Broadband Internet Connection Opinions...

[retroborg]

I’ve been using a 56K modem dialup connection since 2000.
When I first used the Internet in 1997 I had a 14400 modem, but sites were a lot “lighter” back then.

I'm fortunately, the 56K is getting just way too slow for my demanding downloading needs, so I’m thinking about upgrading to a Dynamic IP, 512K / 128K ADSL Phone broadband connection.
This ADSL Phone package includes a 512K / 128K unlimited ADSL broadband internet connection & 2 telephone lines (+500 hours of free telephone per month)
For a total of 52.83 Euros / month ($ 62.50)

They also offer:
384K / 128K & 2 telephone lines (+500 free hours) for 43.79 Euros / month ($ 51.86)
1024K / 256K & 2 telephone lines (+500 free hours) for 78.30 Euros / month ($ 92.73)

This is the best offer I could find, as telecommunications are still very primitive in this part of the world...
But I think this specific 512/128K, is the better offer to go for.

So, what type of internet connection do you guys have and how much are you paying per month?

Any opinions will be highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

[krmathis]

I want a faster connection, but no providers can deliver one! :(
Currently on a 2500/640 kbps ADSL connection, for 349 NOK (~€ 44 | $ 51) a month.

I live 20km west of Oslo, Norway.

[DryFire]

I have 4mbps/ 384kbps I think it's normally $40-$45/month but I get $5 off becuase my dad works at the local uni.

I live in Kentucky.

[retroborg]

Basically, what they told me is that with the 512/128K ADSL, I’ll be able to download at 55-58Kbytes/s from http / ftp servers and at 42-44Kbytes/s with the 384/128K ADSL connection. (The maximum theoretical download is 48KB/s for 384K & 64KB/s for 512K)

I was told that my downstream will be crippled by my 128K upstream when using any peer 2 peer!
Will it restrict me to only be able to download as much as my upstream is?
I've never used any peer 2 peer other than Emule at work where I have 1Mb DSL, but I didn't notice any restriction to tell you the truth?

One other important factor that worries me, will I be able to play Online Deathmacth games like Quake4, Unreal 2003/4, Doom3, Command & Conquer, etc (When Connected to EU or USA online-game servers), at a good speed with no lag and what ping should I be expecting if I was to choose the 512/128K offer? Would the 1024/256K line be a better choice perhaps?

[DryFire]

For the games it's more an issue of routing then connection speed after a certin point (think the middle offer is enough).

As for Peer to peer I know azurues needs a minimum of 5 kbps up before it stops capping your down speed. How fast it will go I dont't know, but it shouldn't cripple your connection.

I don't use e-mule.

Assuming you can afford the later, can't you always upgrade later?

[retroborg]

Routing? In what way for this case?

Yes I can upgrade later no questions asked.
Also if these prices should drop, I'll also be included & readjusted to the running prices of that period.

It's just that the 128K upstream seems a bit low for online gaming.

Thanks in advance.

[foxyshadis]

Routing like how many hops you are from the server and peers. Speed really has nothing to do with that, unfortuantely, it all depends on your ISP and the servers you use.

As long as you cap your upload to ~85% of your upload, p2p works fine. But if you try to upload uncapped with most modems & routers, download speeds crash.

[retroborg]

I’m not going to host any online games like a server & I would always close all unnecessary background applications/services when using any resource demanding service.

Basically what I want, is to able to play online games at decent speeds & leech all day long from peer 2 peer like Emule & Shareazza, etc…

I’ll be probably leaving my PC on, through out an extended period of time every day, downloading stuff n such...

So I’m seeking for the best possible solution for this task.

[Revgen]

It depends on what your downloading off the p2p servers. Are they large files? If so I'd recommend that you go for the 1024k/256k option.

If you just want faster web surfing then the 384k/128k should do you fine.

[foxyshadis]

Yes, but I mean your (online) distance from the host. If they're on the same ISP you're almost guaranteed to have lag-free gaming. If they're not it's totally possible to have horrible lag with a 10Mbit connection, or a totally smooth ride with a 128K ISDN line.

As for 24/7 leeching, you'd better make sure the bandwidth is really 'unlimited', some ISPs restrict or cut off their users after some large # of gigs a month...

[retroborg]

Interesting notes on the lag.
And yes, the line is unlimited. No gig / time limits.

I'll be mostly downloading game CD/DVD-Images.

By the way, what's the most reliable way to test your ping as you would test your down/upstream at http://www.dslreports.com/

When I use the command "ping www.google.com" from dos prompt whilst connected with my 56K dial-up, I get an average of 187ms and 117ms when I ping www.ote.gr and 108ms for www.otenet.gr which happen to be the largest telephone service / ISPs in Greece (Which I’m currently using).
Where as, I get a 121ms when pinging www.vivodi.gr which is the other Greek Telephone / ISP that offers the above said ADSL connection that I'm interested in.

So what should I expect with a 512/128 from them?

Thanks in advance.

[unmei]

You simply can't say.. It is well possible that the average ping will be higher with ADSL than you have now with the modem. I think it may also depend on the "mood" of your ISP - i just tried a few sites near me and i was shocked to see pings from 450-700ms (that is on a 2000/400 cable, and often i have much lower numbers, down to maybe 30)

[Wilbert]

I'll be mostly downloading game CD/DVD-Images.
Forgot to read the forum rules (rule 6)?

[dragongodz]

deals are different country to country so you really have to find the best deal where you live. someone saying they get "this deal" where they are doesnt mean any isp is going to offer the same where you are.

[Bodysurf]

Forgot to read the forum rules (rule 6)?
A better question would be: Where did he say these were copyrighted games/DVD-Images?

[dani82]

i pretty sure it was imply, much alike the term "downloaded movie"