[thelist] cable modem bandwidth

Tony Grimes algrimes at acs.ucalgary.ca
Tue Sep 12 22:21:45 CDT 2000


On Tue, 12 Sep 2000, Daniel J. Cody wrote:

> Typically you'll see 1.5Mbps at 18,000 feet; 2Mbps at 16,000 feet;
> 6Mpbs at 12,000 feet; 8.5Mbps at 9,000 feet from the phone company
> download speeds.
 
It's important to remember if you're thinking of getting DSL that
distance from the phone company is an estimate. The real requirement is
resistance on the line (usually 900 ohms for guaranteed ADSL) which is a
function of the copper line length (among other things) running from the
home to the local phone exchange.
     A lot of phone lines will "go around the block" a few times before
they get to a home, especially in old areas of a city. You can
physically be well within the limits of a phone exchange, but still be
inelligible (how's THAT for spelling :) because the resistance is too
high on the line. 
     Another requirement is you need a continuous copper line running from
the home to the phone exchange. This means new sub-divisions may not get
DSL because they use digital loop carriers to get POTS (plain old
telephone service).
     In this respect, cable is definitely more reliable since almost all
areas can get it (if it's offered).

.tony





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