Selected ISP Support → Sonic.net > 25' ethernet cable versus 25' Hi-Speed Internet cable

25' ethernet cable versus 25' Hi-Speed Internet cable

Which 30 foot cable has better shielding and allows superior data transfer, an ethernet cable, or a hi-speed internet modem cable?

The ethernet cable costs less, but I wonder about the difference in performance. I don't care if the modem is closer to the phone jack or closer to the computer.

It's not clear from your description, but I think the "hi-speed internet modem cable" you're talking about is the phone line cable from the wall jack to your modem. In that case, you're talking about the audio grade telephone wire, not the digital Ethernet cable from the modem to your router or computer.

The phone line cable should always be twisted pair cable, not the flat ribbon cables that are common for telephones. Twisted pair cable is less susceptible to picking up outside noise sources. This is why a twisted pair modem cable is a little more expensive than the flat ribbon cables.

The analog signal on the phone line is much more susceptible to noise ingress than is most any length of Ethernet cable that's essentially carrying a digital signal.

If it were me, I'd put the modem as close to the incoming outside wiring as possible, opting for a longer Ethernet run. My modem is in the garage, directly behind the outside NID with only about 4' of wire between the NID and modem.
--
- Bill

Norman, someone suggested to use a (insert brand name of your choice) High Speed Inter Modem cable. It comes with RJ-11 connectors. It transmits 10 times faster than any normal telephone cable, and supposedly the signal is not affected as much if the cord is long, compared to a standard phone cord.

wa2imb,

The advertised as "hi-speed internet modem cable" may well be the same as an audio grade telephone wire, but I don't know for sure.

Just like you, the sonic technician said I should use a long ethernet cable, so I am going to do that. As I said, I don't mind that the modem will be far from the computer.

I don't know if the phone cord that 10' sonic.net supplied is a twisted pair cable. It is green, has a round cross section (I presume that means it's twisted) and is labeled as a "data cable." Should I get a shorter "data cable"? The modem will be only about 3' from the phone wall jack.

The round cross section is no guarantee that it is twisted pair, but since it is labeled "data cable" it should be. Unless the extra length of the cable is causing problems (trip hazard or simply untidy looks) I would not bother with buying another cable.

While it is true that distance matters with DSL, those few feet won't make a difference.
--
Got some spare cpu cycles ? Join Team Helix or Team Starfire!

Alright, I'll see if I get better performance with the short(er) "data cable." I'll post a follow-up in a few days.

Thanks everyone!

Here's the update - better late than never:

The long (40 ft) Ethernet cable and the short (ca 7 ft) "data cable" have bumped up my maximum download rate by almost 1.5 MB/s. Uncancelled echo and noise margin figures have improved considerably. So far there have been no hickups and I have not gotten disconnected. I'll ask my ISP if they can increase my download rate a bit, so that I can take advantage of the cleaner DSL signal.

Tom, go ahead and PM me your Sonic.net login and I will be happy to assess and profile your connection for you.
--
DSL Support Specialist
Sonic.net, Inc.