So I'm Changing ISP...

[Minato]

hey everyone,

im currently with Virgin Media, on their size L (10MB) package. The download speed is good, but the throttling irritates me horribly. I have a BT phone line, which connects to an old modem (motorolla 300 or something.) This in turn connects to the router (a netgear WPN824 V2) that is connected to the main pc.

My PC and my brothers PC's are wireless connected using Belkin N1 adapters. My computer and his drop signal quite often, either due to overheating, or when streaming videos/downloading things. The PS3 downstairs also has a constant level of 2 bar (yellow) connection on CoD4.

So I have decided to finally change ISP. I'm thinking of switching over to Be Broadband, with their unlimited or pro package. they will provide a free shiny new modem, but not a router, however it says it is a wireless modem. Does this mean it does the job of a router as well? and if not, do you think i should replace my current netgear router?

Lastly (I hope) I am aware that i need to contact virgin to get a MAC code, so when i obtain this and place my order with Be, how long roughly will it be before i have internet up and running?

Thanks very much.

 

[Minato]

If you're on 10Mbps from VM, then you have cable not ADSL. ADSL is delivered over your phone line, VM is a cable coming through your wall and plugged into a modem. You don't need a MAC to move between cable and ADSL, as they're totally different. How far are you from your exchange? You realise that 24Mbps from Be could end up being < 1 Mbps if you have a poor line? Just something to check out before you jump ship.

aah, you're right, it's cable. The cable comes through a wall in the study, into a very old and yellow telewest broadband box, which connects to the modem on the floor. according to speedtest, im less than 50m from virgin media, dunno what that would be like on Be. Ideas?

 

[Minato]

well, with a birthday coming up soon, i will be spending a bit on a new router, probably the dlink one (thanks m8). for now i am upgrading my virgin media package to the size XL, and that should sort out the throttling, 7gb is fine for me =)

thanks all.