Can one tweak a CISCO modem's settings to optimize the internet speed?

wow 59Kbps is horrible. Do you get such a low speed when directly connected to the modem with out the router connected?( BTW you will need to install a PPP dialer on your computer for DSL to do that). If the speed is the same there is very little you can do. Has it always been this slow? Are you far away from the Central office (nearest AT&T building) DSL from ATT should be getting 1500KBPS Down and around 300Kbps upload.