DSL vs Cable - Broadband Internet Speed Comparison

[Bali Saagu]

Hello Everybody,

Can someone please explain me what is the difference between DSL broadband and Cable brodband ?

[Milton.J]

difference between DSL and cable is that DSL is delivered over a standard telephone line, while cable requires cable television service. In both cases, the lines can handle other transmissions in addition to Internet service. For example, you can use your telephone to make and receive calls while online with DSL, because DSL utilizes separate frequencies from telephone communications. Similarly, you can watch television while online with cable Internet service.

DSL subscriber will have to be within a certain distance from a telephone hub to get good DSL service. Therefore, DSL is not available in all areas, though this is becoming less of a problem. Any DSL provider that services your area can tell by your telephone number whether you are eligible for DSL service.

DSL and cable packages vary in price according to speed. DSL basic speeds of about 128 kilobits per second (kbps) are far faster than dial-up and will likely satisfy the average user. Much faster packages are also available. Still, cable access is usually, though not always, even faster than DSL.

[Spyrus]

An advantage of DSL service is that your speed remains the same, no matter how many people are using the service. With cable Internet service, the number of users in your local area can affect bandwidth availability and result in slow service. Your personal experience is dependent upon the number of active users at any given time.

There’s another significant difference between DSL and cable service. While major DSL providers have introductory prices as low as 12 US dollars (USD) plus change per month, cable Internet service tends to be three to four times more expensive. The low introductory DSL price is only for new subscribers in most cases and requires a one-year contract, but it’s a great deal.

Cable Internet service is fighting back by offering digital packages that include cable television, Internet service and digital phone service in a single bill. For some people with large phone bills, the savings can offset the cost of cable Internet service. The best option is to check into both DSL and cable services in your area and see what each has to offer.

Both DSL and cable Internet service require a broadband modem. In many cases, the service provides a preconfigured modem free of charge, to be returned at the cancellation of service. You are also welcome to supply your own broadband modem.

If consolidating your phone, cable television and Internet service doesn’t interest you, DSL service will likely be less expensive. Luckily, both DSL and cable provide a welcome relief from far slower dial-up service, so you win either way.

[Snake08]

You can compare the DSL and Cable on the basis of: speed, reliability, total costs incurred and security.


Connection Speed

• DSL- DSL connection speeds are often comparable with cable speeds (1-2 Mbps usually), however because they are distance sensitive, the farther you live from your service provider's central office, the slower your connection will be.
  
  
• Cable- cable modem speeds are almost always at least 1-1.5 Mbps and sometimes faster depending on how many users are logged on. But like DSL, there are many factors, including general Web traffic that can add to slower speeds, not just the amount of users online.

Reliability and Availability

Both cable and DSL connections pass the reliability test. In general, both connections have good performance and are reliable, with occasionally slower speeds.

• DSL- is not available in all areas, but is usually available in urban areas. Check with your service provider to see if you can get it.
  
  
• Cable- cable Internet is available to anyone who can receive cable television. Check with your cable television provider to see if they also provide cable Internet.

The Cost of Your Connection

• DSL- DSL is a little more expensive than cable. Although self-installation is becoming easier and more cost-efficient, it is still priced a little higher. Also, monthly service fees are slightly higher than cable on average. There are many DSL internet service providers to choose from.
  
  
• Cable- cable wins when it comes to the price. Based on installation and monthly service fees, cable is usually a better bet if price is an issue. Look around for the best deals on cable connections.

Security

Once again, DSL and cable have a tie. With either connection, you are “always-on,” meaning your connection never shuts off even when you aren’t using the computer. Therefore, both connections are susceptible to viruses and other evils that lurk in the depths of the Internet. For this reason, we always suggest purchasing or downloading antivirus software and a firewall.

[Big Fish]

• Cable modem services can slow down significantly if many people in your neighborhood access the Internet simultaenously.
  
  
• Both cable modem and DSL performance vary from one minute to the next depending on the pattern of use and traffic congestion on the Internet.
  
  
• DSL and cable Internet providers often implement so-called "speed caps" that limit the bandwidth of their services.
  
  
• Some home networks cannot match the speed of the Internet connection, lowering your performance