Difference Between DSL and Cable Internet

DSL speeds generally start out at about 400 kilobits per second, and can usually reach a top speed of about 7 megabits per second. The maximum speed of your connection varies according to your location. The DSL signal travels over copper telephone lines, using the sound frequencies that humans do not use in conversation. This signal is subject to attenuation, meaning it decreases in intensity the further it travels. You may not be able to purchase DSL service if your home is too far from the origination point of the signal. The maximum connection speed you can purchase may be limited by your location as well.

Your DSL provider may need to come to your residence to activate your DSL circuit, but they will likely not need to enter your home. The company will deliver a DSL modem to you. You will need to make several connections for your Internet to work properly. First, you must hook the modem up to a power supply. Next, you'll plug a telephone cord into the modem, and connect the other end to a standard phone wall jack. Then, connect an Ethernet cord from the modem to your computer. If you have standard home phone service, you will also need to connect filters on each telephone in your home. These filters will keep your dial tone line and your Internet from interfering with one another.

Cable Internet speeds can begin at about 500 kilobits per second and go up to 10 megabits per second or even more in some markets. The top speed that cable can reach is usually higher than the top speed of DSL. However, your circuit is not dedicated as it is with DSL and you are sharing the connection with others. If other customers on your circuit are downloading content online, your speed can be reduced. DSL is not subject to this limitation. With cable Internet, digital information is sent over coaxial cables to your home in the same fashion as TV signals.

Your cable Internet provider may need to come to your home to hook up the service, and may install your modem for you. If they do not, you will need to hook up the modem to a power supply, attach a coaxial cable input to it and run an Ethernet cable from the modem to your computer. No filters are necessary on telephones or televisions as they are with DSL service. If you already subscribe to cable television, some providers will offer a package deal that bundles in Internet service as well.