Firefox has a couple of hidden network settings. With this extension, you can tweak these settings, and you might be able to speed up the loading of web pages. You can also increase the maximum number of simultaneous downloads from a site (the default is only four).
Instead of changing each setting, you can also choose one of two profiles. The Power profile increases the maximum number of connections and turns on pipelining. The Default profile will reset the settings to the save, default values.
The Tweak Network Settings extension is compatible with the latest Firefox 3.0 release.
Explanation
So if this extension improves your web browsing, why aren't these network settings improved by default in Firefox? This is because Firefox wants to adhere to the HTTP specification which says: "A single-user client SHOULD NOT maintain more than 2 connections with any server or proxy." Unfortunately, the specification (from 1999) is outdated at this point.
First, there is a need from the user: an ordinary webpage contains several images, style sheets, JavaScript files etcetera. Also, most users have broadband and PC's which can handle lot of simultaneous connections easily. More simultaneous connections means GeneRally FASTER loading of webpages. Just like a highway with more lanes allows more traffic.
Second, on the server side it doesn't matter. Even the most lightweight webserver can handle hundreds of simultaneous connections. On a high-traffic webserver, your visit is just noise to the server. On a low-traffic webserver, it's only easier to handle your request: the server isn't doing anything else anyway.
Microsoft also thinks two connections is not enough: Internet Explorer 8 will support six simultaneous connections (see IE8 for developers).
So, should your browser adhere to an old specification written in stone or should your browser comply with a changed world? You decide.
