I have a 512kb connection, but sometimes I can start downloading at 1mb and then it goes back to 512... why?

Question

Why sometimes, when you're downloading from the internet (it happens more frequently when I'm using my browser to download things), even if your ISP contract says that you have a 512 kbs connection, the download speeds start at rates of 800 kbs, 900 or even 1mb... and little by little it goes back to the normal speed (512)???

Answer 1

It's called overclocking. Your ISP opens the flood gate to your computer and then chokes down the speed to the limit that you paid for.