US researches are working on new protocols which in early test have tripled data transmission speed.

The new protocols, called Fast TCP, tests the maximum speed of a link and then using that speed to transmit the data packet rather than sending each individually and checking it is received correctly before sending the next which is how TCP/IP works.

Current protocols managed an average of 266Mbs whilst Fast TCP managed 925Mbs on the same link. Fast TCP can be bolted on to the existing infrastructure and could be in use soon.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/2965184.stm

I was skeptical and needed more information on this new adaptation of the TCP protocol. It turns out, that it would not provide as much benefit for the end user as it makes out. Basically, your 1.5mbit download cable modem will not suddenly provide faster than 1.5mbit per second. The only benefit it may provide is slightly more efficient use of your bandwidth. At times when for some unknown reason your transfer slows down, it may not do that as often. The biggest benefit is for those with extremely high bandwidths like the OC series. Their performance would be greatly improved.

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/28987