re: Ethernet vs USB
Sunday, February 26, 2006 at 6:51 pm
Posted by Jack Gulley
(5917 messages posted)
USB 1.1 is 12 Mbps, USB 2.0 is up to 480 Mbps and Ethernet is 10 Mbps or 100
Mbps normally, with the new Gigabyte Ethernet being 1000 Mbps.
DSL on the other hand is only 1.5 Mbps which sort of makes the "concern" a moot
point. There are some 2 Mbps and even 6 Mbps DSL available (in areas with fiber optic
service) and Cable Internet currently tops out at 6 Mbps in most areas and has a
limit around 11 Mbps.
In addition, most DSL and Cable Modems that use Ethernet are currently capped
at a 10 Mbps Ethernet link to the system or router, as anything more is not currently
needed. USB being faster means nothing in this case, as it is just setting there
waiting for the slower Internet link.
The real issue here is what happens next.
1) A USB connected modem can not be shared directly with other systems with a
firewall router or Wi-Fi router. That usually requires an Ethernet connection to
make a local network.
2) The "future" is in 10 Mbps/100 Mbps public networks into the home, not USB
networks.
A 10/100 Mbps Ethernet adapter usually cost under $10 with a little shopping.
Used ones work just fine, and are often free for the taking out of old systems. Windows
ME has built-in drivers for about half of the older adapters and drivers are easy
to find on the Internet. Plus Windows ME has full built-in support for Ethernet connections.
USB connected modems on the other hand usually require "special" drivers provided
by your ISP. And often change if connecting to a different ISP's modem.
My recommendation is to always go with Ethernet as it gives you options to expand
your Internet connection and share it with a laptop or other system in the house.
Plus you can then install a hardware firewall router which reduces the need for a
Software Firewall that slows your system down.
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