From a theoretical, networking perspective, DSL isn't Mac or PC specific. The same network connection is made using the same protocols. But, in practice, DSL support for PCs is definitely better. Most client and supporting software is for PCs. Software compatibility issues and other system conflicts sometimes occur on both Macs and PCs, but if it happens on a Mac, many service providers don't know anything about it and pretty much don't want to hear about it. This was true in the early days of DSL, although I don't know if it still is. It's very possible that the providers have gotten up to speed on Macs over the last few years, but I'd say it's still worthwhile to ask a few questions and try to gauge how Mac-friendly the potential ISP is.

 

What it comes down to is the DSL standard that SBC uses. We use the DSL G.Lite standard in the Bellsouth region and we also terminate via ATM bridging. This will determine what modem you can and can not use.

The info you need is to know whether you will need to authenticate via radius over ethernet IE: PPPOE

The DSL MODEM is actually a bridge. Hear me... DSL MODEMS VARY! What will happen is your DSL modem will attempt to speak at frequencies above the voice frequencies on your POTS (Plain old Telephone Service) line. Different brands of modems will sync up at different rates just like modems in a PC.

So find out what standards SBC uses and whether or not you will need to authenticate with Point-to-Point-Over-Ethernet.

If they use the G.lite standard then I would recommend Alcatel or Greatspeed. These seem to do quite well for the money.

If you can find out what DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexor) vendor SBC uses in your area then I highly recommend using thier matching modem. Probably Alcatel or a Lucent Stinger system would be my guess.

DSL is far superior to cable when done correctly and not for profit. Most DSL deployments are done to cram as many people on DSLAMS ports to get the biggest bang for the buck. This is why it is called a "best effort" service. HOWEVER your DSL data leaves your house and goes directly to upstream router. It doesn't jump to your neighbors house and then so on and so forth till it hits a head end then gets sent to a router.

Your distance to the nearest DSLAM is also VERY crucial. If you are within 18,000-22,000 feet of the DSLAM then you should qualify and get sync, but getting sync is half the battle. Most DSL installs are considered compelte if you sync up at 384K down and 128K up. So it is important that you ask SBC what your sync rates are after it gets installed.

Also the wiring inside your house is crucial also. I recommend using a "home run" jack for your PC. This means running a line directly to your NID (Network Interface Device) outside your house. 9 out of 10 people don't need to do this unless they just want to get all that they can get out of their DSL.

Also remember that each jack with a phone will need to have a filter on it. This is to keep the data and the voice separate.

I hope all this helps. DSL companies usually give the modems away at a steep discount. I think you would be hard pressed to find a DSL modem on ebay that would be guaranteed to work with your DSL carrier.

For example.. when DirecTV folder thier DSL in our area and we scooped up their customers they had to have thier modem replaced because the ones they got from DirecTV coudln't do bridging. Actually they could but the firmware had been changed to only do PPPOE back to DirecTV.

My advice is to take the modem offered by SBC unless you have a DSL modem and filters already.

 

Not always true. The old bridged connections (like mine) require no filters.

 

I have an extra SBC DSL modem if anyone wants it. They're generally free, but if it saves you money it's yours