MTU Parameter: How to Increase Internet Speed

The MTU is the maximum transmitted data packet that is sent from the server to the equipment. It is used in an Internet connection and directly affects its speed. How does MTU work? To transfer the connection was fast and efficient, the data is transmitted not in a single byte, but in whole packets. The computer unpacks the package and downloads information, for example, a web page, a game, etc.

Few ordinary users wondered what MTU is and why it is indicated in the settings.

Why is it worth checking and changing such a parameter? It often happens that the user connects to the Internet, and, although the stated connection speed must be high, the browser slowly loads the site or the game, or does not want to go to some pages at all. At the same time, the Internet does not disappear entirely, and poor downloads apply to individual sites or applications.

To deal with the problem, it is recommended to change the DNS settings. This can be done through the Control Panel. Open the section with Internet connections, select your network and view its properties. You will find components in them, among which you should select the TCP / IP Internet protocol and manually enter the DNS addresses - 8.8.8.8 and in the second line 8.8.4.4.

If you tried to change the DNS value, but it did not help, you should refer to the data packet size settings. When a provider has one number of this parameter set, and another in your router, the speed drops, and the connection does not work well. It is not necessary to change it on the computer, because in recent versions of Windows the system itself determines the optimal value for the network.

How to find out which MTU to install on a router?

There are standard values ​​for this parameter for routers. In most cases, the number 1500 is used - it is the base default and is used for dynamic and static IP addresses.

For the L2TP connection type, the number is 1460, and for PPPoE - 1420. You should try the combination 1476 - it is set by default for 3G networks.

Another option is with the help of which you can find out the correct combination of the packet size for a router, call the service center of your provider. They will provide you with accurate data, but they may not be able to respond to your request, so you should learn how to determine this number yourself.

You can do this by checking the set MTU value on the computer and the router. If they do not match, this is the reason for the poor connection speed. To find out the combination on the computer, do the following:

  • Enter the string PING -f -l 1472 xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx in Total Commander, where, instead of crosses, enter your IP address.
  • If the text “Reply from ...” appears as a result, then the correct MTU number is 1500, as it should be by default. Why 1472? The remaining kilobytes are systemic and are automatically added to this number in order to add up to 1, 500.
  • If the text “Packet needs to be fragmented but DF set” appeared in response to the command, you need to manually search for the correct value by decreasing the number 1472 to dozens until you see the line “Reply from ...”. Then you need to add 28 system kilobytes to the final value, getting the right number.

Configuring MTU in the router

After finding out the necessary combination for the maximum transmitted data packet, enter it into the parameters of the router.

This is done as follows:

  • Go to the settings of the router. In the browser, enter the IP address of the equipment, in the window that appears, enter the username and password (if you have not changed them, use the word Admin in both lines).
  • Select the Network section, open the WAN menu.
  • Enter the required number in the MTU Size line, save the changes and reboot the equipment.

This configuration method is suitable for TP-Link equipment, but if you have a router from another manufacturer, the section names may differ. For example, to add the MTU index to the ASUS router, go to the Advanced Settings section and select Internet or WAN - a menu will appear in which you can find the MTU.

In some cases, this data is not available, and to open it on an ASUS device, you must enter the MTU in the “Advanced PPPD Settings” item. Enter the number as follows: MTU 1460 MRU 1460.

In other routers, you need to look for the necessary settings in the sections relating to connecting to the network and the Internet. Most often the corresponding menu is called WAN.

Changing the MTU will allow you to get rid of the problem with downloading individual pages on the Internet and other content. Correct setting of this value makes it possible to use the connection at high speed, which is provided by the provider.