cl_updaterate 101 - This sets how many updates a server is allowed to send you per second. This is also related to the tick rate. For example, if you play on a LiB Value server (45 tick) then the server sends your 45 updates per second. If you play on a Match server (100 tick), then you get 100 updates per second. By setting your cl_updaterate to 101, you can play and take advantage of a 100 tick server without any problems. However, if your connection is slow (Below 1mbps), it's a good idea to use something like cl_updaterate 60 or even cl_updaterate 30.
cl_cmdrate 30 - This setting is how many updates per second you send to the server. Usually on a home line, the upload is much slower than your download -- usually a tenth of the speed. Therefore, we do not recommend high cl_cmdrate settings such as 101 unless you have a really good upload (2mbps up or higher). If you have anything ranging from 400k to approximately 800k upload, stick with cl_cmdrate 30. However, if your connection is equal to or faster than 1mbps up, then use cl_cmdrate 60 should be safe.
rate - This tells the game how fast your connection is. If I have a 5mbps down connection, then I would set my rate to 50000 by typing in rate 50000 in console. However, you can be conservative (Since your actual speed usually does not hit the advertised speed by your ISP). Therefore, in your Speedtest.net test as we mentioned earlier, if you have a result of 4700kbps down on a 5000kbps connection, then set your rate to around 44000 by typing rate 44000 in console.
cl_upspeed - Set your upload speed. If your upload speed in your Speedtest.net test is 470kbps up, you can be more conservative and set it a bit lower than the tested speed with cl_upspeed 440.
In console, simply make sure your client settings are correct for these. You do not need rcon for any of these since its client side (as with the previous ones). In console, type sv_maxrate 99999 and sv_maxupdaterate 60 should be very appropriate.
How do you know if your cl variables are working properly? While in game, in console type net_graph 3. The numbers will reflect your settings is done correctly. If you are getting lots of choke constantly (10+ throughout the game, not just at beginning of rounds), then you should reconfigure your settings until theres little or ideally no choke. Also, check your ping times. Your ping on the player graph (By pressing Tab during the game) should be significant lower than the ping displayed on your net_graph 3. The difference on average is usually 10-30 ms.
