[NTLUG:Discuss] Re: NTLUG:Discuss] Looking for decent broadband service

[Rob Apodaca]

On Tue, 2004-12-07 at 12:32 -0600, Brian Kontrath wrote:
> [...]
> considering leaving Comcast  for Verizon  DSL service.  Unfortunately, 
> I  don't know much about the cost or  reliability of dsl versus cable.

With some DSL, the local telco provides the physical connection and you
choose an ISP to deliver internet connectivity (earthlink, etc).
Sometimes this can lead to the blame game when things don't work...this
may have changed but years ago when I had Verizon/Earthlink DSL, I had a
few of these types of problems.

>   
> I also don't know how well dsl works with Linux.   Can anyone give me 
> any tips?

Most DSL providers use PPPoE. There is PPPoE support in the linux kernel
or you can use roaring penguin's software. I've used both and they work
just fine.

Another way to connect would be to buy one of the ever cheaper brands of
broadband firewalls which support DSL. You then put your
linux/mac/win/unix/whatever machine(s) behind the firewall. You really
should use some time of firewall regardless of how you connect (use
iptables in linux).


> Also, is it true that you have live a certain distance from 
> the telco switching station to get dsl?
> 

Yes, I can't remember the distance limit off the top of my head. Most
providers have a tool on their website which lets you put in your
address or phone number and will tell you if DSL is available. Also, the
farther away you are and the quality of the copper between you and the
central office will greatly affect your DSL speed.


I think the potential problems you might run into is when you have a
problem, call tech support, and they ask you to click
start->programs->... You say "I'm not running MS's OS". They say "Sorry,
can't help you". I usually don't tell them I'm not running MS and just
pretend to go through their troubleshooting steps, each time answering
"Ok, I did that but its still not working". This problem is of course
not limited to DSL internet. Alot of ISP's won't help you if you are not
using a 'supported' OS. Even when the problem is clearly on their end,
I've spent days arguing with tech support (that's when I came up with
the whole pretend I'm using MS OS trick).

Also, some DLS providers are now shipping firewall/routers built into
the DSL modems with dhcp running and all. You just plug your machine
with OS of choice in and go. SBC in Dallas area is now doing this.

I've had both cable and DSL at different times for years. If I currently
had a choice, I'd go with cable...mainly because I've never achieved the
speeds advertised for DSL and have usually exceeded the speeds
advertised by cable. 

With calbe internet, there is supposed to be a special filter installed.
Could it be your problem is not having the special filter installed on
your split?

Good luck and Cheers,
-Rob