Cable Internet networking

[TwoRails]

Having never messed with cable, I don't want to make "assumtions." I know a couple of folks thinking about switching from DSL to cable, but apparently cable still thinks like cable companies instead of Internet providers. One person stated that the "free" package deal would automatically now cost an "additional" $150 if they had more than one computer. Another was told they could not do the install themselves as "they" (the cable co.) had to come out and see how many computers they had.

So, can they just get regular cable broadband and then use a router to hook up multiple computers? They will be typical setups, one for mom, one for dad, one or more for the kids.

[cmillar6]

yep, its that easy, all you need is a broadband router.

[Panama Red]

Cable is actually easier to network than DSL, imo. Cable companies just use a cable modem and you can add the router as cmillar6 said. Before you do anything with the DSL, you need to know what equipment they're running cuz often times the modem and router are all in one.

[TwoRails]

Some more good news! Thanks! -- I'll pass the word along. I might even consider cable, too. Going thru some old junk mail on my desk, I find that my cable service is up to 4Mbps now for less $$ than my 1.5 DSL.

Does cable Internet still slow down during peak hours? or is that a thing of the past?

[cmillar6]

I don't notice any slowdowns at all, at any point during the day.

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by TwoRails Does cable Internet still slow down during peak hours? or is that a thing of the past?

Right after school's out til about 7pm, I would notice a slight decrease in speed due to the number of folks in our neighborhood on cable. But when your downloading at 4200 and you only drop to 3600, it's still twice as fast as dsl.

[TwoRails]

Got it! Thanks