Cable Modem VS ADSL

[esiu]

I'm planning to get either cable modem or ADSL in my area. I have an extra phone line for dial-up now, but I'll still keep the line even if I got cable modem or ADSL. I need my 2 computers to access the Internet (they are already on a ethernet). Here is the dilemma:

Cable Modem:
Installation & cable modem: $200 (you own it)
Monthly fee: $30 (1 IP)
Extra IP: $20
Note:
Connected all the time; include 1 IP only.

ADSL:
Installation: about $100
Monthly fee: $40 (2 IPs)
Extra IP: $5
Note:
Transparent connect/disconnect (disconnect when unused for 15 minutes; takes about 15-30 sec to re-connect).

Option:
- $40/month for cable modem service if don't buy the cable modem (installation will be $70 instead of $200)
- set up WinGate with 1 IP on cable modem
- keep using dial-up service: $15 for 60hr per month

Questions:
1. Should I own the cable modem?
2. If you were me, which will you choose?
3. Any other 'new' faster access service coming up other than these 2 technologies (e.g. power line access; wireless access)?

Any comment/suggestions?

Ernest
esiu@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca

[Eccentric]

The only problem with cable modems are that if alot of people start using it in your area, you will all be sharing the same bandwidth. Although they may not be a problem unless all of you are using it at the same time, it's still possible. Since all of you are using the same bandwidth, there also may be security issues. I would imagine it's not that hard to find out what sites you've been visiting, if I'm sharing bandwidth with you. But unless there is some 16 year old dropout snooping your line 24/7 I doubt that would be a problem. With the ADSL, do you have a need for a constant connection? If you do, do you have to option for it not to disconnect if idle?

Why would you keep the dial-up service and use Wingate? Wingate enables you to share internet access, so you only need one IP. That's $15 you can save. As far as purchasing the modem or not, if you plan on moving and taking it with you,(if it works somewhere else), then you might want to buy it, if not then don't. Well I think I'll stop rambling now.

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C:\WINDOWS\RUN C:\WINDOWS\CRASH C:\ME\FDISK /usr/src/linux

[esiu]

Yes, I understand cable modem is sharing because of the fiber-to-the-curb thingie. On the other hand, the ADSL service here is still sort of a sharing, since the ADSL modems on the net provider premises is set up as a pool that all customers shared; that's why there is a disconnection after 15-30min policy. For the question of 'Do I need a constant connection', my feeling is that it is just a bit annoying if I read an article on the web for 30 mins, and when I click again, I have to wait 30 seconds. Also I have concerns about services like ICQ... I don't know how it is handled: after 30 min, am I disconnected, or re-connected if there's messages flying around, or the ICQ will just keep the connection going...?

Actually the main question for cable modem lies on the fact that how much TOTAL bandwidth is available for the curb/region that I am in and what is the worst case bandwidth that I will have.

Again, thanks for all the input.

[Eccentric]

I would think that with ICQ, it wouldn't see your connection as being idle. When I want my connection to remain, (seeing as how my 98 connection disconnects, for the hell of it) I set Netscape Mail to check like every 5 minutes for mail. That keeps me connected. I would assume, ICQ, to be the same way. At least you're lucky enough to be able to choose. I don't even have either of those options yet.

[m1tech]

I work for a large cable operator in the northeast. We use the LanCity modem and guarantee a min of 1.5 down 640 up.

[Anyland]

i am using a cable modem at home and i have found that it works quite well BUT if is cheaper to get ADSL then get it unless you want a perm connection.

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e-mail me at both anyland@cmsd.bc.ca
and nilez@osg.net

[laz]

There are programs that will keep you from getting kicked off. Can't remember the names of any right now.

[Binary Tech]

esiu -- What version of Windows do you have installed on the computer that you are running the cable modem?

I know the answer to you problem about the cable modem running out of bufferspace after 15-30min.

I will update my post once you reply.

[esiu]

Running out of buffer space? I didn't think I ask such a question. I didn't even have cable modem installed yet.