of the more common ways to connect to the Internet due to its versatility and wider availability, especially in rural areas. With the abundance of new applications and technologies it is difficult to survive without a fast connection speed if you are going to save time and enjoy some of the new applications which are demanding on bandwidth such as video streaming, Internet TV, gaming programs, and much more.
So, what do you do when your DSL connection does not seem to be performing up to your expectations? Well, if you currently have a DSL broadband connection from your phone company or cable provider and are experiencing slow performance, here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.
Slow DSL Connection Tips
A DSL connection which has poor speed performance can be due to a lot of different factors. Here we will focus on the most common problems that can cause a DSL connection to run slowly and follow up with a few troubleshooting tips.
- Viruses or Malware: Before you perform some tests find out if your computer has been recently infected with a virus or malware. You can do this by running a scan with your antivirus program and deploying a malware removal program such as Superantispyware. If you are tech savvy, it is also a good idea to check your PC’s registry to make sure it is free of malicious files that can hide within the registry. Even after a virus or malware is removed the chances of files hiding in your registry are pretty good. If you find this is the case, backup your registry to a portable storage device and then use a reputable registry cleaner.
- Run a Speed Test: Once you have determined that your PC is free of any malware or viruses contact your DSL provider and ask them to conduct a speed test. This can be accomplished right from your DSL provider’s location to determine whether the problem is on their end or yours. If the problem is on their end, they will take the necessary measures to correct the problem.
- Run a Speed Test Online: There are a number of websites online that will allow you to test the speed of your current DSL connection and then compare with other types of DSL connections. This is a good way to learn how close your connection is coming to what your DSL provider promised when you subscribed to their service.
- Run a Line Test: If you have obtained your DSL connection through your phone company, ask them to run a line test. If your line contains a lot of noise due to other connected devices the noise can slow down your DSL connection.
- Reset the Router: If your DSL provider did not discover any complications on their end, there are some things you can try on your end to correct the problem. If you are connected to DSL through a router try disconnecting the router and then starting it up again. This will reset the router and cause it to forget any abnormalities which may have developed and are causing a slow DSL connection.
- Install a POTS Splitter: POTS stands for Plain Old Telephone Service and is a splitter which is applied to telephone lines to improve the quality of voice and data. When a POTS splitter is applied to the network interface device its purpose is to separate voice and data signals and route them to the appropriate devices in your home. A POTS splitter connects to the area where the DSL line enters your house and can be obtained inexpensively at any electronics store. Once you install it place your DSL modem as close as possible to the POTS splitter to assist with speeding up your DSL connection.
- Try a Shorter Cable Line: If possible try using a shorter line where it leads from the cable modem to the telephone jack. Sometimes longer lines will create more interference which will slow down the speed of the DSL connection. Once you install a shorter line go back and test the speed of your DSL connection.
- Install a DSL Filter: Install a DSL filter at the end of each phone line before it is connected to the wall jack. This will help to reduce line interference and speed up the DSL connection. It is also important to mention you should not install a DSL filter if you have a modem and a phone sharing the same wall jack as this will make the situation worse instead of improving it.
- Check Hardware and Software: Run a diagnostic tool on your computer hardware and check your software applications for any errors. A lot of times hardware conflicts and software issues can cause your DSL connection to run slowly. If you are not well-versed on how to do this, consult a professional computer technician to find out if the hardware and software may be the root of the problem.
- Reduce Interferences: Observe the devices around your home and how they are situated near the cable modem and your wireless router. If you have any appliances, wireless electronics, furniture or metal objects within close range this could potentially cause your DSL connection to slow down.
These are a few ways you can try to speed up a slow DSL connection. If the connection does not improve and your DSL provider claims to have done all they can, you may want to pursue other options related to high speed Internet connectivity.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Very nice post to read and very informative too. Yes, slow in DSL connection may be due to certain factors like virus found in the system. The hardware are not compatible with the DSL connection and many more. So, in order to protect the system for virus and worms, we need to update the antivirus daily and do system scan at a particular time for daily. Moreover, the post also contain many ideas and tips too. Thanks a lot for sharing.
There used to be a speed test that I could run myself. What happened to that ? It was a big dial and we could check the speed of our DSL . Please let me know how I can find that again.
Thank you
Shirley
some useful information here:
http://internet-access-guide.com/fcc-provides-a-way-to-conduct-an-internet-speed-test/