What's the difference between Shaped and Unshaped?

[donnybrasco]

Hi,

I would like to know what the difference is between Shaped and Unshaped? I am having difficulties choosing the appropriate package and I am looking for one that comes with a free router and including Line Rental. I have recently had a line installed so do I first need to enable ADSL or is it already enabled as I reside in Pietermaritzburg? Can someone help me please?

 

[ponder]

With shaped certain traffic gets assigned a lower priority (torrents for example) than other traffic (http web browsing etc) which makes things for torrents a bit slower.
Unshaped is just that, all traffic gets assigned the same priority.

Have you applied for ADSL service yet? If not then you must apply for it first.

 

[donnybrasco]

I not yet applied for this. Is it instant to set it up? I would like to have a different ISP besides Telkom and have seen a package on Screamer for Uncapped at R399, is this good? I am also looking for a ISP that offers a free router?

 

[ponder]

I not yet applied for this. Is it instant to set it up? I would like to have a different ISP besides Telkom and have seen a package on Screamer for Uncapped at R399, is this good? I am also looking for a ISP that offers a free router?

No, it's not instant. Could take anywhere from 7 days to months depending on port availability etc. The sooner you apply the better.

Not sure about Screamer, I suggest you go read http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?207432-Screamer-ADSL and form your own opinion. I would not use them from all reports but maybe they have improved?

Do NOT sign yourself into a contract in order to get a router is all I can say. Pricing & packages change all the time between ISP's and you don't want to be locked into a contract when you want to move to a different ISP at the drop of a hat. Rather just go and buy a router. I think you can get a decent D-Link for cheap, http://www.prophecy.co.za/dlink-dsl2640u-adsl-modem-wireless-router-4port-10100-swit-p-21403.html

 

[donnybrasco]

Thanks a lot, I think I will first apply for the ADSL line and go from there.

 

[roygbiv]

Would love to hear your feedback one done. I utilised fnbconnect's 'unshaped' service and saw very little,if any difference