$Worms\Viruses$
Cable vs DSL

Cable v/s DSL

The big question: Which is better? Cable or DSL?

Well first of all there is no easy answer to this question, but I will give you the facts, from what we have experienced and our general knowledge of these two new technologies.
Before, we start talking about these two entities, I would like to explain the differences between securities between the two. I have found, that the persons and or companies that sell these products are not informing their customers the security risks of both of these "dedicated Internet connections". I am going to discuss what we feel is a major dilemma with these two forms of Internet connections as well as the benefits and drawbacks to both. Let's start with the big Issue that is neglected the most: SECURITY!
Am I Safe with my dedicated connection to the Internet?
This answer is probably not going to be the one you want to hear, but unfortunately, there is theoretically "no safe" connection to the Internet. Now I don't mean to scare you but the simple fact is that we are constantly battling hackers, and sad to say, that we are behind them. We find ourselves waiting for them before we can design security. Hackers are always trying new things, and finding new ways to crack computer codes, and "what we call security holes". But there is a lot of hope. Larger companies such as 3 Com, Network Associates, Cisco and yes Microsoft, are finding new ways to try and beat hackers before they can get in. But just as there are ways to stop people from getting in, there are more ways hackers are finding to crack these software and hardware securities.
Hackers are now developing software called worms and Trojans, that actually get into your Internal LAN, enabling them to "open" a "hole" inside your network. There are numerous technologies and software out there to try and snoop things such as this, but you would almost need a full time administrator to monitor this type of "hack". Without sitting here and explaining every little way of getting hacked, as I am sure there are many that I don't personally know about, and just as there are many pieces of software that I could recommend to combat an attack. Instead of that, I would like to tell you about some simple guidelines to follow that you can make it harder for a hacker to snoop around on your machine or network.

How can I deter a someone from hacking my computer with a cable or DSL connection?

When DSL and Cable first came out, (I knowing the little (ha) that I know). I knew that there would be some security risks involved. For example, if a company wanted to set up an ISDN or a T-1 Line, it would be strongly, if not mandatory to have what is called a router in place to act as a gateway and most times a firewall between you and the Internet. (For those of you who don't know, T-1 and ISDN, (among many others) are dedicated digital lines usually provided through Bell South or your local phone provider.
When Cable and DSL Modems, came out, there were no type of "hardware" securities for them, such as Routers or similar products. In fact, when DSL first came out, many of the technicians, didn't know how to make them work with Windows NT Server, because of some of the security risks on top of NT's security itself. I knew that soon companies would have to start making some type of device that would act as a router. Well, not long after I made that statement, bam, I started seeing Cable and DSL routers.
What does a Cable or DSL Router do, and how does it protect my computer?
Without going into a very lengthy and technical discussion on how routers work, I will try to be as simple and as brief as I can about routers. In doing so, I hope that you will understand and have a brief knowledge on how they work.
If you are connected to the Internet, your computer is assigned what is called an Internet IP Number. This number (your computer) is broadcast through out the Internet. With a dial up Internet Service provider however, every time you dial in, you are in theory assigned an different IP number. This is called DHCP or a NAT type of configuration. This is safer cause all you have to do is disconnect and dial again and you will get a different IP Number. Thus deterring and making it harder to get hacked.
With a dedicated connection such as DSL or Cable, your number stays the same as long as your computer remains on. (Some companies, actually refresh their IP numbers every day or so, most don't). Can you see where I am coming from? What I am trying to say is, as long as your computer is on, it is out there sending it's number upon the Internet. I guess it would be like leaving your car running with the doors open. Without them locked, eventually if it sits there long enough, it will get stolen. Same with Dedicated Connections. The longer you are on, (well your computer or your Cable/DSL Modem is on,) the more likely, you are to get hacked. To make it even more scary, Hackers are actually looking for fast Internet Connections not dial ups or slower connections, because they can't get in and out as fast as they can with a speeder connection.
Well I have gotten off the subject, but what a Cable or DSL Router does, in a simple terminology, is it takes the number off of your computer and the IP number is assigned to the Router. A Router is a Box in which commonly your computer plugs into via a Network Card. If setup properly, the Router acts as a buffer between the Internet and your computers. Most are programmed to know the difference between a "local IP". and an "Internet IP".
In essence the router itself "takes" the IP number, not your computer. If a Hacker does manage to find your IP number, he will only be able to get into your router not your computer in most cases. The router, has what is called an IP table, and it is smart enough to know (in most cases), (there are many exceptions to this rule), if an illegal call is made to access your computers behind your router. It knows how to route IP's, hence the name "Router". It actually routes IP numbers to and from their location. The Internet can not work without Routers. All you are doing is telling your dedicated connection how to route your IP's and taking the heat off your computer being assigned the actual IP number.

