Switch from cable to DSL what is important to keep in mind?


  1. Posts : 2,009
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
       #1

    Switch from cable to DSL what is important to keep in mind?


    Hi y'all :)
    I intend to switch my service provider from Cable (Time Warner) to DSL (probably Verizon) So far I never had DSL...went decades ago from dial up straight to cable. Now I need help from people who are more knowledgeable than me in that area.

    My actual setup is as follows: Motorola cable modem ==> Cisco wireless router ==> Computer(s)
    Basically I understand that I simply unhook the cable modem and replace it with a DSL modem
    Is there anything else that would need to be changed/switched/altered?

    Now please tell me if I got this right:
    The highest speed obtainable largely depends on the distance and quality of the phone line between the node and my house (thus being beyond my control)
    Which means even if I purchase a "better" package I won't get a faster access.

    To avoid monthly rental fees I probably go out and buy a DSL Modem.

    Is there anything to pay closer attention to, do they all work on the same lines or are there different models for those different "Speed-packages" ?

    Any suggestions as of what brand/model would be favorable?

    Can you think of anything else important I might have overlooked?

    I don't want to act in a rush only to find out later on that I messed up and went about it the wrong way (Right now I'm really ticked off about those TW clowns who have a monopoly on cable here in the NW and I'm known to act irrationally when in a state like I am in now

    So you see I need all the help I could get
    Thank you in advance
    -DG
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,009
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
    Thread Starter
       #2

    Nobody? Really?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #3

    You should be able to do a simple swap with the cable and DSL modems. I would power everything off, swap them and power up in this Order, modem>Router, PC on port 1, and the next in order.
    Ask Verizon for recommendations.
      My Computer


  4. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #4

    Having your own modem is a good idea. But I got my modem for free (ATT). There are also routers with integrated modems. I use a Netgear like that in Germany (although the modem would have been free).

    You should get at least DSL3000. Better even DSL6000 or higher. But those are more expensive. In Germany I have 6000 and in the US I have 3000. I can notice the difference in upload/download speed. They also offer DSL16.000, but maybe not your future ISP.

    Make sure they put a central filter in your phone line. Those little dangly filters you attach to each phone jack are for the birds. I had a lot of phone static with those. The central filter (installed where the line comes into the house) solved the problem.

    And if possible have them install a phone jack with a seperate line-out for the phone and the DSL. Those mobile line splitters are no good either.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 2,009
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
    Thread Starter
       #5

    @Britton Thank you for the reassurance!
    @whs: I'm gonna shop around to see what provider is available and what are the different options here in the backwoods :) DSL6000 would be nice, I'm just afraid those old copper lines just don't cut it .
    Thank you for your other pointers as well, Wolfgang. I'll keep them in mind even if those lines as it looks now, won't be used for telephones. But now that I know about central filters I make sure they put one in.
    I'll keep you posted when I have updated info.

    Thanks a lot you guys I really appreciate it!

    -DG
      My Computer


  6. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #6

    DSL6000 goes via copper lines (ATT offers that) - in Germany copper lines handle all the way to DSL16.000 but I am not sure of the situation in the US. My son has DSL56.000, but that is glass fibre lines.

    Btw: I never had any problems with my DSL from ATT which I use since early 2007. In Germany I use a subsidiary of German Telecom and pay only appr. $20/month for DSL6000. It is more money here.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 2,009
    Windows 7 Ultimate x86
    Thread Starter
       #7

    DSL6000 comes over copper wire, that's correct. The differences in speed between DSL3000 and up until DSL16000, as I understand it, are basically different portions of usable frequencies the copper wire can handle.
    Since I'm in the backwoods (nowhere near a big city) I expect the wire quality of the aged grid here to be sub standard at best. I just talked to an ATT representative (there was a package deal for $14.95/month). Turns out they don't even serve New England at all.
    So it's either Verizon or I find anything better.
    So far I have a bundle offer for ~$45/month they call it 7.1-15MB/sec I assume that is equivalent to DSL 6000, right?
    for $/10 less I only get 0.5-1.5MB/sec (which sounds to me like a pain in the rear :)

    We'll see what else I can dig up here
    Last edited by SledgeDG; 16 Nov 2012 at 14:49. Reason: corrected 16.000 instead of 1600 :)
      My Computer


  8. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #8

    I think that is Mb/sec, not MB/sec. And you really only know once you measure it. Speedtest.net - The Global Broadband Speed Test
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #9

    You are fortunate to have DSL available, I understand one has to be within XX miles of a main switch of the provider.

    WHS is correct, internet "speed" is quoted as mega bits per second, Mbs, generally. Divide Mbs by 8 to get megabytes per second, MBs
      My Computer


  10. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #10

    I think the bit/sec was chosen because in the pre-digital times the line speed was measured in Baud which was pulses per second. Baud - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 7 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 7" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:44.
Find Us