Dial-up and DSL are two of the earliest Internet connectivity technologies
Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
In the early days of the Internet, most people used dial-up connection services, which transferred data over a network using a standard telephone land line. DSL was one of the first widely-available alternatives to dial-up service. Like dial-up service, DSL, which stands for "digital subscriber line," utilizes existing phone lines.
Relative Cost
Dial-up Internet connections have traditionally been the least expensive way to get online, although consumers must pay a monthly fee for the land line rental in addition to the dial-up Internet service, which can inflate the total cost. While DSL connections are generally slightly more expensive than dial-up connections, some customers find that DSL service provides more value for the modest extra investment.
Connection Speed
One of the disadvantages of dial-up Internet is that it is very slow. Most dial-up connections have speeds of 56 kilobytes per second or less, while DSL Internet connections can reach speeds as high as 8 megabytes per second. If connection speed is important to you, it may be better to invest in DSL Internet. If you only need to perform basic functions such as email, a dial-up connection may meet your needs.
Connection Technologies
Dial-up Internet connections use standard land lines, making it impossible to use the telephone while anyone in the household is on the Internet. DSL connections use dedicated lines, allowing people to be on the telephone and the Internet at the same time.
Which Is Better?
Dial-up connections are slower but cheaper than DSL, and if you don't need to perform data-rich operations, it may meet your needs. DSL is a better option if you visit a lot of media-rich websites, use "real-time" media while online or regularly uploads and downloads.
References
- Comparison: DSL vs. Dial-Up
- Dial-Up vs. DSL vs. Cable vs. Satellite Internet: Globalcom
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images