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General discussion

Cable Modem: USB Or Ehernet

Mar 8, 2005 10:49PM PST

Which is the better way to connect for a USB Modem. USB 2.0 or Ethernet.

I had read that ethernet does not use as much cpu resources as usb. Is that true?

I had read that they operate at the same speed for the connection (usb at 6 mps and ethernet at 10?) is this correct?

I have an old P3 500 mhz 384 ram and I am slways running out of resrouces. I was wondering if connecting by the ethernet card might help this. I notice that my cpu is almost always running at 100%.

One last question. Are cable modems able to run faster with USB 2.0 or do you have to have a specific USB cable modem to do this?

Discussion is locked

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Every one since 1998 has usb...
Mar 12, 2005 9:51AM PST

At least every intel mobo I have worked with. My Gateway G6-400 now 850, came with it in 98'. No nic though.

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brand name machines...
Mar 12, 2005 11:54AM PST

Brand name machines like Gateway and Dell usually have custom motherboards as well as custom BIOS. Stand/generic motherboards doesn't come with USB until a few years ago. Trust me, I've been assembling computers for a long time now...

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Right Choice
Mar 12, 2005 7:16PM PST

After reading to the various posts and the points of view I think you are goign the right way and certainly my choice.
I avoid USB with ADSL as much as possible as it can cause some unusual and interesting challenges.

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Router
Mar 12, 2005 10:52PM PST

Please suggests some good routers and prices. I know nothing about them. It was mentioned that they contain their own hard firewall.

When I buy my new pc can I network my old one with windows 98 and the new one which will have XP?

Thanks

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routers...
Mar 13, 2005 12:13AM PST

Try this. Linksys isn't the cheapest out there, but has the most user-friendly interface. Good for someone who knows nothing about them.
http://www.linksys.com/products/

Routers don't have real firewalls. They block incoming signals, unless you set up port forward or DMZ host. It can be considered a hardware firewall, but not really... If you use file sharing software, there may be some problems. Port forward and DMZ isn't as easy to set as changing settings for a software firewall. Anyhow, don't buy a router just for that.

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My Choice...
Mar 18, 2005 2:43AM PST

..is Netgear, not the cheapest but easy to set up and reliable. Also have not come across any incompatibilities with any ISP's.
I use a Wireless version (DG834GT) and prefer Belkin F5D7000 PCI card in the PC and Netgear PCMCIA for laptops (choices made through experience with my clients). Steer clear of the USB wireless adapters.
Networking with W98 is not a problem, just make sure any network cards you buy for the PC is w98 compatible.

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re: Thanks
Mar 25, 2005 12:03AM PST

If your research articles and forums on the USB vs. ethernet connection the consensus is for ethernet. Personally, I run cable with a well configured zone alarm and the usual precautionary programs (sywareblaster, spybot etc) and pass every test at shields up (http://grc.com) an excellent site to test your vulnerability or lack of. With a router and a good software firewall you will be well protected.

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It Depends
May 31, 2008 6:37AM PDT

I have a dial up connection, 56k Modem and a Cable/DSL modem(with rogers high speed internet). I tested all of them my Cable/DSL modem got about an 9000kbs download speed with the ethernet and with usb I got 8600kbs so for DSL/Cable modem ethernets the way to go.

56kb Modem was roughly the same thing with usb or ethernet.

Dial up modem...wait a sec why did I even mention that?

My mothers work got ethernet:9.6mbs and usb:10mbs

I did multiple tests for all and got roughly the same answer.

So to sum it all up if your using T1-T4 speed usb.
If your using Cable/Dsl use Ethernet.
56k Modem no difference!
Dial up who cares!

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Strange answer.
Jun 1, 2008 11:48AM PDT

T1-T4 speed use USB? I wonder what's the logic behind that.