dsl vs cable

[bdog]

Right now I am in the process of having my lines tested to see if I can get dsl service(384dX160u). I just found out that cable modems(cox@home) will be in my area around January. Provided the cost for the two is about the same, which would be better? Cox says that they are faster than dsl, but doesn't it slow down as they get users while dsl is your own dedicated bandwidth?

[Target]

Bdog.....you're right on the money. Typically, standard DSL connection appears "faster" than a cable modem simply because of the bandwidth throttling and sharing that cable modem companies provide. However, it really does depend on a lot of factors.

DSL comes in several flavors, with speeds ranging from the affordable 256k-512k/sec varieties, all the way up to 7Mbps!!! Truth is unless you are independently wealthy, the faster DSL is gonna be out of your price range. However, your DSL connection would be a dedicated line and you'd have the bandwidth all to yourself. Generally no worries about peak times slowing you down.

Cable actually has the ability to do up to 45Mbps!.....but its usually throttled down to a 1-1.5Mbps speed to make room for the TV and stereo signals pushed down the pipe at the same time. At least that is what TCI/AT&T does.....not 100% sure about COX. In addition, this 1Mbps pipe is typically shared with everyone else on your local neighborhood loop. So, during peak times, you may experience slowdowns and speeds that are slower than what a DSL connection might provide.

Personally, I like the idea of having a dedicated connection and pipe without the sharing. I would rather have a bandwidth speed I could count on 24x7, but it really depends on your wants and needs.

Another handy feature of having a DSL connection is that you use the same line for your regular phone and can talk and surf at the same time without any noticable impact.

Anyway, both are good alternatives to regular dial-up, so ask some more quesitons of your available providers and see what you think the best bang for the buck will be.

~Target

[bdog]

Thanks for your reply Target. I am leaning towards the DSL. I like the idea of having bandwidth you can count on. Also, I found out that the ISP offering DSL in my are has a good reputation and has been offering the DSL service for some time. The last thing I want to do is to be Cox's guinea pig for their cable modems. And besides, the extra cost over dialup isn't that bad if you figure the money you are saving by not having a second phone line for the modem.

[topflite51]

Besides the best bang for the buck, consider who you will get the best service from if you need help. Around here, its the phone co, TCI/ATT for service is an oxymoron. TCI was so bad I installed DSS just so I could get a decent pic on the tube.

TP 51

[MrEd]

Be careful which DSL option you get. USWest, offers a DSL package that is NOT dedicated, meaning you share with everyone else on that line (256K for an attractive $19.95/month), and you're put on a timer. The longer you are on, the sooner you'll get kicked. Then if you get BACK on, a second timer kicks on. There are three total, and the third one kicks you off for an undisclosed amount of time, usually around an hour or two. In case you're wondering, I work for USWest. That's just a little inside info for ya. Rock on.

-MrEd
/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by MrEd (edited 11-22-1999).]

[Target]

MrEd...Great point! US West does have the restrictions you listed on their bottom tier DSL service. Guess I could have called that out earlier, but assumed those interested would ask detailed questions at sign-up time.

Not sure what the other RBOCs are offering and/or what their restrictions are.

Good for you on the US West job too. My dad has been with them for 15+......I'm an MCI-Worldcom geek 7+ years. Before long we'll all be one big company again <lol>.

PS: Hurry up with the USW DSL rollout. Don't want to give my money to TCI/AT&T <rofl>.

[jad1097]

I am happy with my cable modem w/@home if you don't count the times they are down! There is nothing like checking my mail and getting aa incorrect password error for a couple days in a row!http://www.computingcentral.com/topics/bandwidth/speedtest50.asp is were I ran this test.

If you're just dying to see the raw data used to calculate your download speed, here it is:
download time: 0.11
download size in thousands of bytes: 50
estimated line speed (K bits per second): 3709.1
estimated line speed (K bytes per second): 454.5
TO!!!!!
download time: 46.52
download size in thousands of bytes: 500
estimated line speed (K bits per second): 87.7
estimated line speed (K bytes per second): 10.7
This is how a cable modem really is! It is still better than dialup. Acutally it is better than IDSL. The first test smokes a T2 line!
Try both and make up your mind then. I am sure they will both give you the first 30 days free.


This is on my 486!! I hope it will get better with my k6 3-400







[This message has been edited by jad1097 (edited 11-22-1999).]

[This message has been edited by jad1097 (edited 11-23-1999).]

[Wiz]

I prefer cable also. There are around 10-15 people in my area and i am rated at around 4mbps. not too shabby, but most servers dont even handle that. Microsoft(of all places!!) allows me to d/l at around 800k on a slow night.