kwigibo

I'm switching from a cable 512k connection to a DSL 512k connection this week, should i notice any significant increase/decrease in speed or reliability? just in general.

Just Another Infidel

My expertise in this area is limited to that of a consumer, but...

given that both accounts have a max throughput of 512k your service should be the same.

Unless you had a lot of upstream users on your cable system. If that was the case, your DSL may have more actual throughput.

JAI

Scotty

Short anser: No

Longer answer:
DSL is a guaranteed speed to the ISP, so the line from you to them is always going to be the speed given.
With cable, although it can be (and mostly is) faster, you can get slowed by your "hub" of people before getting to the ISP.
This is really not a big deal anymore.

Both the cable and DSL have problems with hardware sometimes, but it should be fine (in terms of being standardized).

Anyway.

-Scott

trunks2k

I work as tech support for a big coroporation and we have a lot of people that use cable/dsl connections that they use to access the company network from home with. In my experience with the people that use broadband, there isn't much of a difference in regards to speed. Although DSL allows for a garunteed speed, unlike Cable, in my experience I have dealt with a lot more people who ended up having to call their DSL provider b/c their connection was down than with people that used Cable. Plus cable seems to be slightly easier to use, less likely to need configuration when it comes to a router.

AquaVita

Hmm, where to begin?

It's my humble opinion that cable runs circles around DSL. Why? Several reasons.

1. DSL service goes through your phone lines, and with that, comes a lot of hassle in many cases.

2. You must install filters (usually provided by the ISP)on every device in your home that uses a phone line, including, but not limited to, telephones, fax machines, other computers hooked to the phone line, cable and sattelite boxes, and the ever pain-in-DSL's-ass: the home security system.

3. Why does a home security system cause trouble? Many of them are hardwired into your phone system, and often times the quality of that wiring sucks, causing the DSL to lose sync often, or never sync at all. (no sync means no connectivity, no internet)

4. If the security system is causing a problem(a very difficult thing to determine) then it is your responsibility to get a splitter installed. Very costly to have done, and not easily done by yourself.

Confused yet? It gets better!

5. Troubleshooting cable connections is very easy and quickly done, should you ever have a problem...not so with DSL. The reasons for this are many.
A. DSL service in most cases, still requires you to "connect" so to speak, similar to dialing up. It doesn't dial a telephone number, but it has to establish a PPPoE(industry standard) connection with the server side, and this is where many problems take place.
B. Often times, to troubleshoot no sync issues, you have to go out to your NID(network interface device) box on the outside of your house, find the test jack, and plug the modem into it to determine if you have sync. If you have sync at the NID but not in the house, this indicates a problem with your internal wiring...also your responsibility to pay for.
C. If you have no sync outside or inside the house, then a troublew ticket of some kind must be submitted to your ISP, who in turn must contact the actual provider of the lines. For example, Earthlink doesn't actually provide DSL service, they are the ISP, but a vendor such as Covad, for example is who provides the actual service. So in this case, Earthlink would have to submit a trouble ticket to Covad, who often times then, must submit a ticket to the TELCO, or telephone company, such as bell south or whoever, depending on what the problem is.
D. Many homes are simply not wired properly for DSL service. One obstacle we come across often is that the user's house is so old, that they have a four post NID, instead of the newer ones, that have a test phone jack. This further complicates troubleshooting and causes a huge headache for everyone involved. (Do you think I enjoyed telling the old lady with a four post NID to get out her alligator clippers and wire cutters? I think not! )

6. DSL is not as nearly cross platform compatible as cable is.

7. Cable is a truly "always on" connection, and troubleshooting is fast and simple, which wastes less of your time. There are not nearly as many middle men, as is the case with DSL.

8. Nearly every single DSL service provider will make you sign a contract. This is not really the ISP's fault, as they are forced to commit to the TELCO for a certain amount of time, so they must pass the commitment(and early termination fees if you cancel early)onto you. In the vast majority of cable providers, there is no contract required.


Ok, I realize this is probably more thourough than anyone wanted...



But I feel strongly about these things as I deal with them day in, and day out. I truly do feel that cable is the superior technology, based on my personal use, and the job I do everyday.

So there ya have it!

Jimmy Higgins

I think I was just scared away from getting a DSL connection. Thanks for the info.

kwigibo

i would rather keep my cable connection too, but i get a much better deal on DSL. My cable connection only allows 3000mb/month, i get 16,000 on DSL for a lower monthly fee. This is a big problem for broadband in australia, overpriced and low allowable usage, thanks in most part to government's lack of foresight.

although, if i have many problems with it, i'll probably go back to cable.

AquaVita

Lol, I don't mean to scare anyone! If it's the only broadband available in your area then I say go for it! ANYTHING'S better then dial-up!

Well...erm. Except satellite internet. Man I could write a whole book on the follies of THAT service, but that's another thread.

Philosoft

You seem to have done your homework on DSL. I, for one, would be interested to see what you have to say about satellite.

Allkholollick

No shit. I can't get anything else out here in the middle of nowhere. (I am forced to use dial up or get satellite.)