DSL USB or Network Card?

JD Mandrell

JD Mandrell

Joined
Apr 20, 2001
Messages
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I got my DSL kit today, can't hook it up until the 6th of June, but it gives me 2 options, connect to a USB port or Ethernet card.

I'm assuming the network card is the best choice, but are there any plus/minus's to USB???
 
Go with the network card. The plus of USB is that it is multipurpose the minus is that it is multipurpose. The net card is a specialist and will do the job better.
 
I have my DSL connected through the ethernet cable to an inexpensive ethernet switch and from there I connect two PCs, they automagically share the internet connection, also useful when a relative or friend drops by and wants to connect a laptop to the internet (I keep a spare cable handy) .

Luis

Edited: Oooops, actually my current connection is not DSL but broadband wireless, but the use of the NIC and ethernet switch AFAIK works the same and is just as useful.
 
+1 on the NIC. Special mission = special tool.

The USB connection may seem slower to you, and if you are using USB-based external hard drives, they might lag some if everyone is running at the same time. USB uses what is called "time division multiplexing"- fancy term meaning that if you've got a bunch of devices clamoring for attention, the controller gives them all equal time and every so often looks to see if it has any new devices.

A NIC on the other hand was designed to talk to other computers, all day, every day, and do nothing else. USB can be made to do this, but it's like replacing a full tool box with a Leatherman and a hammer- can be done, but it isn't optimal.
 
It's USB for me. Applying the KISS principle, the NIC is another component and another potential failure point, so eliminate it. Besides, I have a lot more USB cables laying around than ethernet. :)
 
mycroftt said:
It's USB for me. Applying the KISS principle, the NIC is another component and another potential failure point, so eliminate it. Besides, I have a lot more USB cables laying around than ethernet. :)
Click to expand...

I see your thought, but in my case, my PC already has a network card and USB slots integrated into the motherboard, so both are there whether I use them or not.

I was just curious if one would be faster or better than the other. I'm fairly new to DSL installation! :D
 
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