Cable Modem And DSLI'm sure that you have just had it with slow dial up connections and if you want to go in for a high speed broadband internet connection you are probably faced with a difficult decision. Which one is better? Let's compare both, Cable Modem and DSL and find out. Cable Modem
The coaxial cables that are used for your cable TV connection are what are used for providing you with the internet connection too. Your local cable operator will connect you by bringing a coaxial cable to your computer and then connect the jack to the cable modem and the Ethernet cable from the cable modem to the computer and then proceed to install the software and drivers to give you a high speed internet connection. The average download speed that most cable operators will provide you with is between 4 to 6 Mbps and you can choose different packages offered by the different operators like Internet access, digital TV, and digital phone services in a bundle which proves to be a good deal. Cable has two major disadvantages - one being that the connection is shared and therefore if you have a neighbor who is an internet addict then the speed is going to be affected. Secondly, cable is pricey compared to DSL and thus not suitable if you need only a standard high speed connection. DSL ADSL or DSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line and the connection is provided to you by your local phone company instead of your cable company using the same copper wires that give you a phone connection. The services provided by DSL are the same except for the download speed being 1.5 Mbps and an upload at 256 Kbps. Though the connection provided by DSL is an always-on connection but the farther away from your telephone exchange you are, the strength of your DSL signal is going to drop and in some cases some old exchanges are not equipped with newer technologies, which are the only drawbacks of DSL. Other than that, DSL is a fantastic option in terms of both - speed and cost. You can even use your phone and the internet connection at the same time without affecting any of the two connections! Cable Modem and DSL Though the upload speed for both, Cable Modem and DSL is the same, let's take a quick summarizing look at the two. DSL Advantages: - Is more cost effective compared to cable. - Has a single direction of data transfer and a dedicated line. - You can use both the phone and the internet at the same time. Disadvantages: - Connection speed is slower than cable. - The speed drops as the distance from the telephone exchange increases. - It is not available everywhere. Cable Modem Advantages: - Can reach very high speeds. - The technology is easily available everywhere. - The speed is not marred by distance. Disadvantages: - More expensive than DSL. - Connection is shared and thus can be affected at times. Given a choice between Cable Modem and DSL, though Cable merges to be a clear winner when it comes to performance but DSL is perfect for the home user or small business user and with a small fee you can enjoy a high speed broadband connection. |