DSL versus Cable ISP's

[Occhidiangela]

I have had a cable connection for some time now.  For most of that time, I enjoyed a stable and fast connection.

Of late, however, I am getting very (very) poor connections on some evenings.  For all the surfing and downloading I do, I could still be with a dial-up connection;  my main reason for wanting a fast and stable connection has been my desire to play on Battle.net.  Hence, this loss of evening playability is very irksome, as that is when my friends come out to play.    Of particular annoyance is the loss of connection on the two evenings a week when I play in team games.    Since they are far more fun than any other games, not being able to participate in them is most distressing.

My ISP (Rogers Cable) has not been able to give me any form of permanent fix on this.  I have had many discussions with the tech support group.    They rarely are able to make any difference right away.    And, the next morning, I am back to my desired speed - which lasts until about 9:00 p.m.

I lack the language to be able to discuss this issue clearly with tech support. 

Would the Lurkers please give me a basis for discussion?    I need to understand what differences there are between DSL and Cable connections, what kinds of obstacles each might encounter on the internet in completing my connection to USWest and what, if any, negative sides there might be to DSL, should I switch ISP's.

I have been reluctant to make a change, just because of the hassle of changing my address.&nbsp; (There is also the small matter of losing discounts from the cable company that also provides my television channels.)&nbsp; And the cable connection, when it is good, is very very good.&nbsp; Unfortunately, when it is bad, it is awful.&nbsp; &nbsp; <_<
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DSL Speeds meet the Good Enough Standard for Diablo II. Bnet then becomes, as usual, the irritant. Darian's point on "you share with no one" hits home. I dropped SBC DSL after I got it, I could not connect to bnet. It took a year or so to realize that my real problem was in fact my brand new PC's 10/100 card, made by Belkin. POS. With a DLINK . . . no probs. But my irritation finally resulted in going to Cable by Roadrunner. It too is a bundled package with TV. I too have significant trouble with speeds during certain peak periods. My discussions with Tech Support have been most enlightening. Had I paid more for a Static IP . . . or a dedicated IDSL line . . . I might have fewer problems. That then becomes a "how much is one willing to pay for this capability" decision.

Occhi