DSL questions 2

[piratefan]

I think(I am getting old and forgetful)that I made a post about DSL and it may have been deleted. I mentioned a certain company and that is perhaps a no-no. If so, I apologize bigtime.
I live in a remote area and it has become available. We presently have nothing but dialup. I would like to try it but am hesitant because I don't know anyone on it in this area.
There are some things I am curious to. First of all, they mention a modem or transceiver. Is this something that I should be able to install? And can/should I keep my dialup as a backup? I do have kids that use another computer and I am not ready to try networking for a dual connection setup.
Any suggestions much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[NJDEV1K]

DSL is the way to go. Whether you can install it or not depends on the type of modem they supply and your level of comfort around a PC. If you do not feel comfortable opening your PC to install a network card, then hopefully they will provide a USB modem. I personally do not recommend a USB modem, but it is very easy to install.

In general it is not hard to install a DSL modem. Normally there are very easy to follow instructions with the equipment.

 

[bcastner]

Ahem...
You do not want a USB modem. You want a regular ethernet connection modem, preferably a simple "bridge" modem.

Then head to the computer store and purchase an inexpensive cable/DSL broadband router. SMC, Netgear, D-Link or Linksys come to mind, as does Network Everywhere - the Walmart/SAM's club version of the Linksys product.

Even if you only start with yourself, you will quickly appreciate the ease with which the router handles the DSL authentication and line chores, and with inexpensive Cat-5 cable you can connect the kids. No other software required than what you have now.

 

[piratefan]

Thanks very much people. I believe this company supplies the transceiver. So I will try to find out what kind of modem it is.
I am curious about something. Like I said, I live in the sticks sort of. Western Maryland. Should DSL be as good here as anywhere else? I mean it still comes over the phone wires, right? And I haven't seen any line work being done around here so I wonder how it becomes available. Probably dumb but asking.
Thanks.

 

[bcastner]

I live in Western, MD and it is hardly the sticks

The work required for DSL is at the Central Office, rarely new line work.

They have to install a piece of equipment called a DSLAM concentrator, and Verizon starts in CO's where the payoff is relatively immediate, and the pressure from cable companies less intense.

Your DSL should be as good there as anywhere else. The only issue is that ADSL is relatively distance dependent on what line speed can be provisioned for your account.

 

[cdogg]

In addition...

Although the wiring in an average home is more than enough for DSL, I have seen a lot of cases where old homes or even newer apartments didn't use copper wiring with appropriate shielding. The result for several DSL customers was slower than normal connections and frequent drops.

Not to scare you away or anything - the chance of having this problem is extremely small. I just wanted to make you aware that problems like this do exist.

And as bcastner already pointed out, the biggest deciding factor is distance from the nearest CO or DSLAM. If I'm not mistaken, most DSL ISP's won't provision lines for locations beyond either 12,000 or 18,000 feet (2-3 miles).

~cdogg
[tab]"All paid jobs absorb and degrade the mind"
[tab][tab]- Aristotle

 

[bcastner]

Now the Eastern Shore of MD is the sticks.....

Head to broadbandreports.com, use their DSL finder service, enter your address and see what is possible. If with ADSL (e.g., Verizon) offers you relatively low speeds you might look to see if you can do SDSL.