cable modem

[spazm_1999]

I'm really thinking about upgrading my V90 to a cable modem. There are 2-3 things that I'd like to know.

1- I'm gonna take it USB, could that give me some problems?

2- Can it run with an O/C system?

3- Is it hard to install, 'cus it cost a lot too much to let them plug it.

Spazm

[Gurm]

1. Most cable modems plug directly into a NIC in your machine, not the USB.

2. Yes, since once again it's not a device directly connected to your machine.

3. No. See the first two items. You must simply configure your NIC, and then plug in the modem and turn it on.

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Now, as a caveat... if the modem is internal at all, I'd think twice. Those things are notoriously picky about which machines they run in and which operating systems they support.

If you are SURE you're getting a USB unit, I'd check to see whether you're just being given a USB NIC or not. If you are, I'd get a REAL NIC, and say no thanks to their USB dealie.

If by some rare miracle they really want to give you a USB modem, your chances of it working really well are about 50/50. Just like any other USB device it will vary wildly depending on your OS, your motherboard, the drivers, etc. etc.

- Gurm

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Listen up, you primitive screwheads! See this? This is my BOOMSTICK! Etc. etc.

[Rags]

Stay away from the USB cable modems, you will be glad if you do.

Rags

[spazm_1999]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by Gurm:
1. Most cable modems plug directly into a NIC in your machine, not the USB.</font>

I know, but videotron seem to deliver a new one that works on the USB with no NIC at all. I would had prefered this one because it would had freed me one PCI, but you both seem to say that USB support is crappy. If it's really better I'll take it with a NIC, but it's far from being the same price.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by Gurm:
If by some rare miracle they really want to give you a USB modem...</font>

I can't tell how it's made nor how it work... I don't even know if it's a really USB one.

Thanks for the info gurm and Rags.

Spazm

[This message has been edited by spazm_1999 (edited 21 January 2001).]

[EchoWars]

USB NIC Adapters = Big headaches...don't do it. Not only that, but the 12Mb/sec bandwidth is pretty limiting (for LAN access, anyway). If there is a better use for a PCI slot than a NIC card (besides sound), I cannot think of it...

[Bursar]

I've got my CM plugged into a second NIC in my machine.

About a couple of weeks after I got my CM NTL started shipping the new Motorola Surfboard (4100 I think) that is USB.

It plugs straight into the USB port and doesn't need a second NIC.

I've kept an eye on the NTL groups, and most people seem to have them working without problem.

They're not hard to setup at all. Configure your NIC first to use DHCP, and then plug in the CM. It should just work.

If you have the USB verison, it should be a similar process, but the modem will come with a manual that should explain how to install it.

The CM shouldn't affect the stability of your system. Overclocking shouldn;t make any difference.

[Chucky Cheese]

spazm_1999,

roadrunner, in this neck of the woods is now installing the usb version(..they do leave a network card with the client just in case there is any trouble). i been using their service for three years now and i have the network card version(..i bought my own network card though!).

i have compared the two and have come to the conclusion that the network card version is faster when it comes to connecting to a site and downloading files, it still makes for a pleasurable web surfing experience though. this might be explained by the ethernet over usb conversion and/or usb load(..tiered devices etc.) if you use a lot of usb devices it is possible that you might run into power problems. O/C?--no clue. easy as pie to install!

personally, i'd stay with the network card...my .02

cc