🚀 go-pugleaf

> As I remember it, from earlier discussions, it mostly hinges on the (non)
> availbility of Mac drivers for the low-end USB TAs for ADSL. The Ethernet
> option is perfectly suited to the Mac, but I don't think it's part of the
> low cost options.
> 
> I may be talking bollocks

You are not talking bollocks. I hear rumours that USB drivers for the Mac
are in development, however I have no hard information either way.

I have to be a bit careful what I say, but I *can* make the following
observations about UK ADSL in general without breaching any NDAs.

Be aware that it's a 12-month contract tied to your phone number. Don't
rush into it. Don't plan on moving house. Choose your ISP carefully.

ADSL speed is only as good as its weakest link. If your ISP's internal
networking or external routing (especially transatlantic) isn't up to
snuff, then you may get significantly worse throughput than the nominal
bandwidth. In the worst case you may even get sub-modem performance from
time to time because.

As well as sheer bandwidth, you should also consider factors such as
latency and packet loss. Since ADSL combines TCP/IP packets into much
larger packets on the ATM leg, a small amount of ATM packet loss can easily
casade into much higher levels of packet loss at your end plus wasteful
retransmission of single TCP/IP packets. This can crucify bandwidth.

You may wish to sit on your hands for a few months and see which ISPs are
capable of providing service levels commensurate with ADSL speeds.

You may also wish to see how the unbundling of the local loop in January
affects tariffs before signing a 12-month contract.


Richard.

Followups set to uk.comp.sys.mac.


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