Macworld: Finally, I'm getting high-speed ...

Up to Discussions in Mac OS X

12 Replies Last post: Nov 18, 2003 8:27 PM by jpmhughes

drmbb

2,353 posts since
Jun 14, 2001

Nov 5, 2003 1:56 PM

Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

Yup, Sprint DSL is finally available in my area (and thus our ONLY high-speed option)

I signed up for the 1.5Mbs service. Not really an OS X topic, but, actually it kind of is.

I'll be setting this up with my TiBook (revB - 667Mhz, running Panther) and my AirPort base station (the original AirPort), which I've been using on dialup for 2 years now. If anyone has done this with Sprint DSL, I'd appreciate any pointers.

I've read that it's best to set up the TiBook on direct ethernet to the DSL modem first, but I don't see the reasoning behind that

I've also read that it is best to unplug the Airport's power, disconnect the dialup line, then connect the ethernet and power up the Airport, prior to setting it up - true (I guess a hard boot versus a soft reset issue)?

Also, do I even need the Sprint software? I can't see why, and I'd just as soon ignore it.

Not that I'm anticipating problems (I know, it should be simple and straightforward, but...), but just if anyone has done this with Sprint's DSL service, I'd appreciate any tips, especially on things NOT to do.

Thanks in advance, Michael

doggdamac

1,404 posts since
Jul 22, 2001

1. Nov 5, 2003 6:01 PM

in response to: drmbb

Re: Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

re: >>> especially on things NOT to do<<<

Like maybe NOT letting the install tech touch your Mac for any reason

I found out the hard way when RR came to put in my cable service....the idiot they sent went looking for the windows registry (what that had to do with internet connections I still dont know).......even though I specified to the order taker the I had a Mac, and I would be changing the necessary settings on my computer myself after the cable was ran & connected the modem !!

can anyone say click, click and click ???

sjbartnik

198 posts since
May 31, 2003

2. Nov 5, 2003 6:17 PM

in response to: drmbb

Re: Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

It's a safe bet that the tech who comes to install it will not know anything about Macs so you're probably going to wind up doing the configuration yourself (you'll be better off that way).

If you do happen to get a tech who knows Macs, it's almost guaranteed that they will only install/support a direct connection from the Mac to the DSL modem. Most ISPs don't support networking at all and those that do tend to offer it as a higher-priced product.

So it might be a good idea to set up the PPPoE in Network preferences using a direct connection to the modem so you can in fact verify that everything works while the tech is there.

Then once he's gone, all you're gonna do is set up those same PPPoE settings in your AirPort base station and then of course switch your PB over to AirPort instead of Ethernet.

Typically the best way to do a power up is to turn everything off, then first power up the DSL modem and let it sync with the network. Once it has stabilized, power up the AirPort base station and let it stabilize. Then power up the computer.

You shouldn't need any special software unless Sprint has some kind of bizarre registration process like AT&T Broadband did for their cable modem service here. Even if you have to install their software for registration, you can always remove it once the registration is completed, because after that it should just be a straight PPPoE connection, and of course that's built into the OS and/or the base station.

drmbb

2,353 posts since
Jun 14, 2001

3. Nov 6, 2003 4:28 AM

in response to: sjbartnik

Re: Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

Thanks for the tips

There won't be a tech - I should get a self-install kit via UPS today or tomorrow and I will do it all myself. The line should be active sometime tomorrow.

I'm assuming that all the Sprint CD does is install their "custom" startup page and such, so, yes, I'm assuming I can ignore it.

superman19

127 posts since
Nov 26, 2001

4. Nov 6, 2003 6:48 AM

in response to: drmbb

Re: Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

When I ordered my Verizon DSL, it came with an install CD that was needed for Windows machines. Apple thought of everything and has everything you need built in to OSX!! The initial setup is done from a web browser I think (where you choose your username and all). Also, remember that even after you get your modem, your service might not be turned on for a couple of days/weeks. I had my modem for two weeks before my service was even turned on.

drmbb

2,353 posts since
Jun 14, 2001

5. Nov 6, 2003 4:01 PM

in response to: superman19

Re: Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

I've heard of those kind of horror stories, but my activation date is supposed to be tomorrow. My concern is now, that the modem won't arrive until next week. Sprint doesn't tell you the mode of shipping, nor give you a tracking number (I've asked for one - no reply yet).

