A comprehensive performance evaluation of a cross-layer solution to increase users' downlink data rates over HSDPA is provided. The solution consists of a proxy entity between a server and the Radio Network Controller, and cross-layer signalling from the base station to the proxy. The performance of the solution is evaluated though a detailed ns-2 simulator environment, which includes all HSDPA features, as well as some existing TCP enhancing protocols widely adopted for internet traffic over wireless links. Numerical results show that the proxy significantly increases the users' throughput, while also improving the utilization of the radio resources.