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Getting ready to get DWAY. Somebody talk to me!


Shufdog

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I just got off the phone with DWAY, they're going to call me back to set up an appointment. Should I cancel When he calls back?

First let me explain the sitiuation. I can't get DSL, or cable because of where I live. (used to have RoadRunner!) All I can get is dial-up. With no other options avalable, is this a wise choice? And what is this FAP thing I've seen poasted?

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:::.. Download Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 2197 Kbps about 2.2 Mbps (tested with 2992 kB)

Download Speed is:: 268 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (main)

Test Time:: Sat May 7 16:21:46 PDT 2005

Bottom Line:: 39X faster than 56K 1MB download in 3.82 sec

Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 176.7 % faster than the average for host (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-A58E4ZUP6

do the math  fap is like holding you back if you  dolors songs  mp3 I'm on a business edition of DW.  my FAP is 500 meg yours will be 250.

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If you do alot of downloads such as music you may not be happy. If you are a gamer you will not be happy. If you are just a surfer with some downloads you will be fine. If you decide to go ahead with it, make sure your installer grounds your system and takes to time to get you the best possible signal. Cross pol is very important as well. If you have to slip him a extra 20 bucks it will be well worth it.

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You can expect the following with the DW6000 using a .74m dish.... latency (I have seen pings over 3000ms) normally 700-1200ms,169Mb/4hourFAP policy- home account. I am not sure what speeds you had with the cable company, in any event the latency you may never grow to like at all. The people at tech support are hard to understand (accent). During peak hours speeds are likely to get slower....off peak hours(2-5am) my record highs are 1100/124Kbps connection speeds

:::.. Download Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 986 Kbps about 1 Mbps (tested with 2992 kB)

Download Speed is:: 120 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (main)

Test Time:: Sat May 7 16:45:50 EDT 2005

Bottom Line:: 18X faster than 56K 1MB download in 8.53 sec

Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 24.18 % faster than the average for host (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-R2DW1OBEM

:::.. Upload Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 12 Kbps about 0 Mbps (tested with 97 kB)

Upload Speed is:: 1 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (main)

Test Time:: Sat May 7 16:50:07 EDT 2005

Bottom Line:: 0X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 1024 sec

Diagnosis: May need help : running at only 28.57 % of your hosts average (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-89VW4H35G

The uploads is my major complaint....actually slower than dial up at times. Average for host (direcpc.com) 800/45Kbps connection speeds.

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Hello shufdog. Well, it depends on what you are looking to do. Presently, there are two main providers of consumer satellite access for the internet. Direcway and Starband. While they have slight differences, what you need to have knowledge up front about are today's realities with satellite access. If your expectations are in check, you will make the decision that best fit's your needs. All of these comments apply to both Direcway and Starband.

1. The Satellites are 20,000+ miles away. Even at the speed of light, the time it takes to get there and back introduces a time lag (latency) that is much higher than what a local DSL or Cable connection experiences. Typical latency on DSL or Cable can be from 100ms up to 300ms. A satellite connection involves a latency of 700ms - 3000ms. While you will probably never notice that with casual browsing and email, it can absolutely drive crazy things like on-line gaming and Voice Over IP applications. Most peer to peer applications that expect (or assume) some kind of response within a relatively small latency will probably have problems.

2. While downloads of data are at a decent throughput 500Kbs and up, the "Upload" throughput is very meager. From about the same speed as dialup, up to 100Kbs or so. If you intend to upload alot of data, this can be very frustrating. By the way, that is a concious control limitation by the satellite control centers. High speed uplinks are available, but VERY expensive. Catering to large business and Govt use.

3. All satellite operators over-sell their capability. If you read the comments on this board as well as other resources, you will see some folks who have not had an easy going with their satellite installations. If you happen to get put on a transponder (like a channel) that is over-crowded, your throughput can be very bad. Yes, the operator can do things to get you to a speed that is acceptable, but that process can be long and frustrating. What I'm saying here is that the there can be bumps in the road, expect some.

4. The technical support can be pitiful. Most of it is out sourced, and the person you talk to probably does not have English as a first language. That too adds to frustration.

5. All of you data routes through a National Operations Center (NOC). As funny as this might sound, if the weather above that location is very bad, you won't have access. Does not happen often, but if the weather is very bad at the NOC, OR, your location, it will adversely affect your connection. Expect that. If you have DirecTV, or Dish Network for TV, a heavy rain will do the same thing.

