Posted: 8/6/2008 1:51:12 PM EDT
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So what are the pros & cons? I've decided to a high speed connection. TIA zeekh |
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Cable is generally faster, but less stable... The more users on the loop, the slower the speeds. DSL isn't generally as fast (in my area at least, my AT&T friend says that is the FCCs fault) but tends to be more stable. My DSL (6mb) is 2mb slower than my cable service(8mb) was. I don't notice a difference at all. When I do notice a difference is when the kids get out of school and after dinner. My cable would slow down, I would notice it, my DSL doesn't. |
| I prefer DSL if there is a good local company that can deliver service to you. I had an account with a company called Oplink once. It was amazing. Now I have cable now via Cox and it has higher top speed but fluctuates so much that it's actually more annoying in day to day use. I'd go back to Oplink DSL if I could. |
If you get a cable modem have the installer run a dedicated line to your modem- don't try splitting your existing coax for your TVs for the run to your modem. (I've just finished "Installation 101"). At the LEAST, locate your modem where the line comes into your house and have ONE splitter for your TV and cable modem, then run Cat5 to your computer. I tried this setup with a wireless router to send the signal to my computer- wouldn't send the signal 60' with a couple of turns. Modem is now at my computer at the end of a 90' run, signal is marginal. May have to relocate it back to the TV and go the CAT5 route back to the computer. The guys in the "Urban Warriors" forum have been great with their help. Princes among men.  Some of my other thoughts- Cable modem- I can drive 3 miles and  DSL- I can only give them verbal abuse. Historically, dealing with ATT has been problamatic for me. I'm at 5mb (10MB is a more costly alternative) and, when the SIGNAL has been good I've had no problems with slowdowns, assuming the additional users haven't been the source of my signal strength fluctuations. If I perfect my hookup and I'm still having problems, maybe additional signons are a problem. Too early to tell. FWIW |
I meant "loop" as in your neighborhood, not your home. In response to the poster asking how much could other really slow it down. I had the 8mb service, there were times where I saw 4mb, on cable. I D/L a fuck load of video and haven't noticed a speed diff. |
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I have cable at home and DSL at work. As far as speed goes, the cable is faster, but that is only obvious when you are downloading really large files like audio or video. For surfing sites like arfcom there is little noticeable difference. I haven't had issues with the cable bandwidth being eat up by my neighbors, but then, most of my neighbors are older retired people and may not be avid internet users. |
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I've never seen a DSL connection that was faster than a cable connection. (and I've seen many, to say the least) My cable is rock solid and fast. It NEVER goes down. Personally, I wouldn't even consider DSL unless I got a great deal on it and even then I'd look closely into the company I was getting ti from. |