Thinking of Switching to Cable

[mscruggs]

I am looking at switching to cable, but have tons of concerns. I need the speed, but most important is reliability.

I have three desk tops and a laptop...can we share a single connection...one at a time...all at 1 time?

If I understand CORRECTLY the cable comes into the modem and then you split to the various computers... is it better to split and feed each unit with a direct line or to use a wireless network with the modem connected to a single computer?

What is the least expensive route to take, with the best performance?

IF ANYONE CAN HELP I WOULD APPRECIATE IT...I REALIZE THAT THESE ARE PROBABLY PRETTY BASIC QUESTIONS BUT ANY AND ALL HELP IS APPRECIATED...to get me past the initial learning curve.

[illestdynasty]

Cable is pretty less complicated then DSL. While they both can be easily shared via Cable/DSL router, cable usually has the better speed for cheaper without the distance restraints.

Basically you could either choose to pay an additional 5-10 bucks a month for extra IPs, each PC nees an IP address, or you could spend about 50 bucks for a 4 port Cable/DSL router and connect the modem to router, and the the router to each individual PC/Laptop. You can choose wireless for the laptops. Routers are the most efficent way to share a broadband connection and by far one of the cheapest.

With a router, only the router and the PC that you want to access the internet on has to be on. You can also do file and printer sharing. PC to PC gaming,etc.

[spaceman]

Hi,

As far as I'm concerned, cable with a router is the only way to go!!

It will probably take you about 2 minutes of using it to draw the same conclusion.

regards,

Spaceman

[mscruggs]

Thanks...that is what I suppected, however it is nie to hear it from someone that has "been there, done that".

[Immortal]

Originally posted by mscruggs
Thanks...that is what I suppected, however it is nie to hear it from someone that has "been there, done that".

Just to tell you that dsl and cable companies vary with area. So I might have a good cable company and a bad dsl company but that doesn't mean dsl is worse than cable

However, generally cable does allow more bandwidth. Tell us what companies you are dealing with and where exactly.

I have had dsl and cable and I don't know what I'd do without cable. Dsl sucked big time for me. I currently have 6 computers hooked up to the net in this house . All works great. I even hooked up a wireless router so I can use the laptop in the bathroom... I mean... the back yard.

[crazyjw1971]

I made the switch from 768/128 Verizon DSL to 3500/128 Comcast@Home. Then they transitioned me to 1500/128 Comcast.net. I later upgraded to 3500/384 Comcast Pro. Then added a Linksys BEFXS41 router.

Im having fun!!! I like cable. Less complicated than DSL. No log-in software to fail.

Enjoy your cable!

[illestdynasty]

Originally posted by Immortal
I even hooked up a wireless router so I can use the laptop in the bathroom...

I never thought of that.....