What factors can affect the speed of my DSL connection?

A : There are many factors that can affect your DSL connection. There may be PC issues, technical issues, and issues with the website you are trying to browse. Here are some of the common reasons why you experience slowdowns in your connection speed, and how you can deal with these.
LAN or Multiple-PC connections:

Connecting multiple PCs to a single DSL connection may cause slowdowns since the connection will be shared among multiple users. If you have selected a residential package, it is recommended that there should be only one PC per DSL connection.

Multiple-PC connections are often subject to hardware and software issues that cause slowdowns. Always seek professional help from a computer shop or a network technician when setting up a multiple-PC connection.

Multiple Downloads and Applications:

Running multiple downloads and applications on a single DSL connection may cause slowdowns, as they will all share the same connection. Limit the number of downloads being done simultaneously and see if this improves performance. While you’re downloading large files, avoid using other internet services that require high connection speed, such as online gaming or video-streaming.

Site/Server Congestion:

The site you are visiting may be congested because many users’ computers are connecting to it. Try visiting other websites in the meantime and return later. Site congestion is an issue that is beyond PLDT’s control and should be addressed by the website’s owner. Players of online games may also suffer lag due to the number of players connecting to the same game server. Try connecting to a less populated server and see if it improves performance.

International Connection Problems:

Connection problems in other countries can result in connection slowdowns. This is because the Internet connections of different countries are all interconnected. For example, in December 2006 a submarine cable problem in Taiwan resulted in connection problems in the entire East Asia region, including the Philippines.

Old Computer Parts/Hardware:

Low RAM (64MB or less) will result in computer slowdowns. All of your applications, Internet included, will run more slowly because of low RAM. It is recommended that DSL users should have at least 256 MB of RAM.

A low-quality LAN card can cause slowdowns. Upgrading the LAN card can improve connection speed. Low hard disk space can cause slowdowns, especially for users who download large files like videos or music. It is recommended to keep at least 500MB of hard disk space free when surfing. Computer and Modem Overheating: An overheating computer or modem can reduce its performance, which in turn can affect your connection speed. Ensure that your PC and modem are properly ventilated or air-conditioned. This will also increase their overall service life.

Virus/Spyware attacks:

Computer viruses cause slowdowns. Install and update anti-virus software to protect your PC against viruses. Install/Upgrade the latest software patches and Service Packs for your Operating System (i.e. Windows XP). Peer To Peer Program Slowdowns: When using a peer-to-peer application such as Kazaa/torrents your download speed will be dependent on the number of peers that are “seeding” the files that you are downloading. Please refer to your Peer-to-Peer program’s documentation regarding seeding for more details.

In-House Wiring:

Old or damaged in-house telephone wiring can degrade the speed of your DSL service. If you suspect your in-house wiring is damaged, contact an electrician for repairs. All extension lines must have a microfilter (included with the DSL Modem). Extension lines without microfilters are liable to cause interference and slow down connection speed.


Courtesy of PLDT.