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Small-Scale Question Sunday for February 9, 2025

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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If you're referring to a cable modem (possibly integrated into a single device with your router), the protocol to complain about is called DOCSIS. I'm not an expert on that one, but searching suggests connection times on the order of minutes regardless of connection speed.

Yes, integrated router-modem. ADSL/standard wired landline telephone connection to the cabinet though, not coax cable which appears to be what DOCSIS is used for.

My practical and theoretical knowledge of the *DSL family is rusty by many years, but I'm certain that by itself DSL is mostly transparent and instantaneous, and the problem is with whatever happens on the levels above. If you have a desire to experiment, you could try to see if you can make the box into a pure dumb modem, and then if you're able to establish a connection from a full PC.