TCP Optimizer 4.0.6

Overview

TCP Optimizer is a powerful, user-friendly program that provides a centralized interface in which you can optimize/tune your Internet connection to achieve the greatest possible upload/download speeds. The software does this by giving you easy access to TCP/IP parameters that can be adjusted to improve your performance based on the type of connection you are using. Having been downloaded more than 3 million times, this program is by far the most popular Internet tuning application.

Installation

Surprisingly, the software does not require an installation at all. Simply download and run it, and the main window will instantly appear. TCP Optimizer is compatible with all versions of Windows, including 9X, Millennium, 2000, XP (and XP SP2), 2003, 2008, Vista, and 7.

Interface

The user interface is pretty much self-explanatory, with five main tabs – General Settings, Advanced Settings, BDP, MTU/Latency, and Registry. At the top of the General Settings section you'll be shown a slider that displays your current connection speed, and directly below that you'll see a box that lists your network adapter, IP address, and MTU rate. Although the interface is loaded with a plethora of advanced options, most users will never have to do anything more than run a basic test and let the software adjust TCP/IP settings to an optimal state.

Pros

• Eliminates the need to manually adjust TCP/IP settings within the Windows control panel, which is not only difficult, but also takes much longer to do

• Lets you choose from four main setting configurations – Windows Default (restores settings to their original state), Current (leaves settings as-is), Optimal (automatically adjusts settings based on current Internet attributes), and Custom (gives you complete control over all TCP/IP settings)

• Facilitates simplified tuning of all TCP/IP parameters, including MTU, Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization, and RWIN settings

• Helps you determine the largest possible packet size to maximize your Internet speed by testing average latency across several hosts

• Although the software performs best with Broadband connections, it is useful in treating any type of Internet connection, including dial-up

• Full version is permanently available for completely free use

• An integrated calculator automatically determines your optimal RWIN value

• Comes with extensive help documentation which includes access to incredibly helpful articles on how to tweak your broadband connection for the best results

• Utilizes advanced algorithms to automatically determine the most ideal TCP/IP settings for your current connection speed, while also giving advanced users access to a plethora of options that can be adjusted manually

Cons

• A slight learning curve may be required before you become proficient in using the advanced settings tab

Alternatives

Although there are no software that can do exactly what TCP Optimizer does, there are a few alternatives that can help you tweak your Internet connection, most notably Axence NetTools Pro. However, TCP Optimizer is by far the most powerful Internet tweaking software available for Windows.

Conclusion

If you're looking for an easy way to speed up your Internet connection and get the most out of your Internet adapters, TCP Optimizer is by far the most ideal solution.