DSL Broadband Service

[Constant Mesh]

My local phone company offers the four following DSL service options:

Downstream & Upstream Speed

1 = 256 Kbps & 128 Kbps

2 = 1.5 Mbps & 256 Kbps

3 = 3 Mbps & 384 Kbps

4 = 6 Mbps & 512 Kbps

For a single computer general purpose home use is the 1.5 Mbps speed adequate or should I spend the extra money for more speed?

 

[Rogue]

I've got 1.5/256 and find it plenty fast enough.

I think you would only need the faster if you do a lot of on line gamming or web hosting.

 

[DucatiSSsp]

I've got 1.5/256 and find it plenty fast enough.I think you would only need the faster if you do a lot of on line gamming or web hosting.

+1, save your money!

Bryce

 

[Ari Rankum]

I had 1.5 Mbps/256 Kbps for a long time. As a result of competition in the area, I got a "free" upgrade to 3 Mbps/384Kbps. I don't notice the difference, at all. The only major stress I put on my connection is to download a Linux distribution (6 CDs) a couple times a year. I always just queue those up and head for bed. Makes no difference to me that the 3 Mbps link finishes in half the time.

I also do a fair amount of online gaming. There, it's ping time, not bandwidth, that's the limiting factor. 1.5 is indistinguishable from 3.0, for me.

I consider myself a "power user" of my broadband connection. For me, 1.5 Mbps was plenty fast. Maybe if I were downloading lots of MP3s, or pr0n in TWN-type amounts, I'd say something different.

 

[Constant Mesh]

Thanks, I'll get the 1.5 M.

 

[ponyfool]

That upload speed is terrible! I have 1.5 down and 768 up with realistic speeds of 1.2 down and 700 up through Qwest. That is through a router with three other computers connected as well (although, they were inactive at the time of the test).

If you don't do much uploading or sending of larger files/pictures through email, you should be fine, but that really is a slow upload.

 

[Penforhire]

I've got your #2 speeds at home. That is fine for me when I get those speeds. I experience many times when my effective speeds are about half that. That is not good and wreaks havok on my XBox Live gaming.

 

[RadioHowie]

15 Mbps down...that's 15, not 1.5...and I love it.

Download an entire DVD in about 35 minutes.

 

[SouthernCruizer]

That upload speed is terrible! I have 1.5 down and 768 up with realistic speeds of 1.2 down and 700 up through Qwest. That is through a router with three other computers connected as well (although, they were inactive at the time of the test).
If you don't do much uploading or sending of larger files/pictures through email, you should be fine, but that really is a slow upload.

****************

Upload speed is nearly a non factor...the only upload you normally do for net surfing is just a request for the web page...the download speed can be a significant factor though, especially if you are moving large data chunks such as graphics, video, audio, etc.

Jay

'04 FJR 1300

 

[donaldb]

There are no high speed access DSL by phone or cable available where I live. My posting is done while at work during breaks. However I am considering this. Does any member here use this service? if so complaints? I'd like to know before I go to the expense.

 

[ponyfool]

Upload speed is nearly a non factor...the only upload you normally do for net surfing is just a request for the web page...the download speed can be a significant factor though, especially if you are moving large data chunks such as graphics, video, audio, etc.
Jay

'04 FJR 1300

Unless, like me, you upload data to your own web page, or send pictures/videos via email, then it is a factor. Yes, I agree download for the average user is much more important, but upload can be to others.