DSL Questions

[Villano]

Because of where I live, the only internet connections I've ever had have been dial-up and (currently) Hughes Net satellite. Hughes Net is terrible. You lose your connection in bad weather, the technical support people know nothing, you have download limits, and it's ridiculously expensive.

Now it looks like the phone company is going to be putting in DSL in my area in the near future. Obviously I'm interested in a better alternative to what I have now. However, considering my limited internet experience, I have some really stupid questions I need to ask.

First, are there any download limits? This is the worst aspect of Hughes Net. If you exceed their 24 hour limit, you lose your connection for the next 24 hours (so forget about downloading big files, programs, movies, music, etc.). It's the main reason I want a different internet service (that and the cost).

Secondly, if I have a wireless router, will I be able to be connected to the internet on a laptop while someone else is on the computer?

Finally, how good is the connection speed? I have a PS3 and I haven't yet been able to use the internet features (because I'm not sure how it will affect my Hughes Net download limits).

I assume the answers are, "No download limits", "You can use multiple computers at once", and "There's no problems with online gaming", but I just wanted to be sure before I change my internet service.

 

[Michael Silverbane]

Generally, any DSL service is not going to have a download limit. Be sure to check with your provider, just in case.

If you have a wireless router connected to your DSL modem, you should be able to use the internet connection from multiple computers simultaneously. in some cases, this will cause you to bump up against the upload / download speed of your modem, causing poor performance. In any case, this will still be much better than dialup / satellite.

Connection speeds vary (usually from about 1 MBPS to about 4 MBPS) this should be adequate for you to engage in online shenanigans with on the Playstation network. Using other internet functions at the same time (like downloading things on your computer while playing Red Dead Redemption can cause some lag or choppy voice communications, but it will likely be only a minor annoyance, rather than something that will make the experience untenable. Again, for the specific speed, you should check with your (prospective) service provider.

 

[IronWolf]

First, are there any download limits? This is the worst aspect of Hughes Net. If you exceed their 24 hour limit, you lose your connection for the next 24 hours (so forget about downloading big files, programs, movies, music, etc.). It's the main reason I want a different internet service (that and the cost).

You have to check for certain with the provider, but certainly not limits like you are used to with satellite. The satellite providers limits are insanely low. With DSL there *might* be a limit but we're talking a monthly limit that is only in place to prevent extremely large amounts of downloading, i.e. downloading 24x7 every day of the month. They are more of a clause to give the ISP a reason to get rid of you.

Streaming netflix, downloading itunes, downloading games, game patches, software service packs, etc won't put you over a typical limit (if any) of a DSL or cable provider.

Secondly, if I have a wireless router, will I be able to be connected to the internet on a laptop while someone else is on the computer?

Yes. You can connect multiple computers to the Internet and use the Internet at the same time from a wireless router.

Finally, how good is the connection speed? I have a PS3 and I haven't yet been able to use the internet features (because I'm not sure how it will affect my Hughes Net download limits).

Even the worst DSL speed is a better experience than a satellite connection. DSL will be lower latency than satellite. This latency is what is going to make browsing the web snappier than when on satellite.

I am out in the country and have used satellite before. When DSL first rolled out we could only get a 768k connection and it was still way better than satellite. You'll have to check with the provider what your exact connection speed will be, but it will make for a better web experience than satellite almost regardless of what the answer is.

I assume the answers are, "No download limits", "You can use multiple computers at once", and "There's no problems with online gaming", but I just wanted to be sure before I change my internet service.

You won't regret switching at all. Satellite works if it is your last resort, but if you have *any* other option - take it.

 

[Merkuri]

Honestly, all of that is relative to the company you're dealing with, so it's hard for us out in the wide internet to say what you'll experience. The speed and quality of DSL depends on the lines themselves, and whether there's any limits on how much data you download is purely up to the company.

My guess is that you'll be better off than dial-up or satellite (probably much better), but you'd get more accurate estimations from somebody who lives in your area and actually uses the service you'll be using.

As far as the wireless router, that entirely depends on what router you have. I believe most of them will allow more than one wireless device, but you should check the specs of the one you're buying/renting to be sure.

You should also check with your DSL provider about that, though, because for some of them you could be violating the contract if you connect more than one computer. I think a lot of internet providers (whether they're DSL, cable, or something else) have separate plans for single-computer or multi-computer homes.

 

[Villano]

Thanks for all the info. I'll not sure when DSL service is going to start, but I'll check in with the phone company in a couple months to get the specifics.