[TriLUG] Is BellSouth DSL service better than Time Warner Cable connection

[Aaron S. Joyner]

Tayfun Teksoy wrote:

> Is BellSouth DSL service better than Time Warner Internet connection. 
> Recently I am experiencing problems with time warner cable modem 
> connection.
>
> My connection speed varies between 1000kbps and 300kbps down link, 
> 80kbps and 300kbps uplink.
>
> My recent test shows *582**/ 310*kbps.
>
> I am frustrated with inconsistent link speeds,time outs and 
> considering to switch to Bell South DSL connection.
>
> Does any one have experience with both and compare the advantages and 
> disadvantages of each.

There are numerous advantages, and disadvantages to both, but when it 
all boils down in the end, it's largely related to where you live.  Both 
on a Macro level, and a Micro level.  If (just for example) you live in 
California, comparing experiences with someone in North Carolina would 
be useless.  The companies are different, the implementations are 
different, virtually nothing is the same.  If you compare with someone 
on the other side of Raleigh, the same is true.  It's not unlikely that 
they might live in a better or worse area, experience wonderful or 
terrible problems based on their distance from the CO, their wiring at 
their location, etc.  Most of this holds true for both services, DSL and 
Cable.  As Jim alluded to, it often comes down entirely to 
implementation.  You can make great service, and terrible service, out 
of both technologies.  Having said all that, I personally think that RR 
in this area doesn't do a bad job, on the whole.  I don't have their 
service any more, so I can't really comment on recent changes.  On the 
other hand, I can say that if you live in an area that has bad cable 
service (for any of probably a dozen reasons), then your RR service is 
likely to be poor, and not very likely to improve.  It's entirely 
possible that reterminating your connection, rewiring the coax in your 
house, or running a single RG-6 home run for your cable box may help - 
and I would suggest all of those things as first-steps.  Calling out a 
tech to check the attenuation at your location is also a very good idea 
(you need to call RR for this to happen).  If you're still unhappy, it 
doesn't hurt to give DSL a try - it sure won't be worse.  :)  Odds are 
it will be significantly better.  I usually find that people have 
terrible service with one, or the other, rarely with both.

> Is DSL connection Linux friendly, it seem like they do not support 
> Linux on their web page.

I can't comment to BellSouth's Linux-friendliness (generally I like to 
hope they're not terrible) - but I can comment that Intrex.net is 
entirely Linux friendly.  Being the SysAdmin and often the person on the 
other end of the phone for DSL setup / advanced troubleshooting, I can 
say we're quite happy if you're running Linux.  :)  You can check out 
our prices and availability at http://www.intrex.net/dslbs.htm - note 
that with BellSouth residential service (and our standard residential 
service) your incoming port 25 and 80 will be blocked.  As a special 
service to TriLUG members we'll open up all of the ports and give you a 
static IP at no extra charge.  If you have any questions about our 
service, availability, or comparisons to cable - feel free to give me a 
call at the office.

Aaron S. Joyner
System Administrator
Intrex.net Internet Services
(919) 573-5488 x102