That's funny because 56k modems do make noise.  

I agree with Kluge. I'm not sure about the direct download thread mentioned for bitcoin. However, litecoin offers direct downloads and it does make getting the blockchain a breeze. I specifically agree with limiting bitcoin-qt speeds when in a residential setting. The bitcoin wallet will hog all upstream traffic even on a semi-decent cable connection. Another notable mention is Qos. Using quality of service, one can give personal computers priority over the connection or the other way around depending on what the end goal is.