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

[Ryan Leathers]

Perhaps a day late and a dollar short on this thread, but I couldn't
agree more with the point about implementation.

These technologies keep getting better all the time but the
implementations lag behind.  ADSL2+ is out now offering speeds over
24mbps, differentiated services and more.  Thats great, but chances are
if DSL is available to you currently you won't be seeing ADSL2+
offerings at your house anytime soon.  A couple years ago cable
providers started pushing out the latest DOCSIS capabilities, but only
in areas where they had not offered any service previously.  I'm still
waiting for bandwidth on demand with my cable service - and I'm sure
I'll get it someday unless ADSL2+ gets here first.  

  

On Tue, 2004-06-29 at 05:30, Aaron S. Joyner wrote:
> 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
-- 
Ryan Leathers <ryan.leathers at globalknowledge.com>
Global Knowledge