To more educate and elaborate on this, what the most important thing here with IP numbers are what are called "Ports". Every IP number has potentially 60,000 or more ports in which hackers can use to "slip" into your computer via your IP number. Routers block what we refer to as "Incoming traffic" well most do. After all why would you want incoming traffic coming into your computer if you are just surfing the Internet?

Most routers also do what is called "Block echoes". This is an added defense. What hackers first have to do is find you. Most do this by doing what is called "a ping". They ping your IP number so to speak and it sends back an echo in which it was pinged from. Routers can block this request, and in essence can fool a hacker and make him think that the IP does not exist because it does not send back an echo.

There are also Cisco Routers which house T-1 lines and so forth. These Internet Routers enable you to get to one web page or Internet place to another. Without these Internet Routers, you would not be able to go anywhere on the Internet. The biggest misconception is, that these Internet Routers have firewalls within them. Fact of the matter is, most companies that sell these type of routers, don't inform their customers about the security risks that lie beyond that scope. Cable and DSL Routers are somewhat different, in that they are sole used for Internet security, unlike some of the T-1, 3's or ISDN routers. Although if you do have a T-1 or ISDN or other type of dedicated connection, be sure that you have a GOOD firewall in place whether it be a program or a device.

Now I know what you are thinking, Scott, I have heard about Proxy and Firewall Software? What about that? Which brings me to my next subject, Proxy and Firewall Software.

Proxy and Firewall Software, is it as good as a Router?

Since I have created this web page on DSL/Cable Modems, DSL have made some drastic improvements. DSL modems now are offered as Internal Devices. In this case, you can not use a Router for them. So what are my opinions then? Well Software Firewalls! They aren't as good as Routers, but they will serve the same purpose. Whether it be Win Proxy, Black Ice or Zone Alarm (the three I recommend), then that will at least deter a hacker.
What is Proxy/Firewall software?
Well, it is very similar to a Router, except it is a software instead of a hardware type of security. But as we all know, software is somewhat easier to crack than Hardware in some cases. For example some of the newer viruses are coded to disable some of the more popular software firewalls once infected. This is something that can lead to more problems not only from the virus but the virus knocks out your software firewall which opens your computer to more problems and more hacks possibly.

But with software firewalls, I would at least feel more comfortable with some type of software security than none at all. But be warned that software can be cracked, but at least you are making it just that much harder for a hacker to get in. There are Some great Proxy/Firewall software out there, but beware of the freebies, not always as secure at the one's you have to pay for.

Ok so what are the advantages and disadvantages of DSL and Cable?

Well this is a very tough question. Both have advantages and disadvantages. DSL uses a phone line, while cable does not. However, cable tends to be more vulnerable to hacking and spamming.

Cable:

On a trunk (network with others)

Easier to hack without proper securities in place
Usually not limited to 18,000 feet from any switch, you are usually limited if cable is not available in your area
Can sometimes be more expensive in that you usually have to buy into a cable subscription for your TV.
Tech support is usually very good

800-1 MB Per second average download speeds (Local). Some Cable companies can increase speeds up to 5mb per second.

Usually simple to set up
Does not give you the advantage of a dial up if the systems go down

Companies who sell this service aren't as enthusiastic to tell you about Security

DSL:

Is limited to one being 18,000 feet or less to the phone companies switch (Switches are quickly being built to solve this problem)
200 KBS-1.5 MB Per Second Download speeds

Usually harder to setup
Tech support is sometimes not as helpful

Can be tied into your existing phone bill

If systems go down, in most cases you can still dial out to obtain connection to the Internet.

I know after reading this you think that we personally push DSL. We personally feel that DSL is more secure in some instances, but cable companies are making cable access more secure as time and problems occur. DSL companies do have limitations as far as where you have to be to get it. I think cable companies are taking advantage of this, due to their rates when it comes to businesses. This will probably change as more and more switches are added to get more customers using DSL. I actually did speak to someone from the phone company about expanding DSL, and as I understand it, the telephone company's T-1 Switches can be upgraded to allow more DSL flow, and enable them to supply DSL to outer areas.

I prefer DSL myself because it is better for me. The rates are better for our business and from a security standpoint at best. I don't like the idea that I have to buy a cable package for my TV, (at my business) just to get cable Internet. Of course I guess it is similar to the phone company in some instances that you have to buy more features as well. But Cable TV is something that I would never use at my office, and the price for business is much greater than DSL. DSL runs about 55.00 per month with several email addresses. Cable can run 80 or more bucks a month, (depending on your bandwidth and usage). I have seen it as high as 200 a month for cable. DSL doesn't matter how much you use it, it stays the same. But again different stokes for different folks.

* The information in this article is not historical fact, it is simply our opinion, observations and our personal experiences being shared with others. We do not intend this article to reflect any negativity on any companies directly, nor are we stating that our figures and our statements are correct as of today. We are not responsible for loss, destruction and or misinterpretations from the information in this article.

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