What's broadband and how does it compare to other internet services?

[Deep13]

We want to upgrade from plain-jane telephone line modem internet access to something faster. We have an I-mac, about a year old, running on OSX Jaguar or something. As a side note, we also have a '96 model running on OS 9.2 and it would be nice to access the internet from that one too. As another side note, we do not have cable television.

So, what will it take? Do we do broadband, high-speed telephone line, cable modem? What? No clue.

[democracyindanger]

1. Broadband is a catchall term

DSL and cable can both be considered 'broadband.' Since you don't have cable, check into DSL. Your phone company is probably the easiest way to get it, but other companies might give it to you cheaper.

[Ready4Change]

2. Two major types of broadband.

Broadband is a generic term, typically refering to access to the internet at high speeds. (10x or more of modem speeds.) The two main types are:

DSL: This used your existing telephone lines. While it uses those lines, it does not interrupt your phone service at all. You can have, and be using, DSL, while still making and recieving telephone calls normally.

Cable: This uses the same connections that you would get cable TV from. Just like DSL does not interrupt phone service, cable internet access does not interrupt cable TV service.

There are some minor pluses and minuses to each type of service, but if you have no cable TV lines at this time, you'll probably be best served by going for DSL. It DOES have some transmission distance limitations, though. You can only find out of it can reach you by contacting your local DSL service and seeing if they can hook you up.

BTW, the speed difference is huge. I download entire videos in the time I used to spend on a single image. Well worth the money, if you have the money.

[tkmorris]

3. DSL reports offers a "DSL finder" which I like

I agree that with no cable service you might be better served by getting DSL. The main issue with either cable or DSL is whether it is available, and who provides it. DSL reports has a decent feature that searches the major providers to see who can hook up to your address, complete with price comparisons, reviews, and special promotions (DSL providers always have some sort of promo offer). Try here: http://www.dslreports.com/search and just fill in your info to see what you can get.

FWIW I wouldn't advocate any other options besides cable or DSL. "High speed" phone line is just regular modem service with a few doodads to make it seem faster. Satellite service is only a good option when other broadband is not available and you really want it. Upload speeds are slow, and use a regular modem, plus there is more latency, which I don't even want to get into.

One nice thing about DSL (or cable FTM) is no tying up the phone lines. Even though DSL uses the phone line it doesn't tie it up. You can use the net and talk on the phone at the same time.

Allowing both of your computers to use the same broadband simultaneously is easy enough, but probably deserves a whole new post since there are so many options and configurations for doing it. I would go with a wireless network using a wireless router but that is certainly not the only way, a lot depends on the physical locations of the hardware etc.

[welshTerrier2]

4. go with DSL ...

i don't have cable tv either ... when i called my local cable company, they want around $65 a month for internet service ... they said if i also got cable tv, the internet service would only cost me $40 ...

i ended up going with Verizon DSL and i've been happy with them ... the only catch is that you have to have local Verizon phone service (which i already had) ...

Verizon just came out with a slightly slower level of service for $14.95 a month ... that might be worth a shot ... it would be way better than dial-up ... i'm paying $29.95 a month and i have very good download and upload speeds ...

if you go with the $29.95 plan, i think it comes with a free wireless router/modem combination called a Westell Versalink router ...

the technology is pretty simple ... just follow the bouncing ball ... the signal you need would come from a website you visit to a Verizon server ... it would then be sent to your dsl router/modem combo (you would connect a standard phone cable from your phone jack to the router/modem - you can still use your phone while you're on the internet) ... then, you could connect a wire (called an ethernet cable) from the router/modem to the nearby computer ... the other computer would require the purchase of a compatible wireless card (unless you wanted both computers in the same room - then you would just need a second ethernet cable) ... wireless cards cost somewhere between about $30 and $80 and are simple to install ... at that point, both computers would have access to the internet ...

fwiw, i'm not at all familiar with MACS but those are the basics ... if you decide to go for DSL, make sure you verify all of the above to ensure its consistent with MACS ...

you can check whether you're area receives Verizon service (the website is sometimes not up-to-date - try calling them) on this website: http://www22.verizon.com/forhomedsl/channels/dsl/?

also, if you really want to make a thorough study, the following website is excellent: www.dslReports.com

hope this helps ...

[RoyGBiv]

6. What's the cable company?

That's crazy expensive.

The package I have gives me 4Mbps Internet for 24.95/mo. I did have to get digital cable for that price, but I wanted it anyway, so it wasn't an issue for me personally. If I wanted to get a phone with unlimited LD, I could get that speed for 19.95, but I don't need the LD. I pay about $100/mo for all three services, which is less than what I'd pay with SBC, the main competitor, for their comparable Dish/DSL/Phone package. Plus, the service level is lower: fewer channels, no EOD, and slower Internet. They do have one that is a lower price for all three services, around $80 I think, but it the television part of it doesn't carry local channels, the speed is much slower, and the phone has no features, i.e. caller-id.

The same company offers Internet service for 24.95 that is comparable to a basic DSL connection.

Anyway, the pricing depends a lot on where you are and what kind of competition is in the areas, so it's weird that the cable companies in your area are so high.

[CBGLuthier]

5. Using a router will remove any Mac compatibility issues

DSL requires you to login to access. Most DSL companies supply software for this purpose. They most likely offer a Mac version but you never know.

But when you use a DSL/Cable router, the router handles the login. All your Mac has to do is have an ethernet card. I know a long time ago Macs didn't have them but I think those days are long gone.

Cable usually does not require a login.

Like the post above says, DSL will depend upon where you live. If you are close (1-2 miles) to a substation you will get great results.

Once you get setup, configuration is done through a web browser and they keep it simple so probably no compatibility issues there either.

[Hokie]

7. I have had both DSL and Cable

My advice is get the one that is the least expensive. If you use a router either is fine. You do not have to log on with either one. They are both always on if you set up the router and the PC's correctly.

Cable downloads are bit faster but for general browsing you will never notice the difference. Most of the time your browsing speeds are controlled by the server loading and latency and not the broadband connection. (That's my personal opinion anyway.) either one just beats the pants off dial up. I could never go back.