Question for the computer guys
 

I know a good number of you guys have computer related jobs, so I'm looking for a little insight on cable modems.

I currently have a Motorola Surfboard SB4100 cable modem. Right now when I check my details on my wireless connection, I'm at 54.0mbps. I really don't know what is considered slow/fast and what number range is good to be in. Internet seems it couldn't get much faster, and downloads speeds seem ok.

I was looking on Newegg.com and thinking of upgrading, seeing this one came from Comcast and is a couple years old.

This is the one I was thinking of getting
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16825122106

But now when I look at it, it says 38/30mbps speeds. Is that worse than what I already have? My computer is already pretty fast, but I was thinking more for Xbox live. Would I see any benefit in switching, or should I just stay with what I have? My computers throughout the house are all wireless, but the Xbox 360 is wired.

Thanks guys :)

Vash-

just stick with what you have... 54mbits is much faster than any cable service you can currently get in the states, so the modem is not slowing you down any.

I'll let a bigger nerd come in and explain it but here's the short version:

there's two different networks at your house.

the one inside your house
and the one at the cable company

the cable internet is an order of magnitude slower than most home networks.

so when you say "54mbps", that's your home wireless network.

Your cable modem (test the speed by going to www.speedtest.NET duh) is probably closer to 3mbps.

so upgrading your cable modem wont really do anything to help internet speeds. only upgrading your cable modem service will (or might).

Matt

As y8s said, your local area network (LAN) is perfectly fine, unless you want faster file transfers between computers in your house or something similar.

Your wide area network (WAN) is your connection to the internet, which is through your cable modem. Basically to get faster internet you should call your internet service provider (ISP) and ask them if you can get anything faster, there may be a monthly service upgrade fee or there may be a one time new hardware fee, or it could be free.

Your internet connection is only going to be as fast as the ISP makes it, so call them.

I just went to Cnet.com and used a bandwidth test, the speedtest.com link was showing me a bunch of links.

My test says I am 2179.5 kbps.

I got it now, so my modem is fine. If I want something faster I'd have to call up Comcast. Thanks guys, saved me $50! :)

Vash-

Cable has a business plan than can really up your speed. I would say that what you have should work for any consumer use.

http://www.speedtest.net/ was the link y8s meant. Your connection is pretty damn quick for cable at 2,000 kbps- at least imo, my cables always been closer to 1200 kbps. Just be happy with it- or upgrade ;).

Comcast is getting ready to launch some retarded like 50mbps+ downstream cable connection for some customers, and its like $150.00 a month, but like 2.5mbps upstream.. SOBs....