On Tuesday, August 19, 2003, at 07:26 PM, Anne Keller-Smith wrote:
Hi, I'm thinking about high-speed access. Presently I'm on dialup and have no cable TV. I can get a one-way package for $77/month. They call it Broadband Super Package, and it includes both cable TV and internet access.
They also offer 2-way access for $85.
1. What's the scoop on 1-way access?
I have not heard of one way access. All internet access is two way. Your computer sends the request to get a page and then it downloads to your computer.
I am guessing that they are talking about upload and download speeds.
1-way usually refers to cable download and dialup upload. I haven't heard of anyone using it for a while. It was primarily used early on because not all cable systems could support bidirectional communications.
It kind of stinks as you still need to use your phone line to connect, you have slow uploads (which could be a problem even if you are only downloading) and it's harder to use with a router.
One way being high download (surfing the web, downloading files, retrieving mail, etc) with low speeds available for uploading (sending files).
Two way being fast speeds up and down.
See what speeds the cable company is talking about. My guess is that are talking about 1.5Mb/sec (1,500,000 bits per sec) as the high speed and the low speed being around modem speed for uploads 56,000 Kb/sec (56,000 bits per sec).
2. What's the scoop on cable internet access?
Cable speed is dependent upon how many other users are on your loop are accessing the net at the same time. Right now I am downloading a large file and I am getting about 1.4Mb/sec. Once you have it you won't go back.
Peak access is usually in the evening. So if you are using it mostly at other times it should be faster.
3. Are there any issues with ethernet cards/cable modems with Macs? (I can ask the company if they support Apple products.)
No support necessary. Just set your computer in the internet control panel or system preferences to connect via ethernet using DHCP and you are off and running. Since you have 2 Macs you will need a router with at least 2 ports if you can run ethernet wires to both of your computers.
Unless the cable modem only has a USB interface. Most however have Ethernet or Ethernet/USB. Most USB interfaces don't have Mac drivers.
I believe both of your computers are airport ready, if you want to go the wireless route. For easiest configuration and set up, the one recommendation I make is to try and go with everything from the same vendor. It is not hard to mix brands, but if you go all with one brand, everything is pretty much plug and play.
The plusses for me would be getting the news - Getting large files from clients without hassle.
Sending large files means you probably want the two way.The negs -
1. Would have to get new email addy.
People adapt pretty quickly- did you ever move and need a new phone number?
Try sending an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or whatever the address they use. If it bounces back, that means it is probably available. With an email address like that, I bet you will only have to change the domain portion. IE [EMAIL PROTECTED] so that you will have an easy time of the address change.
2. Would not be able to dialup from outside local area, as I can with Earthlink.
If you need this, some cable companies offer a limited dialup account ( maybe 10 hours a month) with the package
If it's only for specific uses like vacations it's not hard to get a dialup account for one month. That's what I did when my last vacation went outside my old dialup area.
-- Clark Martin Redwood City, CA, USA Macintosh / Internet Consulting
"I'm a designated driver on the Information Super Highway"
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