Is a DSL cable the same as an Ethernetcable
Networking between computers and accessing the internet nowadays is faster and hassle-free compared to the dial-up connection days. DSL and Ethernet are some of the ways to access the internet in your home. They both use cables to transmit information. But are they the same?
A DSL cable is not the same as an Ethernet cable despite both of them being made with copper wiring. An Ethernet wiring has two extra pairs of twisted copper wires and uses a larger plug compared to a DSL cable that uses a standard phone plug.
DSL sometimes makes use of Ethernet to connect to a PC. Despite this, DLS and Ethernet are two different networking technologies.DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology that sends and receives data through copper telephone lines and requires a modem that can also use Ethernet cable to connect to your PC’s network interface card. This connection comes with a modem that connects your phone line to the internet. It’s widely available and can be found anywhere there’s a wired phone despite landlines not being used anymore. Since almost everywhere across the US there’s phone service coverage, you can find DSL even in the rural areas. Ethernet is a standard technology used to connect computers on a network at home or in the office. The major difference between DSL and Ethernet is that the DSL connects a PC to the internet while the Ethernet connects computers locally.
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Are DSL and Ethernet cables the same as a phone cable?
DSL uses similar cables to a regular telephone and a phone cord that doesn’t necessarily require new wiring. It can utilize your current phone line wiring. The phone Ethernet cable is different from a computer Ethernet cable and both don’t fit on the same wall Ethernet port. This is because the PC Ethernet cable uses an RJ45 connector while the telephone one uses an RJ11.
How is it connected?
The DSL phone cord is inserted into a phone jack the same way it would be used to hook up a telephone receiver. This cord then creates a connection between the DSL modem and the phone jack. For a clearer signal, a DSL filter can be installed first.
How to convert DSL to Ethernet
Though faster than a dial-up connection, DSL connection has slower speeds of between 768 Kbps/s and 125 Mbps/s compared to Ethernet that has speeds of 10Mbps/s and maximum speeds of up to 1 Gbps/s depending on the technology used. Though Ethernet is faster than DSL, it’s costly to set up for an internet connection. However, there’s a way to convert your DSL connection to Ethernet without breaking the bank. Connecting a wireless router to your DSL modem will convert the wired broadband signal into both wired and wireless. This allows devices with both wireless and wired connection capabilities to connect. Wired devices can plug into the router while wireless devices can be in range and connect.
You need a wireless router, Ethernet cables, and your DSL modem. Place your wireless router near your DSL modem in a well-ventilated space with the router being placed in free space. Take the Ethernet cable and plug one side into the back of the wireless router. Look for a port labeled WAN or Internet and plug it in. Now go to the back of your DSL modem and look for a port labeled Network and plug in the other end of the Ethernet cable.
Next, plug the power adapter into the router’s power port on the back and then plug it into a power source and then turn on the router. Once the router turns on, you can then connect the router with your PC. Take another Ethernet cable and plug one end of it into one of the Ethernet ports at the back of the router and the other end into your PC’s Ethernet port. Go ahead and configure your router’s settings by launching a browser on your PC and enter 192.1681.1 in the address bar and hit on ‘Enter/Return’. This is the standard IP address for your router. You can set up firewall protection and password on your router.
Feature |
DSL cable |
Ethernet cable |
Plug |
Standard phone plug |
Larger plug with 2 extra pairs of twisted copper wires |
Port size (approximate) |
7 mm |
11 mm |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is faster between DSL and Ethernet cable?
Ethernet cables are faster than DSL with speeds of up to 1 Gbps per second while DSL has a maximum speed of 125 Mbps per second.
Does a DSL cable length affect performance?
DSL cables are sensitive to length with longer cables causing an increase in attenuation. Keep your cable as short as possible for better results.
