DSL vs Cable Internet- Which one is great for home network?

Did you know your cable provider can double up as you internet Service Provider? Alternatively, anyone with a telephone line connection has the chance to connect to the internet via DSL. Take a look at DSL vs. Cable Internet, where we guide you through two very popular options for users looking to set up a reliable home network.

When setting up a home or office network, there are often multiple aspects to consider. Among these is the type of internet connection best suited for you: with said different connections made with various transmissions medium. For example, you have the option to opt for wireless or wired transmission. Today, we focus on wired transmission modes, specifically DSL and Cable internet. These are among the most popular types of broadband transmissions available to users quite conveniently.

Read on for more insight.

What are the differences between DSL vs Cable Internet?

DSL
Cable Internet
Upload Speed
1-10Mbps
Depends
Download speed
128kbps -35Mbps
Depends
Transcription medium
Telephone line
Cable lines – coaxial cables
Transmission modes
2B1Q, CAP,DMT,TC-PAM
Cost of installation
Relatively cheap- doesn’t need infrastructure laid
Also relatively cheap-

 

DSL vs. Cable Internet – What are the main differences between the two?

Transmission medium

Both DSL and Cable internet are widely available and easy to install broadband internet connections. They are transmitted over already existing infrastructure. However, this transmission media is quite different: each offering different speeds and performance. DSL connections for example rely on telephone lines connections to transmit data and information. Alternatively, cable internet is transmitted via coaxial cables: the same medium your local cable service provider users to relay cable connections.

Speed and performance

Overall, DSL connections offer weaker access speeds compared to cable. Most DSL technology currently can reach even 100Mbps. However, cable internet is enabled with more bandwidth. In many cases, cable internet is comparatively a faster connection. Compared to the moderate DSL connection speeds, cable connections are definitely superior.

However in terms of performance: DSL connections out do cable internet connections. Because cable lines are shared, unlike telephone lines, the connection often get very slow especially during peak times. Fortunately, DSL connections are more reliable in this sense.

Coaxial cables can accommodate higher bandwidths with reduced latency in transmission. This is the reason Cable internet connections are considerably faster than DSL.

Downstream and Upstream

The rate at which your connection allows downloads and uploads is an important factor to consider when choosing an internet access option. This is mostly because upload and download capacity will influence where and how you can maximize on said connection. In this instance: DSL has download speeds often ranging from 5-35Mbps and 1-10Mbps upload speeds. This is suitable for small households without high demand or heavy duty internet access requirements.

On the other hand: cable internet upload and download speeds are as follows 50-50Mbps and 10-500Mbps, respectively. These are pretty reliable speeds and the norm for small-medium households. Low connection requirement offices can utilize this form of connection for basic browsing and some uploading and downloading processes.

Affordability

Depending on the rates your cable provider has laid out: the cost of cable internet connection can get costlier compared to DSL. Both of these are well within affordable ranges. In fact, the cost of cable internet connections is subject to change compared to DSL rates. In fact, DSL rates remain locked for longer times: in many cases even years.

DSL vs. Cable Internet – A comparison review

DSL – Overview and Key Features

DSL vs Cable Internet

DSL is one of the more popular and convenient means internet service providers use to provide internet access across the country. This connection relies on the laid out telephone lines as the transmission medium. Here is an in dept review of the who’s, what’s and how’s of DSL. Enjoy.

Features

The Digital Subscriber Line Technology, in full, is a long standing service which allows users to access internet. This connection relies on already existent telephone lines for a convenient set up. The different variations of DSL connections work fundamentally the same as DSL, but each offers its own unique upstream-downstream connection. Various regions nationwide have varying transmission methods. The most common method: DMT (Discrete MultiTone Modulation) separates DSL signals into usable frequencies.

Said variations of DSL technology include Asymmetrical and Symmetrical DSL. While both function pretty much the same, SDSL unlike ADSL offers equal bandwidth for both uploading and downloading speeds. You can guess that ADSL has different upload to download bandwidths. In fact, download bandwidth is significantly more on ADSL compared to upstream bandwidth. Because this internet connection isn’t shared: and each user has their own dedicated, DSL access can get pretty fast, without experiencing traffic issues which often result in slow internet.

Importantly, data and information in this type of connection is relayed over telephone lines. Yes, the technology is designed to utilize already existing infrastructure: making this type of connection accessible to many users. Ideally, the choice band, which is the frequency with which voice signals are transmitted, is quite different from the data signals. Usually, Voice signals are transmitted in low range frequencies. This allows users to utilize the internet connection while even when the telephone line is in use. The copper telephone lines are a reliable transmission medium for data and information. These lines are capable of transmitting significant bandwidths and offer various other advantages.

At the consumer end, various gadgets are necessary in order to establish a proper connection. Among these includes the DSL modem. Said modem is responsible for connecting your device or router to the telephone line. This allows users to access the DSL service provided and utilize it as needed.

Unfortunately, DSL: ADSL especially is a distance sensitive connection. Unlike voice signals that are boosted ever so often, there is no such compatible tech incorporated into the design which will effectively boost the data signal. While the connection speeds over DSL aren’t he best, they are still very competitive speeds.

In summary

DSL is that oldie but goodie connection that offers users convenient access to the internet over their telephone lines. With this high speed connection, users from even more remote areas can easily, conveniently and affordably connect to the internet.

Advantages

  • Carried over existing infrastructure
  • Widely available
  • Costs little to install
  • Offers internet connections that are pretty fast

Disadvantages

  • Distance sensitive connection

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Cable Internet -Overview and Key Features

Ethernet Cable for Long Runs

There are many reasons users should take advantage of the most popular broadband connection: cable internet. Apart from easy set up and the convenience that comes with this type of internet access, cable internet offers speed and connectivity at very competitive levels. Here are some of the features and highlights that contribute to cable internet service success.

Features

Cable internet is a widely available form of broadband connection which utilizes the cable infrastructure to transfer data and information. Because this is a broadband connection, users need worry about the TV signals interfering with internet access frequencies. This is often achieved by the use of a splitter which helps differentiate between signals. Using the same cable as does the TV set, the ISP, which in this case is your local cable provider sends data signals over a coaxial cable.

Various requirements are mandatory in order for users to successfully receive internet access via cable lines. Among these is the cable modem. Cable Modem technology ensures users can enjoy said high speed connection, capable o competing with other connection options. Specifically, a cable modem is responsible for receiving the upstream and downstream transmissions provided by the local cable provider. Aside from that users require subscription and a proper connection to cable to set up the connection.

Since this type of internet access relies on already established coaxial cable infrastructure, it is quite easy to set up in your space. Not to mention also quite affordable. In fact, unlike newer internet connection options, cable internet is among the cheapest and most convenient ways to set up internet access, at whichever rate you select from your ISP.

Speed wise, you internet will only perform as fast as your cable network. This speed will also vary depending on the bandwidth, among other factors. Current cable internet technology allows for some pretty fast connection.

In summary

If you are in need of an easy to set up, dependable connection, then cable internet may be what you need. Cable internet is vastly available to users across the nation over coaxial cable and offers some very competitive speeds.

Advantages

  • Can reach pretty high speeds
  • Easy, cost effective and convenient to install
  • Are a reliable connection
  • Internet connection purchase is often bundles with other services

Disadvantages

  • Connection can get very slow at peak hours since cable lines are shared

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Verdict: So which one is better, DSL vs. Cable Internet?

When you need an easy to set up, convenient connection: DSL and cable internet are both valid choices. However, DSL internet is the more reasonable option when faced with the choice. The connection allows for reasonable transfer rates with download and upload speeds acceptable for home networking purposes.

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