6. Installation procedures will make it or break it. It has to be done by an approved installer. Some are great, some are REALLY bad. If that dish is not properly setup, pointed, grounded, and cabled, you will suffer forever because of it. I can't stress that enough. If the installer nails it right, chances are you will have a great time with it. Check out these boards and print out anything you find on installation do's and Don'ts.

7. All operators "limit" how much bandwidth you can use within a specified period of time. This keeps a small percentage of users from "hogging" all the bandwidth. While this makes sense from a fairness standpoint, it can drive you crazy if you download alot of data. DirecWay calls this their Fair Access Policy (FAP). With a consumer account, you can download 169MB of data in a four hour period. Exceed that, and they shut down your bandwidth to that of dialup for 8 hours or so. The Pro account raises that amount to roughly double that, and you can get very high FAP levels, but you pay for it.

There is indeed other competitive operations getting close to coming online and that will be good for everyone. Wildblue is one of them. Not available yet, and it has been postponed numerous times. The proof will be in the pudding.

Now, after saying all that, I have a Direcway system that has worked just fine for me. I also have it networked wireless's. LOTS of expertise on these boards to help you with that. I have also seen Starband folks who have no problems as well. The 169MB FAP level on my consumer account just does not bother me, since I mainly do email, browse alot, and watch my download usage closely. Not much download needs. I typically get 1Mb download speeds. I think that's great. My install was miserable, but I was capable of cleaning it up afterwards, grounding it. etc.

So my advice? Read as much as you can about other folks experiences with any service before you buy. Most (if not all) of the offerings tie you into a 12 - 14 month contract. So once you jump in, it is a commitment.

Good luck, and don't be shy on asking all the questions you have. You won't regret taking the time to do it.

Regards,

Jim P

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If its the only choice, go for it,.Ive got pretty decent speeds, but cant really game on it due to the latency.

I got a pretty decent install, since i hovered over them while they did it. My speeds were about 1mb-1.1mb but now they've dropped into the 900 range.

But thats probably due to the fact that the dish is pointing into a tree 30 yds away that didnt have leaves when they installed it.

Im not sure that Ive ever been FAP'd or not but the FAP log doesnt show it either.

Considering I DL'd alot of stuff one night and thought i got FAPd i just shut the PC down at 2am and when i woke up the next morning everything was fine.

I just dont like the upload when Im trying to get a 1mb picture  uploaded to my server it takes forever thats my only bitch.

That and sometime rarely you just have to unplug the power to the modem to get it to work, But that handy little reset 6000 program makes that pretty easy now.

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make sure cable is far off they just wired my road with high speed cable....Ive been with d-way 13 months it works most of the time, probably more reliable than cable,,,,but the down speed varies    try to find a dw 4000 on ebay..they are faster and you can save $$$$ on equiptment

:::.. Download Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 1835 Kbps about 1.8 Mbps (tested with 2992 kB)

Download Speed is:: 224 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (main)

Test Time:: Tue May 10 00:26:41 EDT 2005

Bottom Line:: 33X faster than 56K 1MB download in 4.57 sec

Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 130.82 % faster than the average for host (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-DEWJPIU06

:::.. Upload Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 32 Kbps about 0 Mbps (tested with 97 kB)

Upload Speed is:: 4 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (main)

Test Time:: Tue May 10 00:28:38 EDT 2005

Bottom Line:: 1X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 256 sec

Diagnosis: May need help : running at only 76.19 % of your hosts average (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-GSQXLK2CP

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One thing I think is weird, I have seen people with DW4000's, I have seen people on a business plan, but my upload speeds are always like this sometimes peeking to 15 KB/s....

