Broadband / ISDN questions

[lurkist]

I live in a non-broadband area, but if we were to get it, what amiga hardware / software would I need to use it?  Does it even exist?
Cheers

[SilvrDrgn]

Typically, broadband connections require that you have an Ethernet card in your computer to attach to the broadband modem.  Then you simply need a TCP/IP stack with the appropriate driver to access the card.  I use my A4000T with a Road Runner cable modem for broadband.  The Ethernet card I have is an Ariadne-II, but there are others available like the X-Surf (Zorro slot) and the ApNet (PCMCIA).  Miami Deluxe is the TCP/IP stack I use, though the author has appeared to have abandoned it.  Genesis, which comes with AmigaOS 3.9, should do the trick, too, though it does not natively support DHCP which is usually needed if you do not have a router in between your computer and the broadband modem.

[lurkist]

So an Ethernet card - check, Miami / Genesis - check, but a broadband modem? never heard of one, never seen one.  Am I looking in the wrong places?  Maplin (the electronics people) have taken a month and counting to send me their latest catalogue!

[ropey]

My broadband is from NTL, don't know who your local cable company would be, they supplied the cable modem (Ambit?), it remains their property and the take it back if I stop my subscription. BTW I'm talking about my connection for my peecee, although the cable modem can be connected via ethernet or USB.

[AmiGod]

lurkist,

but a broadband modem? never heard of one, never seen one. Am I looking in the wrong places?

Some broadband companies actually lease them to you when you get an account, while others you can purchase your own.  For instance, up here in Canada, Sympatico won't allow you to purchase your own modem.  The lease of the modem is included in your monthly fee, and you must return it once you leave Sympatico.

So if you were to get broadband in your area, I'd recommend you call the company behind the service first to see what their rules are for modems.  There's no sense getting a modem if they won't allow you to use it.

There are pros and cons to both scenarios.  If you own the modem, then it's yours, but if it breaks once your warranty is over, you're screwed.  And if you lease the modem from the ISP, it might not be yours, but if it breaks, they'll replace it at no charge.

Personally, I use an Ariadne II and Miami Deluxe to connect to the leased modem.  They've been working like a charm for three years.  Two friends of mine swear by the X-Surf as an ethernet card.  It usually goes for about $100 US.

AmiGod

@lurkist

A really good place to find out about dsl and dsl modems in the UK is www.adslguide.org.uk.

Just ignore all of the USB modem stuff (not sure if they will work on the Amiga) and look at the routers, especially the ones with the firewalls.

I have an Alcatel Speedtouch 510 here, and I do not expect to have any problems at all hooking it up to my A1 when it arrives.

The only issue you will have with an older Amiga is getting a network card, and a TCP stack. Not insurmountable problems in this day and age :-)

[lurkist]

All becomes clear.  So I just need to worry about an ethernet card (presumably it will come with the appropriate cable) and tcp/ip (I use Miami dx which is apparently fine), and an ISP who will provide the rest of the hardware.
Thanks guys.

[SWAUG]

Most of South Wales is Broadband capable.  Here in Cardiff, cable is available for broadband access but most other places have ADSL in S Wales.

See our broadband guide for details:

http://www.swaug.org.uk/support

[Methuselas]

you know the only people who _really_ need over 1GB a day are those who down load lots of RAR files from newsgroups (and I'm sure you of all people know what I'm on about  

Here Stateside, Time Warner and their evil twin AOL are going to start limiting your bandwidth and charging per MB download. I think it's 'cos TW is allowed to offer services as a separate entity, but they're probably losing money, 'cos it can't handle Roadrunner and AOL users.....

Sigh.....A year ago this time, I could get 600K/S at my old apartment. I moved MAYBE 3 miles from my old apt and in my new one, I'm lucky if I'll get 150k/s .... =^(

Still, I didn't realize it was so bad in the UK??!??  :-(