[CLUE-Tech] DSL Recommendations

[Timothy C. Klein]

I am using Forethought.net, and I can recommend them.  20 bucks gets me
the usual ISP services, plus a couple of static IPs, which I like.

Go with Qwest for the DSL line, rather than a CLEC like Covad or the
like.  These are uncertain times for the TELCO industry, especially
those that are competitors on the local loop.  Who knows how long they
will be around.  (NOTE: Full Disclosure:  I work for Qwest.  But if I
felt they were stable, and weren't so expensive, *I* would go with a
CLEC.  I have seen Qwest *service* first hand)

You pretty much have no choice when it comes to the DSL customer
premises equipment.  You get the Cisco 678.  The Intel products (both
the internal PCI, and the external USB) are proprietary
products, and Intel has no desire to release specs, or make a Linux
driver.  They will only work in Windows.  The Cisco 675 is no longer
available, as it supports the CAP line encoding protocol, rather than
DMT, and Qwest doesn't install those anymore.  The 675 is grand-fathered.
Note:  none of these are modems.  That is the common term, but it is
incorrect.  These are devices that decode the digital DSL signal on the
phone line, turn it into ATM, and deliver the data to you computer in
some way (pci, usb, Ethernet).  In the case of the Cisco, it is also a
router.

HTH,

Tim

* Jeffery Cann (jc_cann at yahoo.com) wrote:
> Greetings.
> 
> After using my sister-in-laws DSL connection in Miami, I am considering
> switching to DSL from AT&T cable modem (especially since AT&T left us @home
> users hanging while they play hard-ball with Excite and the FTC).
> 
> Probably, I will wait until AT&T gets their new network up and running before I
> decide to switch.  But there are several compelling reasons to go with DSL over
> cable.  When I originally got the @home service 2 years ago, DSL was
> unavailable even though I live 2 blocks from the Qwest switch.  Now, that it's
> available, now may be an opportune time to switch.
> 
> I am have a few questions for those who have the service from Qwest:
> 
> 0. Do you recommend DSL?  What is your connection package?  I am looking at the
> standard 256 upload / download with 'choose my own isp' option.
> 
> 1. Who is your ISP?  Do you like their service?  What is monthly cost?  Do you
> recommend the company?
> 
> 2. How is DSL setup under Linux?  Do they assign static IPs or DHCP?  Anything
> special here?
> 
> 3. The Qwest page talks about 'modems'.  I can only assume they are talking
> about a router, right?  Much like my cable 'modem' is actually a bridge, the
> company uses the term 'modem' as a catch-all network connection.  Anyway, based
> on my experiences, the external option seems less problematic.  Are you using
> internal or external 'modem'?
> 
> 4. Finally, how is the reliability?  Unlike some @home users, my cable modem is
> (was) rock-solid reliable.
> 
> TIA,
> Jeff
> 
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--
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== Timothy Klein || teece at silverklein.net   ==
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== "Hello, World" 17 Errors, 31 Warnings... ==
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