Which Is Better: Cable Or DSL Connection?
With the increasing popularity of Broadband Internet, perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions is: Which is better, cable or DSL connection? There are many factors to consider when deciding which Internet connection provides better service. You should be able to determine the pros and cons of each of the two and what sets them apart from each other.
A DSL connection, short for Digital Subscriber Line is just like your currently existing dial-up modem – it uses a copper wire phone line that delivers data at a high speed. To get a DSL connection, you will need a telephone line, a DSL modem, which is already included in the service, a phone company or Internet service provider that offers DSL service and an Ethernet card or available USB port. While DSL modems may allow both connections, an Ethernet card is highly recommended.
An important factor that can affect your DSL connection is the distance between the telephone company\'s office and your area. The farther you are from the Internet service provider, the weaker the signal, thus the slower the connection. Because of this limitation, a DSL is not widely available compared to cable. You will still need to contact your local telephone company to inquire its availability.
In terms of speed, DSL can range from approximately 128 kbps to 3 Mbps, depending on the kind of package you go for. Of course, the faster the speed of your connection, the more expensive you will have to pay for the service. For instance, a 768 kbps DSL connection can cost you aroubf $25 to $30 per month. That is roughly thirteen times faster than, say, a 56k dialup modem.
Moreover, compared to cable, a DSL connection is relatively cheaper. And since it uses a dedicated line, the speed is almost al
ways guaranteed. You can also talk on the phone at the same time surfing the net. However, DSL speed is usually lower than cable, with speeds dropping more the farther your location is from your ISP\'s area. Also, availability of DSL connection may only be limited to particular areas as well.
Meanwhile, a cable Internet connection uses coaxial cable, which is the same type of cable used in your television. To get a cable Internet connection, you will need a cable modem, which is normally provided in the service, an Ethernet or available USB port and a cable company that provides the said service.
Unlike DSL connection, cable Internet does not rely on the distance between the Internet service provider\'s location and your area for it to run. Cable connections are usually shared with your neighbors. Most companies, however, provide pipelines with large bandwidth so you do not have to worry about this particular concern.
When it comes to speed, a cable Internet connection is generally faster than DSL, with speed ranging from 3 Mbps to 10 Mbps. That is four times faster than a DSL connection. However, you can expect to shell out more for the service, with a fee of about $40 to $50 a month. Other than the faster speed that it can offer compared to DSL, a cable Internet connection is a more widely available service since distance does not influence its speed. However, you may find a cable connection discouraging as you have to share a line with other users and it is more expensive too.
Still having a difficulty deciding which is better between the two? Then it may be best to assess what kind of user you are. If you are an active Internet user and is heavy on downloading, then consider getting a Broadband connection. Light users, on the other hand, may be better off using a dial-up. You will also need to consider your budget as well, so you can come up with the Internet connection that best suits your needs.
A DSL connection, short for Digital Subscriber Line is just like your currently existing dial-up modem – it uses a copper wire phone line that delivers data at a high speed. To get a DSL connection, you will need a telephone line, a DSL modem, which is already included in the service, a phone company or Internet service provider that offers DSL service and an Ethernet card or available USB port. While DSL modems may allow both connections, an Ethernet card is highly recommended.
An important factor that can affect your DSL connection is the distance between the telephone company\'s office and your area. The farther you are from the Internet service provider, the weaker the signal, thus the slower the connection. Because of this limitation, a DSL is not widely available compared to cable. You will still need to contact your local telephone company to inquire its availability.
In terms of speed, DSL can range from approximately 128 kbps to 3 Mbps, depending on the kind of package you go for. Of course, the faster the speed of your connection, the more expensive you will have to pay for the service. For instance, a 768 kbps DSL connection can cost you aroubf $25 to $30 per month. That is roughly thirteen times faster than, say, a 56k dialup modem.
Moreover, compared to cable, a DSL connection is relatively cheaper. And since it uses a dedicated line, the speed is almost al
Meanwhile, a cable Internet connection uses coaxial cable, which is the same type of cable used in your television. To get a cable Internet connection, you will need a cable modem, which is normally provided in the service, an Ethernet or available USB port and a cable company that provides the said service.
Unlike DSL connection, cable Internet does not rely on the distance between the Internet service provider\'s location and your area for it to run. Cable connections are usually shared with your neighbors. Most companies, however, provide pipelines with large bandwidth so you do not have to worry about this particular concern.
When it comes to speed, a cable Internet connection is generally faster than DSL, with speed ranging from 3 Mbps to 10 Mbps. That is four times faster than a DSL connection. However, you can expect to shell out more for the service, with a fee of about $40 to $50 a month. Other than the faster speed that it can offer compared to DSL, a cable Internet connection is a more widely available service since distance does not influence its speed. However, you may find a cable connection discouraging as you have to share a line with other users and it is more expensive too.
Still having a difficulty deciding which is better between the two? Then it may be best to assess what kind of user you are. If you are an active Internet user and is heavy on downloading, then consider getting a Broadband connection. Light users, on the other hand, may be better off using a dial-up. You will also need to consider your budget as well, so you can come up with the Internet connection that best suits your needs.
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