As broadband Internet becomes larger, one of the major questions we get is: which is better, cable or dsl?
The answer to this question is not definitive. Many factors come into play when deciding which broadband connection to choose. Whatever you choose (DSL, cable, or satellite), there will be a ton better (and faster) than the old numbering modem that you have been used. Not to mention, your Internet experience will be much more enjoyable.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
Like CTS your modem, DSL uses existing copper wire telephone line to provide high-speed data. To qualify for DSL, you need the following:
* A telephone line
* A DSL modem (which normally comes with the service)
* An Ethernet card or an available USB port (most DSL modems enable both connections, but Ethernet is recommended).
* A telephone company (PSI), which offers DSL services (eg Verizon)
An important factor that will influence your DSL connection is the distance between your home or office and the telephone company’s central office. The farther you are from the central office, the signal becomes weaker, so a slower connection. However, DSL is not as widely available as compared to cable. You should contact your local phone provider to check availability.
Speed wise, in the words you choose, DSL can range from 128 kbit / s to 3 Mbps. Generally, the faster your connection will be the most expensive service. You can expect to pay around $ 25-$ 30 per month for a 768 kbps connection, which is roughly 13 times faster than a 56k dial modem.
:: Advantages:
* Relatively cheaper than cable
* Dedicated line, and the speeds are almost guaranteed
* You can talk on the phone at the same time while surfing on the Net
:: Cons::
* The slowdown in speed compared to cable
* Speeds abandon farthest from your home / office of the central office
* Not available in all areas
Cable Internet
Cable Internet is our recommendation. Cable, as you can probably already said, using the coaxial cable that your television uses. To qualify for the cable Internet, you need the following:
* A cable modem (which normally comes with the service)
* An Ethernet card or an available USB port (most cable modems enable both connections, but Ethernet is recommended)
* A cable company offering cable Internet (for example, Adelphia)
Unlike DSL, cable Internet is not based on the distance between your home or office and the central office. However, unlike ADSL, cable connections are usually shared among your neighbors. Although most cable companies offer immense bandwidth pipelines that rarely becomes an issue.
Speed wise, cable Internet typically ranges from 3 Mbps to 10 Mbps, up to 3-4 times faster than the DSL. However, expect to pay more for the service-$ 40-$ 50 per month.
:: Advantages:
* Faster than DSL speeds
* More widespread than DSL
* Distance does not affect the speed
:: Cons::
* More expensive than DSL
* Line is shared with other users
With all that said, one must consider what type of user you are. If you are a heavy user of the Internet and downloading, you would highly benefit from a broadband connection. For light users who use the Internet just to check emails, are probably better off with a numbering. However, if you are willing to splurge some cash on a high-speed connection, then by all means, upgrade!
