What does the Verizon FiOS Speed Optimizer do?

[EJRW]

I'd prefer to check the settings myself, so I'm just curious as to what the optimizer would do, and if it would allow me to confirm changes? I was not willing to blindly run it. 

Thanks,

Eric

PS. Optimizer can be found here: http://my.verizon.com/services/SpeedOptimizer/FiOS/

[somegirl · Accepted solution]

FiOS Speed Optimizer

What does the Speed Optimizer tool do?
There are several system parameters that can be altered on your PC in order to
improve download speeds over the FiOS® network.

The Speed Optimizer tool modifies your TCP/IP configuration to allow your system
to receive data at a faster rate.

What is TCP/IP?
TCP/IP Stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol and allows your
system to communicate with other networked computers over the Internet. The
standard TCP/IP configuration is optimized for communications over small local networks.

Which parameters and settings does the Speed Optimizer modify?

1. TCP 1323 Extensions - This parameter enables enhancements to the TCP/IP
   protocol that provide improved performance over high speed connections.
   
   
2. TCP Receive Window - This parameter specifies the number of bytes a sender
   (the source you are downloading from) may transmit without receiving an
   acknowledgment. Modifying it determines the maximum size offered by the system.
   
   
3. MTU (Maximum Transmission Units) - The MTU defines the largest single unit
   of data that can be transmitted over your connection. The FiOS network
   requires an MTU of 1492 bytes.

[EJRW]

Thanks. I figured it would tweak the MTU, but did not know about the TCP settings. 

[stw2031]

Thanks for the info about what will change!  One followup question:

Is there a way to back up the settings before the optimizer does its thing (just in case I want to roll back the changes)?

Thanks again!

[db909]

Create a system restore point that you can roll back to if needed.

[VUser50]

Anyone know if these changes are actually helpful? 

[tns2]

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@VUser50 wrote:

Anyone know if these changes are actually helpful? 

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For older systems it was definitely helpful.  For Windows Vista and later, not so much.  Ditto for later versions of Mac.

[kountryranger1]

Are these setting changes ocurring on the PC or on the Actiontech router?

[iDShaDoW703]

They occur on the PC.

[vzn-minion]

Terrible tool, provides no information about current settings or what its changing, great for those that blindly trust downloaded software and likely already have a malware infested PC. You should avoid this like the plague.