I did call and mention that my activation date is tomorrow by 7:00pm, and they "promise" the self install kit/hardware will arrive "2 to 3 days before activation". So, unless they did UPS next business day or some such, they are lying to me.

We'll see how it plays out

surtur

269 posts since
Nov 2, 2001

6. Nov 6, 2003 7:56 PM

in response to: drmbb

Re: Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

Have 2 Macs and 1 PC on DSL now at home. The DSL is via Yahoo/SBC, using 2Wire's wireless (ethernet & USB) modem... all works just fine... easy installs, just load software and plug in.

Even tried an old Lanpro 15 hub... just plugged the DSL modem and the 3 comptuers to the hub and all work fine. No config required for the Macs (unlike Windows).

The Yahoo/SBC DSL online signup price is $26.95 for a 1 yr contract. The modem was $149 with a $99 rebate.

Just did a test. Bandwidth = 1144.5 Kbps.

"There are only 10 kinds of people. Those that understand binary and those that don't."

jpmhughes

957 posts since
Jun 15, 2001

7. Nov 6, 2003 8:49 PM

in response to: drmbb

Re: Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

No cable available in your area?
Cable tends to be much faster, I just tested mine and get 2965 kbps.
Which is pretty typical.
Jim

Ooops sorry, just noticed the
"(and thus our ONLY high-speed option)"
in your first post.
Hey it is still a great step up, enjoy it.

drmbb

2,353 posts since
Jun 14, 2001

8. Nov 18, 2003 9:08 AM

in response to: jpmhughes

Re: Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

Thanks for the posts everyone. Setup was a snap - just login to the modem and a few simple steps. The airport connects happily via DHCP.

My only problem was slow speed and unreliable connection. Happily my local Sprint fellows were quickly able to fix it. Turns out that the Sprint central folks screwed up, and connected me to the wrong DSLAM (WELL over 18K feet away) - DoH! Once that was fixed (I'm only 1540ft from the local DSLAM), I'm getting 1760kbps down and 288Kbps up, and a nice steady connection.

Sprint needs to listen to their local folks more - they know what's going on - it's just they guys in Kansas City who are clueless. The local guys even have a sound knowledge of Apple OS X and airport, but the central service guys are clueless. That's just bad management.

P.S. and no, cable isn't available here - Adelphia has been dragging their heels for years - useless twits.

knarley

177 posts since
Feb 4, 2003

9. Nov 18, 2003 2:31 PM

in response to: jpmhughes

Re: Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

In reply to:<hr />
Cable tends to be much faster, I just tested mine and get 2965 kbps.
Which is pretty typical.

<hr />

I'd love to live someplace typical then... my cable speeds available are as follows

256/64 =$30
512/128 =$55
1024/256=$75

that's on top of the $38 for basic cable... or $50 a month for digital cable

Tom_Diola

2,246 posts since
Oct 19, 2001

10. Nov 18, 2003 3:36 PM

in response to: knarley

Re: Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

Try this site to see where your speed is:
Mine is about 1706 Mbps download and 254 Kbps upload through a Comcast Cable Modem.
http://www.dslreports.com/stest?loc=2

knarley

177 posts since
Feb 4, 2003

11. Nov 18, 2003 4:00 PM

in response to: Tom_Diola

Re: Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

With the 512/128 service... I'm getting 486/113

Using a Motorola 4220 Cable Modem

connecting with a 17" FP iMac and a 12" PB both with panther

jpmhughes

957 posts since
Jun 15, 2001

12. Nov 18, 2003 8:27 PM

in response to: Tom_Diola

Re: Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

The only way to get an accurate speed test is to test from a local area. I use http://bos.speakeasy.net/
Because Boston is only 60 miles away from me.
Depending on your location from this test site, or the test site above, your results may be way off.
For instance, if I test from the Chicago terminus at http://chi.speakeasy.net/
my speed results are slightly slower, etc.
You can also use http://bandwidthplace.com/speedtest/ , here the website may read your location depending on your isp.
There is also:
http://www.mactechnicalservices.com/test.htm
and here is a whole boatload of them
http://home.cfl.rr.com/eaa/Bandwidth.htm
You should be able to get a pretty good average from these.
Jim

Go to original post

Name	City

Address 1	State	Zip

Address 2	E-mail (optional)

Nov 5, 2003 1:56 PM

Finally, I'm getting high-speed internet!

Actions

More Like This