Comparisons of Broadband Internet Services

Cable broadband is delivered over the same coaxial cable that delivers sound and picture to your television. Broadband cable speeds are determined by both the cable provider, as well as usage on the "hub" to which you and your neighbors connect. Guaranteed speeds and reduced bandwidth for high traffic customers ensure connection quality. Connection requires access to cable services, a powered cable modem through which devices are connected and a subscription service. Throughput speeds are generally unaffected by weather. Power boosters can be used to ensure signal integrity over long distances.

Fiber-optic cable transfers data in bursts of light. Fiber-optics, once installed, provide reliable service at broadband speeds. Fiber-optic lines are more fragile than copper lines. Bends and breaks in glass fiber-optic cabling results in immediate loss of signal. Fiber-optic service is less common than cable or DSL, due to the need to lay fiber lines to provide service. Fiber service is highly resistant to electrical and weather-related disturbances.

A Digital Subscriber Line, or DSL, service uses the telephone wires that deliver analog voice service to homes and businesses. Speeds are comparable with cable services. DSL operates operates best at less than 10,000 feet from the powered source of the signal, though line quality may reduce the quality of service even within that distance. DSL transmission of digital data may interfere with phone service and commonly requires line filters to restore clean connectivity. DSL connectivity requires a powered DSL modem. Weather may impact the availability of service due to exposure of above-ground telephone lines. Buried lines have limited impact. High Speed DSL and Very High Speed DSL -- HDSL and VDSL, respectively -- provided higher than standard speeds. The higher cost of HDSL and VDSL services generally restrict usage to businesses.

Satellite service relies on data transfers to and from synchronous orbit satellites orbiting the Earth. Speeds are generally slower than cable, fiber or DSL, but at least 10 times faster than dial-up connectivity. The distance between the satellite and the connected devices results in increased latency, even though total throughput is high. Latency is the time between request and response. Applications, such as on-line gaming, that require low latency perform poorly with satellite connectivity. Satellite connectivity is available for mobile use, such as in an RV, and in rural areas where wired services are unavailable. Extreme weather can affect connectivity.

Broadband capability from broadcast signals over the air from towers is considered "wireless" connectivity. Wireless connectivity uses radio frequency to transmit and receive data. Signal strength determines the connection speed. Directional antenna may be used to increase signal strength. Wireless services allow mobility during connectivity. Extreme weather conditions, radio interference, and magnetic interference degrade signal quality.

Broadband delivered over a power line is an emerging technology. Available only in limited areas, the transmission signal is transferred over the existing wiring found in homes and offices. The significant potential of this technology is noted by the FCC, due to the ability to transfer signals across the existing power infrastructure, eliminating the need to lay new dedicated transmission lines.