Does ADSL offer static IP? Cable or ADSL easier to configure for networking?? Pros? Cons?

[PeeluckyDuckee]

I've tried out ADSL today, but the speeds were not very impressive. Slow day perhaps? Went over to test a cable connection and it performed decently. 85k average downloads. I'm no hardcore download-freakaholic so speed isn't all that important to me. But when I do surf the net, I type in a addy, I want it there boom instantly. ADSL doesn't seem to offer that kind of reaction I'm looking for.

I also need a static IP for my tinkering around with in my networking class (web server, printer server, FTP, email server, etc.) and I'd like to know if ADSL offers static IP? I know that cable does.

Also, since I'm a novice, I'd like a easy way to setup the internet connect with other comps in my home network, at the same time hiding the internal network from the "net". Which is the easiest way to go about it, ADSL or cable? I'm dumb, so I want the process of setting this up as user-friendly as possible

Do I also need to get one of those cable/ADSL router/switch LinkSys thingies as part of the job as well?

The price of cable and ADSL is indifferent, but static IP is a must have.

I'm only a newbie at this whole networking scene, so sorry if I don't sound like I know what the heck I'm talking about at times If somethings' not going thru clear, please ask to clarify, thx.

This may have been asked millions of times, but if someone can list a few of the pros and cons of each ADSL/Cable service, it'd be much appreciated

Plucky

 

[jmcoreymv]

Depending on your isp you can be issued a static ip, dhcp, or PPPoE (the worst!). For example, Telocity allows static whereas Earthlink uses PPPoE.

 

[blstriker]

ADSL does have static IP's. I have one right now for my webserver. ISP's that offer static IP's are geting rare these days. You're gonna have to look a bit.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

okie dokie, I'll check into it, thx

 

[JackMDS]

The type of offerings is not the same in every place. You will have to research your geographical area.
In general, most provider will assign a dynamic IP to the entry level services (about $40 a month), and are reserving the static IPs to business people with more expensive accounts ($100 and up). Log to DSLREPORTS.COM and use their search engine to see what available in your neighborhood.

As for getting some info about the topic:

Read This:

The Basic Options to Share Internet Connection (Internet Sharing 101).

And This:

Hub, Switch, Router, DHCP, LAN, WAN, NAT, etc

Comparing Routers Here:

Comparing Cable/DSL Routers.