the better choice?

[Blackearth]

i think i'm finally getting broadband! only thing is, is there any real difference between having an internal modem (i know, really expensive) and an external.i would imagine latency would be less on an internal. also, on external, usb or ethernet? wouldnt ethernet be faster?

[klosters64a]

As far as DSL ISP's go, they usually will provide you with an internal DSL modem for free. If you'd rather have an external DSL modem, they'll be glad to sell you one. In other words, externals are more expensive. If you want to be able to get online with OS's other than MS's, an external DSL modem is just about mandatory.

To be able to set up your LAN so that two or more boxes can use the Web simultaneously, you need a NIC in each machine, and a DSL modem/router. Cisco 67x's are offered by some Baby Bell's, aka Telco's for use with their DSL ISP service--or with an independent DSL ISP that your Telco can "bridge" you to. These external DSL modems also have simple router capability built-in.

It's important to not rush out and buy your own choice of DSL modem before you are SURE that the Telco that's the monopoly in your area will let you use it! They prefer to sell/rent/buy with spread-out payments/give you THEIR choice of DSL modem. You may have no choice in the matter.

If you have a choice of a USB or a regular modem, don't get the USB one!! They're slow!

If you get a DSL modem with no router capability, you'll probably have to buy your own LAN router to set up your own home network so that it will work.

I tried cable ISP service recently. Fortunately, my boxen simply didn't like it, so it only worked for a couple of hours. I say fortunately, because the first bill they sent me was 500% bigger than they promised. "Get that cable modem outta here!" said I.

I don't know how a cable ISP works, to be honest. It's blazing fast. Let's hope someone who does chimes in on this thread!

[xCarne_Asada]

I think external is better, no reason really.

[Warlord2]

cable=more bandwidth so you can put up gaming servers very easy on just on a cable connection


as for modems a my cable company uses 3com the white one

[rugby]

Originally posted by Warlord2
cable=more bandwidth so you can put up gaming servers very easy on just on a cable connection


as for modems a my cable company uses 3com the white one


Not true, cable download speeds are faster than dsl, but cable upload speeds are kinda crappy usually.

[Big Mike]

Also most cable modem providers don't take kindly to game servers, cable's upstream speeds aren't all that great and alot of upstream bandwidth use can very quickly swamp out the downstream side too

[Kingslayer]

Go with an external ethernet modem. It will give you more options if you add more computers and build a home network.

USB modems are usually plauged with driver issues.

Internal Modems will be affected by your overclocking and generally suck from the start.

[Warlord2]

Not true, cable download speeds are faster than dsl, but cable upload speeds are kinda crappy usually.


notice I said bandwidth not speed

I know people who d/l and u/l lot faster thin me using Dsl however I can put up a lot better server thin they can

dsl server for Half-life= maybe 5 people "everyone lags out at 6"

cable server for Half-life=about 15 people start lagging

while dsl still have the better u/l and d/l the bandwidth is VERY small unless you get maybe fast sdsl or xdsl with is almost like T1