CenturyLink ADSL vs. VDSL

When connecting to the internet you can use fiber, satellite, or normal copper lines that are used for telephone communication. However, you can connect to your modem via ADSL or VDSL with both type of connections offering pros and cons.

What are the differences between CenturyLink ADSL and VDSL?

ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line and for ages has been the main way through which one connects to the internet with DSL. ADSL runs at download speeds of 20Mbps and upload of 1Mbps. With this kind of speeds are sufficient for normal internet surfing and light downloads. If you are a heavy internet consumer you may want to consider VDSL.

VDSL stands for Very high bit rate Digital Subscriber Line. This is a newer form of broadband transmission that broadcasts internet signals way more faster than ADSL. At optimum levels, VDSL will give you speeds that are 5x faster than ADSL. You can hit speeds of 70Mbps for downloads and 10Mbps for uploads.

CenturyLink ADSL and VDSL – How do they compare?

Speed

The key difference between these two is that VDSL is faster than ADSL. With VDSL you are capable of hitting download speeds of up to 70Mbps and upload of 10Mbps. ADSL, offers you download speeds of 20Mbps and uploads of 1Mbps or lower. If you are a light internet user than you can use ADSL with no problems but if you are into heavy usage then VDSL is the way to go.

Applications

VDSL is ideal for heavy downloads like video streaming, online gaming, Skype connections, and creating online backups without suffering lag. ADSL is ideal for moderate internet surfing like checking out your mail, listening to music online and light downloads.

Availability

ADSL is more widely available than VDSL. It also has been in existence for a longer time hence its more established.

Price

There is no difference in price between the two, largely because the two technologies are now widely available. This has reduced competition and it is very easy to move from one plan to another without paying higher for VDSL.

Signal loss

The signal strength for both technologies is largely dependent on reducing the distance between the switching station and the copper wire used by the user. Unlike ADSL it has however, being noted that with VDSL the signal attenuates more frequently. However, you still get higher download speeds from VDSL which makes it worth it.

CenturyLink ADSL vs. VDSL – A Comparison Overview

CenturyLink ADSL – Overview

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology that allows for data transmission over existing copper lines that you find for telephones. With the tech, you are able to enjoy fast and reliable internet access and at an affordable price as the lines are already existing. ADSL is different from dial up in that it provides a continuous always-on broadband connection. With ADSL you have most of the channels being used downstream to transmit data hence the fast internet connection.

ADSL is a cost-effective way for you to connect to the internet and is faster than dial up.

Pros

• Cost effective way for internet transmission
• Copper line infrastructure is widely available
• CenturyLink DSL is affordable

Cons

Offers slower speeds than VDSL

CenturyLink VDSL – Overview

VDSL stands for very high bit rate digital subscriber line and is a technology that is used for the transmission of internet signals over copper lines. The technology is an improvement to the commonly used ADSL and offers up to 5 times the speeds. You should expect to download content at 70Mbps or higher, upload at 10Mbps. VDSL allows the ISP to connect an optical node near the user’s location, and this allows for faster internet speeds. With VDSL you are able to accomplish most of your internet needs with little interruption to the speeds. You are able to stream movies online while at the same time engage in video calling from apps like Zoom. The technology also allows for heavy gaming and content downloads. VDSL is offered at almost the same price as ADSL. However, modems for the two technologies are not compatible.

How much bandwidth you need for various applications

Pros

• Widely available
• Cost efficient
• Fast download and upload speeds

Cons

Not as fast and efficient as fiber

Verdict: So, which is better – CenturyLink ADSL or VDSL?

CenturyLink VDSL is our winner because it offers almost 5 times the speeds of ADSL. With VDSL you are capable of speeds of up to 70Mbps for downloads which compares sharply with 24Mbps for ADSL. The upload speeds are even better. If you are looking for a medium for streaming Netflix or for heavy downloads than go with VDSL.

FAQ

Is CenturyLink ADSL or VDSL?

It uses both, you will have ADSL modems capable of speeds of up to 7 to 20Mbps. With VDSL you are able to hit download speeds of up to 100Mbps.

Is ADSL faster than VDSL?

No, VDSL offers faster speeds than ADSL

Will ADSL modem work with VDSL?

No, it won’t work as these are different technologies

Is VDSL the same as ADSL?

No, they are different. VDSL is faster and more efficient than ADSL

Does CenturyLink have VDSL?

Yes, it does

Can you use an ADSL modem for VDSL?

No, you cannot, as the two technologies are very different