• USB or Ethernet: which should I choose?
• What coax splitter should I use?
• How long will I have my IP for; is it static?
• What about cable amplifiers?

Ethernet connectivity would be the top option for most broadband users in reference to connecting a computer or router to your cable modem. There are several reasons, and this FAQ will explain the most prudent factor(s).

Using USB is typically useful for connecting a printer or some other external device (Plug N Play) to your computer, or network, in general. However, the amount of devices used with USB utilizes resources more and more with usage, which can show a significant performance degradation.

The end game discretion: ethernet (megabit and gigabit networks) will always exceed the bandwidth limits of USB, especially the today's broadband and internal network growth and market.

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by Lex Luthor edited by drake
last modified: 2011-07-10 08:40:32

If you have iO and Optimum Online, you may need to split your main CATV line that drops from the pole or underground. Although a “direct drop” (dedicated coaxial line for OOL) is best for OOL, it is not always possible or cost effective.

Your OOL connection to your cable modem is best achieved by splitting the signal at the first splitter. You will need a good quality splitter rated at 5 to 1000Mz, with an input impedance of 75 ohms. It should have two splits of no more than - 3.5dB each (insertion loss). The other factor is the tolerance limits on the -3.5dB split. A splitter with a tolerance of + - 3.0dB is not as good as one with a tolerance of + - 1dB. In no case buy a splitter with more than - 4dB loss.

One side of the splitter will be used exclusively for your cable modem connection. Do not add any additional splitters after the first split. While the other split is used for your STBs, this line can also be further split for additional STBs.

If you have multiple STBs, a 3 way splitter can be used in the first split. The specs are the same as for the 2 way splitter, except you will have a – 3.5dB split (for the cable modem) and two – 7dB splits for the STBs.

* Unused splits should be terminated with a 75 ohm terminator.

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by Irish Shark edited by drake
last modified: 2011-07-10 02:12:25

Most cable ISPs, your IP does not change very often, but it is not static; it is dynamic distribution (DHCP).
There are, however, several reasons that it might change:

• OOL splits your node and you wind up in the part of the split which was assigned new IP addresses.
• You don't turn your PC on for longer than the DHCP lease period (usually 3.5 days) and someone new in your area (connected to the same plant) signs on and grabs your IP. Note: if you have a router, it will hold your IP rather than the PC.
• You change your NIC (if you don't have a router).
• You have a router and change the cloned NIC MAC address to another MAC address.

OOL does not offer static IP addressing for residential accounts; but there is static IP options available with Business level Optimum Online: »www.optimumbusiness.com/online/static.jsp

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by Lex Luthor edited by drake
last modified: 2011-07-09 19:45:17

Signal boosters (amplifiers, or 'amps') usually cause more noise on the line which will result in disconnects. Also it will kill the upstream signal (out of spec). Amps on a cable modem are never a good idea. Think about it this way: an amplifier is basically "screaming" at the cable modem. You can't "listen" very well with someone "screaming" at you, can you?

Bottom Line: avoid any "booster" or "amplifier" devices on your modem's line.

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by drake
last modified: 2011-07-09 19:01:34