Cable Modem...USB or Ethernet???

[Wheezer]

I am finally getting Road Runner service in about 2 weeks.(WOOHOO!!!) the guy called me today to get some information and to set up an appointment. I'll do the install myself but I was curious if there was a performance difference if it's hooked up to the USB port or should I get network card? He told me there is no difference but I would like a second opinion.
Thanks

 

[SpongeBob]

Get ethernet, I've had both, ethernet seems MUCH faster.

 

[Katana]

I have also had both and it is much faster through an ethernet card.

 

[xtreme2k]

Forget the USB.

- It is considered as a 'non-standard' network connection
- It takes more CPU
- It is more likely to have problems

 

[RossGr]

When I asked @home for a USB modem they brought a ethernet to USB converter. Of course when the @home guy noticed that I already had a ethernet card installed, he didn't blink an eye, simply disconnected my network and pluged in the modem. They left me the dangler and pretty much said "figure it out yourself". I installed the dangler and drivers then used it to connect back up to my network. It really seemed to work fine. I saw no real differance in performance. I now have a router, so have uninstalled the USB/ethernet dangler.

 

[ChicagoMaroon]

Ethernet. Hands down.

 

[Ausm]

I agree with everyone too go ethernet

Ausm

 

[Sundog]

Ethernet

 

[j*sus]

Is there a major difference in ethernet cards?

The cable company provided a 10/100 kingston kne100tx but it seems there are as many ethernet cards out there as days in the year.

Is any other brand or style better than the next?

 

[Sundog]

I really like the 3com ethernet PCI cards. Have never had a problem with them.

Am currently running the 3com 3C905C-TX, and ME and W2K recognize and install it automatically.

 

[SiliconVandal]

Ethernet....

nuff' said

 

[SiliconVandal]

There's barely any difference in speed for Ethernet cards. If there was a difference, it would be microscopic. I'd say get and 3COM or Netgear, they seem to be pretty good.

 

[dadx2mj]

Earthnet is probably faster but the USB is not bad. I have roadrunner and they set me up with a Percom USB nic and a US Robotics Cable Modem I regularly get download speeds of over 4 Mbs The USB nic was totally easy to set up and has never given me a lick of trouble. My nephew who also has Road Runner used to laugh at me because of the USB nic but I have proven to him that my connection is always faster than his and now he laughs no more.

 

[gnognugs]

ether

 

[Nack]

Ethernet. I recommend 3com, but Intel is also very good, and any fully compatible ethernet card should work just fine, and a lot better than USB.