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Updating your ADSL modem may increase download speeds
Q I have a Speedtouch USB modem connected to my ADSL line
and my ISP is Pipex. At the moment, I only receive a download speed of
1.1Mbits/sec at best, and have been told that if I purchase a better modem, my
connection will be much faster. Is this worth trying?
Arthur Bedford
A It’s possible, but unlikely. ADSL connections vary in their type and newer connections sometimes work better with newer modems. Older modems can have trouble with the high speeds offered by newer connections. You don’t give the model number of your modem, but the thing to do is telephone or email Pipex’s customer services (or use its online help ticket system) and give them the full model number of your modem. They will know the technical details of your line, and you can ask whether you should upgrade your modem to increase speeds. If they say yes, make sure you get it in writing.
Any modem released in the past year will do the job. Most modern ADSL modems use a network connection rather than USB, so it may be worth making the upgrade. If you’re using a notebook computer or you have more than one PC, you could also look at a combined wireless ADSL modem router, which will allow you to connect several computers wirelessly so you don’t have to be wired in the whole time. These can cost as little as £30 online.
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Stats from Speedtouch USB modem
http://www.kitz.co.uk/adsl/frogstats.htm shows how to get the stats from the old speedtouch modem. Once you know those you can get a better idea of possible speed from line via http://www.farina1.com/adsl If the 1.1Mbps is actually 1152 down and 288 Kbps up, then its a fixed 1Mbps service, and by changing service you can probably go faster. Be aware that the regrade this involves often involves starting a new contract.
Posted by Andrew Ferguson, 09 Feb 2009
Modems are Variable
I've seen examples of the same model modem exhibit quite different download speeds on MAX. There is often a big difference too between modems of differing make. However simplifying your home telephone wiring can often make the biggest difference, and should be tackled first.
Posted by Barry Gorman, 17 Feb 2009