Difference Between Dsl And Cable Modem
Before we start discussing the difference between DSL and Cable modem, let us clarify the meaning of both the terms. DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. The transmission throughput of DSL is symmetrical in downstream (from a company to a subscriber) and upstream (from a subscriber to a company) directions. Cable modem is a modem that uses the wire that of a cable television in order to provide access to data transfers. Generally, cable modems are used for broadband access to use the unused bandwidth of the cable television. One of the similarities between the two is that they both are used for internet access. Let us now compare the difference between DSL and cable modem. 1. Speed In terms of theoretical speed, Cable is faster as compared to DSL. If you are shocked to hear that then I think you need to read the line again because I said that cable is faster than DSL in terms of speed based on theory but in practical life it's much slower than DSL. The reason is that cable uses the unused bandwidth of cable television and not the full bandwidth.
2. Bandwidth Capabilities DSL has more bandwidth capabilities as it offers more download stream and upstream as compared to cable modems. Cable modem provides low upstream due to access demand for upstream by cable television. 3. Popularity DSL is more popular than cable modem due to beneficial features of DSL along with its availability. Cable modem is less popular due to access usage of DSL by people. 4. Customer Satisfaction DSL customers are more satisfied in terms of cost and speed whereas customers using cable modem suffer a lot while considering upstream bandwidth. Although cable modem is cheaper than DSL but a survey shows that people like DSL when compared to cable modem. 5. Type of connection Generally, DSL uses an unshared, secure and private connection with high quality of service whereas cable modem provides a shared internet connection. With shared connection, it is very easy for a hacker to enter anyone's computer. Moreover, if one computer is infected, chances are there that other computers will also be affected by it. 6. Level of service The level of service offered by DSL is far more better when compared to cable modem. DSL provides better service and high quality intent connection whereas the level of service provided by cable modem largely depends on the number of users. If there are more number of users the quality and speed will automatically decrease. Although, the prices of cable modem are cheaper as compared to DSL but it lacks the ability to fulfill the high quality needs of the people. Therefore, the difference between DSL and cable modem is very wide and it is not possible to fill that big gap because the technology has already advanced and a time will come when DSL will get outdated and people will start using high speed wireless connections offering 10 times the speed of DSL. |