[clue-tech] DSL providers

[William]

Hex Star wrote:
> Is it really true that all broadband modems in a neighborhood receive 
> the packets from every other user in the neighborhood? I've also heard 
> that if you directly connect to the cable modem that if you use 
> windows or some other smb compatible browser you can see al the 
> computers that are on in your neighborhood? I'd assume a router, like 
> I use is a good measure to protect against anyone being able to access 
> my computers without my permission right (since it assigns internal 
> dynamic IPs and requires port forwarding for outside requests to reach 
> any inside computer)?
Yes, it is true that everyone on the same Cable node is receiving all 
the packets of everyone else on the same node.  That's simply how 
HFC/Cable networks are deployed.  No, you probably cannot browse your 
neighbors' networks.  We (my present networking class) haven't delved 
into HFC networks yet (later chapter in the semester) but I hear tale 
that some kind of tunneling is involved and I'd hopefully assume that 
Cable modems (yes, in fact, they are routers with integrated modems) are 
blocking "unwanted/hostile traffic" that prevents outsiders from 
actually getting inside your home.  Tunneling, encryption, and 
firewalling aside however, all packets are still being copied to all 
your neighbors, affecting the shared bandwidth at your node.
> As for the neighbor issue...true it may be closer...but still todays 
> ISPs with todays technology are able to provide a ton of bandwidth for 
> each neighborhood so this is rarely a issue..it sure hasn't ever been 
> a issue for me
Indeed, Cable broadband throughput rates are exceptionally high today, 
comparable to the best DSL rates (theoretically 10Mbps at the PoP).  
Thanks to the "bursty nature" of Internet packet consumption, I believe 
you when you say that bandwidth saturation is rarely an issue for you.  
Please don't feel that I've been trying to dissuade you from using Cable 
-- it is the right choice for most broadband consumers.  It's the (as 
termed in academia) "Power Users" that usually prefer DSL [those 
individuals who run substantial SOHOs, who require bandwidth guarantees, 
or who simply want more control over their service].  :)

I hope everything is pretty clear by now.  Thanks for helping me 
exercise this knowledge -- it was good for me in preparation for 
upcoming exams at school.  :)

-- William


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