:::.. Upload Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 83 Kbps about 0.1 Mbps (tested with 1013 kB)

Upload Speed is:: 10 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (main)

Test Time:: Tue May 10 21:42:09 EDT 2005

Bottom Line:: 1X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 102.4 sec

Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 97.62 % faster than the average for host (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-SN9ROG2EF

My download speeds suck! lol

:::.. Download Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 782 Kbps about 0.8 Mbps (tested with 2992 kB)

Download Speed is:: 95 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (main)

Test Time:: Tue May 10 21:46:10 EDT 2005

Bottom Line:: 14X faster than 56K 1MB download in 10.78 sec

Diagnosis: 90% + Okay : running at 98.12 % of your hosts average (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-TG0LNI53A

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Now I know where all of my upload speed went... :haha:

:::.. Upload Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 7 Kbps about 0 Mbps (tested with 97 kB)

Upload Speed is:: 1 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (main)

Test Time:: Tue May 10 21:49:55 EDT 2005

Bottom Line:: 0X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 1024 sec

Diagnosis: May need help : running at only 16.67 % of your hosts average (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-VGFUEPR7Y

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Now I know where all of my upload speed went... :haha:

:::.. Upload Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 7 Kbps about 0 Mbps (tested with 97 kB)

Upload Speed is:: 1 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (main)

Test Time:: Tue May 10 21:49:55 EDT 2005

Bottom Line:: 0X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 1024 sec

Diagnosis: May need help : running at only 16.67 % of your hosts average (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-VGFUEPR7Y

Its weird, I think its been like that since the installer came out and changed my LNB........ its not too shabby, could be a lot better :) can we say greedy?

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:::.. Upload Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 98 Kbps about 0.1 Mbps (tested with 1496 kB)

Upload Speed is:: 12 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (main)

Test Time:: Tue May 10 21:58:52 EDT 2005

Bottom Line:: 2X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 85.33 sec

Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 133.33 % faster than the average for host (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-C1EIQB74Z

See what I mean!

Does this mean everytime I post the average goes up? I got 133.33 %, will this affect how TESTMY.NET reads the scores?

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This is my dw4000 at midnight est

:::.. Download Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 1745 Kbps about 1.7 Mbps (tested with 2992 kB)

Download Speed is:: 213 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (prem)

Test Time:: Wed May 11 00:25:26 EDT 2005

Bottom Line:: 31X faster than 56K 1MB download in 4.81 sec

Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 118.95 % faster than the average for host (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-V3JD4IGBF

:::.. Upload Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 41 Kbps about 0 Mbps (tested with 97 kB)

Upload Speed is:: 5 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (prem)

Test Time:: Wed May 11 00:26:21 EDT 2005

Bottom Line:: 1X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 204.8 sec

Diagnosis: 90% + Okay : running at 97.62 % of your hosts average (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-C3Q142RWL

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My old consumer account plugging right along.. ;)

:::.. Download Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 1016 Kbps about 1 Mbps (tested with 2992 kB)

Download Speed is:: 124 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (prem)

Test Time:: Tue May 10 2005 21:37:35 GMT-0700

Bottom Line:: 18X faster than 56K 1MB download in 8.26 sec

Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 27.48 % faster than the average for host (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-BWF3PGE5U

:::.. Upload Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 127 Kbps about 0.1 Mbps (tested with 2992 kB)

Upload Speed is:: 16 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (prem)

Test Time:: Tue May 10 2005 21:47:58 GMT-0700

Bottom Line:: 2X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 64 sec

Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 202.38 % faster than the average for host (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-OX5SF1B9L

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My old consumer account plugging right along.. ;)

:::.. Download Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 1016 Kbps about 1 Mbps (tested with 2992 kB)

Download Speed is:: 124 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (prem)

Test Time:: Tue May 10 2005 21:37:35 GMT-0700

Bottom Line:: 18X faster than 56K 1MB download in 8.26 sec

Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 27.48 % faster than the average for host (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-BWF3PGE5U

:::.. Upload Stats ..:::

Connection is:: 127 Kbps about 0.1 Mbps (tested with 2992 kB)

Upload Speed is:: 16 kB/s

Tested From:: https://testmy.net/ (prem)

Test Time:: Tue May 10 2005 21:47:58 GMT-0700

Bottom Line:: 2X faster than 56K 1MB upload in 64 sec

Diagnosis: Awesome! 20% + : 202.38 % faster than the average for host (direcpc.com)

Validation Link:: https://testmy.net/stats/id-OX5SF1B9L

How many accounts do you have with dway?

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They're supposed to be here tomorrow somewhere between 12 & 4 pm(EDT). If someone will let me know how to do one of those speed test everybody puts up, I'll post mine after the install. Y'all can tell me if it's on par or not.

One other thing, how long should it take the installer, if he does a good job? And, how will I know if he properly grounds it or not, what do I look for?

Any other things I'll need to be on the look for?    - Thanks!!

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