[KLUG Members] RE: Bandwidth and ISPs

[Bruce Smith]

> There are many differences between connectivity options. Although Cable
> was initially setup with shared broadcast domains (hubbed), the trend
> has been to run new setups with a switched environment (like xDSL).  It
> is possible to get 1.5Mbps sDSL for $400 monthly, but it is still not a
> true T1 line.  (Those are still at $800-$1000 monthly-I just did a
> contract for another one using Sprint). Most ISPs won't publish a CIR
> (most don't even offer one).  The confirmed information rate for a
> typical aDSL 768x128 is under 10Kbps.  Dialup accounts don't offer
> guarantees and can ween you under 2Kbps.  Sounds like overselling? Yup.

In that aspect, I've VERY pleased with Charter.  I have years of
experience of using T1 lines at work from major ISP's, and I know what
kind of realistic speeds they are capable of.  My "1.5" Charter
connection is consistently very close to full T1 speed on big downloads.

It has been brought to my attention (from someone who knows) that my
connection to Charter Pipeline is on a very lightly used leg of their
network, so I can't say for sure what kind of speed other people around
the area get, but the feedback I've heard is highly positive.

> I still don't have broadband at home.  I am 8,000 feet away from CO
> (although a field tech live 15,000 ft south of CO and has it) but RSU3
> will not be updated until they can justify installing a dslam.  No
> cable, satellite-puke...I am still holding onto hopes of setting up
> wireless.

Good luck with that.  I know the feeling . . .

--------------------------------------------
Bruce Smith                bruce@armintl.com
System Administrator / Network Administrator
Armstrong International, Inc.
Three Rivers, Michigan  49093  USA
http://www.armstrong-intl.com/
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