My internet is slower than it claims to be?

[David]

I checked the status of the network I use at home and it showed that the speed was 72 MB/sec. However, whenever I want to download a game on steam or download a program for my PC, the speed is always between 300-500 KB/sec. There isn't really any other devices other than peoples' phones and my mom's kindle that uses the connection. Also, we use Verizon DSL for internet, if that helps. I'm just looking ways that I can improve my speed.

[Karl humphrey]

Might be the weather affecting the signal reception..

[Problem Solved]

Start>Run>cmd.exe>type in "ipconfig /release">wait 10 seconds> type in "ipconfig /renew">wait 10 seconds. Now try downloading a file.

[Redstone]

72 MB/sec or 72Mb/sec? If this is 72 Mb/sec, then this sounds like a WiFi connection. It is likely the throughput is suffering due to network overhead (ex. WiFi encryption) and/or interference from other WiFi networks on adjacent channels.

There are ways to try to improve on it such as accessing the router and changing the channel to one that has less interference.

Another way is to use the wired port of your PC by connecting your PC to the router directly via a CAT5 cable.

[cathugger]

Were you checking upload or download speed? Usually any speed claims for a network are for download speed.

Run some more tests and try different test sites. Try during daytime and evening hours. If it is consistently slower than advertised then ask Verizon about it.

Here is some info about the average speed of Verizon DSL
http://www.speedtest.net/isp/verizon-dsl

Info about speed variation of Verizon DSL
http://forums.cnet.com/7723-7583_102-147...eed-issue/