DSL Vs. Satellite Speeds

by Skip Shelton, Demand Media

Satellites in stationary orbits provide Internet access to rural areas.

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Digital-subscriber lines, known as DSL, transfer Internet data across the same twisted-pair copper wiring that provides phone service to residences and businesses. Satellite Internet connectivity requires installation of a small satellite transceiver to send and receive signals from a satellite orbiting the earth from a fixed position. Internet connectivity through either DSL or satellite requires a subscription service through a broadband provider. DSL and Satellite speeds are measured in downloads, uploads and latency.

Latency

Latency is a measure, in milliseconds, of the response time to requests sent across the Internet. The latency, or time-delay, between request and response does not affect the total throughput speed -- download and upload speed -- of the Internet service. High latency introduces "lag" into the service resulting in poor performance of on-line games, video conferencing and phone service through the Internet. DSL latency is significantly lower than satellite due to the distance the signal must travel to and from the satellite before being routed across the Internet. Satellite connectivity is not recommended for fast-paced on-line games, video conferencing, or phone services utilizing Voice-over Internet Protocol technology.

Dowload Throughput Speed

The broadband service's download speed measures how quickly files are transferred to your connected device. Streaming video, large file downloads and page load speeds are affected by the download throughput speed. DSL lines have download speeds beginning at 1Mbs, read as "one megabit-per-second" -- or approximately 18 times faster than dial-up -- to 24Mbs. Satellite speeds range between .5Mbs and 2Mbs. DSL has faster download speeds for roughly the same subscription price of $20-$60 per month.

Upload Throughput Speed

The Internet service upload speed measures how quickly data is transferred from your connected device across the Internet. Upload throughput speeds impact the time required to send e-mail attachments, transfer of photos to websites and upload file content to on-line storage. DSL speeds range from .1Mbs to 1.5Mbs. Satellite upload speeds range from standard dialup speeds, 56K or .05Mbs, to .5Mbs.

Service

DSL service requires installation of a registered DSL modem and connectivity within the maximum transmission distance of a DSL signal, usually about 10,000 feet from a DSL hub. Satellite connectivity is available with line-of-sight connectivity to the satellite. Mountains, tall buildings and forest canopies impact the service availability of satellite connections. Both services can be impacted by power outages. Extreme weather affects satellite service.

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References

  • FCC - National Broadband Plan: Broadband Types
  • Tech-FAQ: Broadband
  • High Speed Internet Deals: DLS Internet Service
  • High Speed Internet Deals: Wireless Broadband Internet Service
  • Hughsnet: Satellite Service Speeds

About the Author

Skip Shelton has been writing since 2001, having authored and co-authored numerous articles for "Disclose Journal." He holds a Bachelor in Science in education and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in management from Northwest Nazarene University. Shelton also operates a small automotive maintenance and part-replacement shop.

Photo Credits

  • Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images