Switching to DSL?

[Charles]

I am currently using earthlink dial-up connection 56K and paying $21.99 a month. I noticed SBC DSL is being offered for $29.99 a month. So I'm thinking about switching.

After following some of June's postings on this topic it sounds like it is possible to install DSL from SBC without having to install the extra software. Is that still possible as of today?

Another issue for me would be what to use as a firewall and for how much? A while ago I was given an old Intel Hub 330T and also an old Intel Switch 520T for free. Would any of these work as a firewall as well as for networking between my computers, or would I have to buy a router to act as a both a firewall and networking?

Also, if I choose to go with SBC DSL will I be able to use the ComSwitch (hardware I use with Dial-Up 56k) that allows me to pick incoming calls since I only have 1 telephone line?

What's the installation process like for 2 computers?

[Confused]

For networking you should get a router. A switch or hub requires a seperate IP address from your ISP for each PC whereas a router only requires the one and it in turn assigns IP addresses to each connected PC.

I only use the firewall provided by the router and run spybot and adaware on a regular basis as well as a anti virus program.
Chas

[eldon]

As for 1 telephone line ,thats all you need with dsl you can call or receive calls while your online.as for firewalls zonealarm is good.

[Charles]

Got it. What are good options for routers and how much
are they going for?

[ktkendall]

The Linksys line of routers are very good indeed!!! have had the BESFR41 for over 2 years without a hitch...Easy to figure out and just genarally works great...My buddy who paid around 150 whan they were fairly new moaned less than a year later when I paid 99, and now I think they can be had for 69$.

[Redo40]

I just bought a Linksys BEFSR41 for a client from Newegg for 59.99 with free shipping.

[Confused]

I use a SMC Barricade. Nice in that it has a printer port for network sharing. Problem is that very few new printers come with anything other than USB and my SMC only has the printer port.

Just as a note.
Make sure that your DSL modem has ethernet port and is not limited to USB only. I don't know of any routers currently being sold in the US that uses USB.
Chas

[Charles]

The printing issue can also be configured thru printer sharing in XP, can it not?

[Confused]

Originally posted by Charles The printing issue can also be configured thru printer sharing in XP, can it not?

Yes.

The advantage of a router with printer port or a print server box is that the printer isn't hooked to either PC but becomes a network device.

Hooking up the printer to PC "A" requires that "A" be on if PC "B" wants to print. Not a big deal really since PC's tend to be left on with a high speed connection. It changes your whole internet experience. Many times I will see something on TV or read something and want a quick check on the internet. At times like that you don't won't to wait for the PC to power up, hence they tend to stay on 24/7.

So printer ports or print servers are a nice option if available but nothing to spend a lot of extra money for.
Chas

[glc]

1. Toss your comswitch, you won't need it any more. ADSL runs piggybacked on the voice line and both can be used simultaneously. You just have to use the filters in the self-install kit on the voice/fax/answering machine/caller ID etc. devices.

2. You can set up your account manually without installing the software by going to https://sbcreg.sbcglobal.net on or after your start date. You can do this from any computer connected by any means.

3. Then all you have to do is connect the DSL modem up to the phone line and a router - and connect the PC's to the router. Set the PC's to obtain IP address automatically using DHCP, log into the router, set up the PPPoE with your username and password, and you are off to the races.

[Charles]

Thanks.

[Charles]

I just talked to SBC and because of my location they don't guarratee DSL will work. Basically I would have to order and then they will come out and let me know if it works. They said they can't even guarratee 192Kbps. Would this still be much faster?

[SARGE]

Originally posted by Charles I just talked to SBC and because of my location they don't guarratee DSL will work. Basically I would have to order and then they will come out and let me know if it works. They said they can't even guarratee 192Kbps. Would this still be much faster?

56k versus 192k - of course it's faster. Most of the bugs have been ironed of the setup process; if SBC said it may/may not work, you're probably a good distance from their facility. They know if others around you have DSL and if it would work or not. Best and least costly (for them) is to send a tech out and run a few tests from your telco connection at the home, before ever initiating the process.

[Charles]

Originally posted by SARGE Best and least costly (for them) is to send a tech out and run a few tests from your telco connection at the home, before ever initiating the process.

They already told me over the phone they won't do that.
Provided it does work. Is it worth spending the extra for 192Kbps or possibly less?

[SARGE]

Yes. Your Internet service comes with it and you can talk and surf at same time. By cancelling your current ISP, for a few more dollars you'll enjoy it. Place the order and let them try it.

[Miz]

The limit for DSL is supposed to be about 3 miles from the telco switching station. I live about a mile and a half away and my telco told me the same thing..."not sure it'll work." It works fine. Not as fast as the people in town who are closer to the station but still a LOT better than dialup.

After the success (?) at my house, the telco started experimenting with houses further out. They now have a couple of connections a little more than 3 miles from the switching station and they're working just fine, too.

So unless you are something like 4 or 5 miles from the nearest switching station, DSL should work for you.

(I got downloads around 2 and 3 kps on dialup...and that was on a good day. With DSL, on a really bad day, downloards are 150kps, usually run triple that, which isn't bad considering the distance from the switching station and trunk lines in between that were laid in the 50's )

[Charles]

Thanks for the feedback.