The magnet link site is just that, an arguably normal download site except that instead of downloading thru your browser it downloads through the gnutella network via LW. With a 2.5 Mbps connection you should be getting over 200 KB/s if downloading a magnet link thru the site birdy suggested. So why isn't it? Obviously the site isn't to blame. LW isn't to blame because others who used 4.8.1 in the past had downlded magnet links over 200 KB/s. So somewhere along the way your speeds are being affected. It's either a line issue, an ISP issue, a connection device issue (perhaps the data isn't parsing properly due to your device ... eg: dropping packets. Or the device isn't designed to cater for such speeds), or something about your setup on your computer is stopping you from receiving good speeds.

1. What brand & model of modem/router do you have?

2. Have you done a speed test? Choose nearest location for a speed test & only have your browser open: http://www.t1shopper.com/tools/speedtest/

3. Are you using other p2p sharing programs at the same time as LimeWire?

4. Are you sharing the connection with other computers & if yes, are they also downlding at the same time you're using LW?

5. What speed setting to you have LW set to. (a) Go to LW's menu bar, Tools > Options > Speed & tell us which connection type it's set to.
(b) Tools > Options > Downloads & tell us what bandwidth it's set to.
(c) Tools > Options > Uploads > Basic & tell us what bandwidth it's set to.
(d) Tools > Options > Uploads > Slots & is there at least one slot available or is it set to zero?

If you're using Windows XP with SP2, then I suggest you apply the following patch: MS & 3rd party patches

I also previously used iHug until iinet bought up their Australian interests, after which we upgraded to broadband. But then I was using dial up with iHug.