USB or Ethernet

I have two options of connecting my modem, either thru USB or thru ethernet(presently it is connected thru ethernet). Can u tell me what are the pros and cons of each. On which one should I connect?

Neither is better, unless you have some advanced needs......One slight pro or con, depending on how you take it, of the USB connection is that you have to use a dial-up kind of interface to "dial" to connect the internet.... it only takes 3 seconds, and you can just set it up so that it dials it automatically when your computer/browser starts...... it can be nice if you want/need to connect/disconnect your connection often (e.g. when you are dealing with spyware), but can be a hassle if you so wish....p.s. this is all assuming that the ethernet connection doesn't have that aspect.. I could be wrong.

Go with ethernet port.Its faster, More reliable, and takes up lesser system resources. Also it frees up a USB port. thats a major advantage for some like me since i got loads of devices connected to my computer.

Originally posted by vebmetal@Oct 28 2005, 02:28 PM
Neither is better, unless you have some advanced needs......
One slight pro or con, depending on how you take it, of the USB connection is that you have to use a dial-up kind of interface to "dial" to connect the internet.... it only takes 3 seconds, and you can just set  it up so that it dials it automatically when your computer/browser starts...... it can be nice if you want/need to connect/disconnect your connection often (e.g. when you are dealing with spyware), but can be a hassle if you so wish....

p.s. this is all assuming that the ethernet connection doesn't have that aspect.. I could be wrong.
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[/quote] Ethernet is definately best ,as USB is a resourse hog it adds an extra drive to your windows and consumes memory.Its also a lot slower and crashes very often.only few Linux systems can recognise USB thats added problem ,but with ethernet you can use both dial up (bridged mode )and direct on linux.

Ethernet can also be used like a dialup same as USB ,in bridging mode ,and if you dont use ypur computer as a server(P2P applications) setting up FTP then ,use it directly (non bridged) as extremly less virus attacks as your computer is not directly connected to net and its your modem which is identified by the net.

Long story cut short ,you can use Ethernet modem in any way but not USB modem

I don't think that having a USB or ethernet connection makes a difference to your speed... unless you have a connection that is faster than 12Mbps and you only have USB 1.1.....and as far as "USB is a resourse hog it adds an extra drive to your windows" goes, ummm, extra drive??? It may use mroe memory, but I would think that amount is very insignificant.....anyway all in all, who cares?

ethernet port roxxxxxx i 'm stick 2 it

I recommend using the ethernet port lest you need your computer's NIC for something else. Ethernet connections are the defacto standard. You wont face any probz with that. Can't say that for the USB connection... Besides USB connection requires an extra driver to be installed with sucks!

i vote for ethernet...

Easily Ethernet. First up, no drivers need to be installed. This makes things ALOT less complicated. Secondly, Ethernet is 100mbps so is easily enough speed for an adsl connection, and will remain so for a long long time. USB 1.1 is alot slower than this. Thirdly, Ethernet doesn't draw power from your PC, whereas the USB modems typically draw a current from your PC to power them.

Which in a way is a great thing.. the fact that USB modems don't need an extra power adapter.... firstly, the obvious - it reduces the clutter and the need for an extra power socket. Secondly, in case you cannot have your modem hooked up to a UPS or your home inverter, then you wold lose your internet connection when the bijli goes!! (however, admittedly, the 220bx does not have the ability to run on USB power AFAIK).

drawing power from the USB port isn't ideal. If you can power it off the mains it's better. I guess power cuts are a problem over there, but i'd still go ethernet.

better? how so?

QUOTE(vebmetal @ Oct 28 2005, 07:58 PM) [snapback]29815[/snapback]
Neither is better, unless you have some advanced needs......
One slight pro or con, depending on how you take it, of the USB connection is that you have to use a dial-up kind of interface to "dial" to connect the internet.... it only takes 3 seconds, and you can just set it up so that it dials it automatically when your computer/browser starts...... it can be nice if you want/need to connect/disconnect your connection often (e.g. when you are dealing with spyware), but can be a hassle if you so wish....

p.s. this is all assuming that the ethernet connection doesn't have that aspect.. I could be wrong.
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You can have the 'dial up feature' with ethernet connections also. All you have to do is configure the modem in bridge mode. Then you can connect or disconnect from your computer anytime you wish.

QUOTE(vebmetal @ Aug 4 2006, 01:09 AM) [snapback]57501[/snapback]
better? how so?
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1) Most ethernet cards contain their own controller, hence less load on the CPU during data transfer. USB on the other hand is 'dumb' and uses the computer's CPU for controlling the network functions

2) USB expposes users to direct connection to the internet - atleast with ethernet you use NAT translation and basic device hardware firewall (as long as you don't bridge your ethernet)

3) Ethernet has better cross-platform compatibility.

4) Ethernet is faster

5) Ethernet is much easier to set up. You can then plug and unplug and be on the internet almost instantaneously. You can plug it into another pc, and get instantaneous connections.

6) USB drivers are typically poorly coded and will slow down your pc and are often hard to remove as well.

7) Drawing power from USB isn't ideal. Sure, if you use one USB item that's fine. But if you connect for example:
1) USB Modem
2) Ipod Charger
3) Mobile Phone Charger
4) USB battery charger - for keyboard and mouse
5) USB Speakers
6) and a few more items

You can imagine it's not too great for the PC. Each usb port supplies 5V and 500mA. This is going through the motherboard header and has no other power source. As you already know, the motherboard power requirements are high, with a beefy CPU and a power hungry graphics card as well. It does not want to waste more power on usb.

This is why when you buy a Good Quality (not the cheap ones) USB hubs, they are EXTERNALLY powered. If you use an externally powered hub, then you are fine and you can plug in whatever you wish.