Is cable broadband more susceptible to packet loss?

I would be very grateful if you could clarify the above
I read somewhere that cable as opposed to copper wire adsl is more likely to be affected by rf interference.

The reason that I am asking this, is that I would like to know if I switch to cable provider, It would likely be a case of "out of the frying pan..."

Edited by deleted (Sat 28-Jul-12 17:34:49)

In reply to a post by has:

I read somewhere that cable as opposed to copper wire adsl is more likely to be affected by rf interference.

Where did you read that?

Well Cable (Coaxial Cable) is made out of copper the same as Telephone Cables, but the thing to note is that Telephone Cables are (Depending on the age of the cable) Twisted pair from the PCP to the premises (I believe) so because it is twisted, it has more of the ability to reject some noise.

Coaxial cable is simply a single Copper Core from one end of the cable to another so it can't be twisted and in most scenarios are more susceptible to noise as a result.

But on the other hand with ADSL (No FTTC services) there is copper all the way from the Premesis to the exchange whereas with Cable, it is copper to the Node/PCP and then fibre back to the exchange (FTTN) leaving the ADSL line more susceptible to noise as it has to run a longer distance (If the premesis is not near the exchange).

Edited by chris6273 (Sat 28-Jul-12 20:00:04)

In reply to a post by chris6273:

Coaxial cable is simply a single Copper Core from one end of the cable to another so it can't be twisted and in most scenarios are more susceptible to noise as a result.

This is nonsense.

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

In reply to a post by chris6273:

Coaxial cable is simply a single Copper Core from one end of the cable to another so it can't be twisted and in most scenarios are more susceptible to noise as a result.

This is nonsense.

I was just thinking the same - that could be the case, but only if the outer screen was totally missing for the entire run - in which case it wouldn't work anyway The screen is 'twisted' in it's criss-cross pattern along the length of the cable, to prevent RF and other interference - isn't it ?

Packet loss is not the same as rf interference

Are you being mislead over the Time Division systems of DOCSIS where latency can be more variable.

ADSL is more prone to interference from external sources. Cable generally is designed to have cable lengths that guarantee the connection speed

.

Are you being mislead over the Time Division systems of DOCSIS where latency can be more variable

That was all a bit too technical for me


I thought that RF interference was a major cause of packet loss.

From reading posts in the Virgin Cable forums, it would appear that packet loss is a fairly common issue - on cable as well as copper.

I guess the only way I am really going to answer my question is through trying out cable broadband myself.

Edited by deleted (Sun 29-Jul-12 01:57:37)

In reply to a post by has:

From reading posts in the Virgin Cable forums...

That's probably where you are going wrong, the only time anyone posts anything there is of they have a problem, and most like to have a stab at the cause - even if they are barking up the wrong tree totally.
You posted a question in the technical issues forum so got technical answers. You can usually rely on the folks here to get it right, even if you've no idea what DOCSIS is
Oh yes, until I came here and started to read the various threads, I thought packet loss was confined to Parcel Force...

So what does cause packet loss if it is not rf interference?

Maybe if I outline the problem in a bit more detail, it might help:

I have two phone lines in the same street, connected to the same exchange, and with the same provider (BE). One is virtually free of packet loss, the other shows a constant pattern of packet loss (between 7am and 2pm,showing about 3% -5%loss, the rest of the day being fine).

I am able to monitor this as i have set up an f8lure graph as well as a thinkbroadband graph, both of which show the packet loss hitting during the same periods consistently.
The problem line has been tested by BE and Open reach and I have carried out all the usual diagonostic measures.

So I am now contemplating switching to Virgin, the only cable provider in my area (as I live in Chelsea, and my line goes straight to the exchange, I do not anticipate having an option to switch to fibre anytime soon - particularly with all the nonsense between Kensington and Chelsea Council and BT about cabinets being in not in keeping with the character of the borough etc.)

Edited by deleted (Sun 29-Jul-12 02:16:10)

Have a look at these links:-
http://www.ukinternetreport.co.uk/
http://www.ukinternetreport.co.uk/cmts/