Choosing soon between DSL and Cable...suggestions?

[divinemartyr]

jdwright:

Very simple solution for you. Most DSL providers, well I shouldn't say most, but SOME have contracts and install costs. Most cable companies have NO contracts at all and free installation. What harm could it do to try cable out and see how you like it? Then if you don't just cancel and get DSL. Very simple solution to a somewhat difficult problem. I have a cable connection here in a neighborhood that it seems to be pretty prominent in and it is not uncommon for me to get 200k/s downloads. I've had some upwards of 350k/s. Incredibly fast downloads although 128kbits up is slow. If you don't plan to do any uploading, and want something cost effective, regardless of how many people have it in your area, go with cable. Cable limits the number of users per node in good networks, and this should not be an issue at all. Shared bandwidth problems were EARLY cable modem problems. Try it and see what you think, I've had both and prefer cable.

divinemartyr

 

[Celstar]

divine has a very good point. where I am, dsl is readily availible, but i have to committ to one year. installation costs also run up to $200 as well. hardware prices not included.

I've had dsl in another location, and it was very reliable for me. 1.5 Mps was just awesome, I can't stand using a modem like I am now. But I hate the long term contract and all the additional fees so I'm gonna wait for cable to come out in a few months.

 

[LiekOMG]

I'm using DSL, and although I *always* have my dedicated bandwidth, during peak times (around 6-11pm) i notice that my packetloss goes up considerably in everquest, anywhere from 5-30% packetloss. Thats a big deal for me.

 

[BabaYaga]

I suggest you try both if you can. Like Martyr said, cable companies dont usually require a contract. DSL providers usually do. I know in my area equipment is not an issue. Both DSL providers and the cable company provide free modems and sometimes network cards. Its hard to say which is better. It really just depends on the infrastructure, your distance from the central office or hub, and the customer service of your providers. I have DSL and love it. My Dad has cable and loves it. As far as slowdowns and packet loss are concerned, these can from a number of areas including your ISP, your line provider(if using DSL w/ an outside ISP), internet congestion, congestion on any of the servers between you and the server you re visiting. There are often too many variables to isolate slowdowns and packet loss unless its consistently because of your provider. Whichever you decide, Im sure will be a big improvement

 

[formulav8]

There are alot of people here in Orlando with cable. I never experiece any real slowdowns. Only the normal WWW slowdowns. Cable companys won't allow alot of people on a single node to cause any bandwidth slowdowns. Here they won't let more then 250 people on a single node. I have very low pings and never have any packet-loss. I had only 1 One-Half hour downtime in the 7 months I had it. Dsl is down at least once a week and its slow.