Broadband Internet, with fast speeds compared to dial-up modems, makes using the Internet substantially easier. Both a digital subscriber line, known as DSL, and a cable modem offer these fast speeds, but each also has specific advantages and disadvantages that may influence your decision on which to choose. DSL and cable have roughly similar costs, and either one may be cheaper in your area, so be sure to check with your local service providers.
DSL Pros
DSL uses traditional copper telephone lines to transmit data, which can make Internet speeds very fast. Because most people already have telephone lines, DSL usually requires very little installation. There are many types of DSL, but most service providers offer aysmmetric DSL, or ADSL. ADSL has download speeds of up to 1.5 megabytes per second and upload speeds of around 100-400 kilobytes per second. Because DSL is tied to a specific telephone line, only the computers on your network will use your DSL line.
Cable Pros
Cable modems use coaxial cable lines to transmit Internet data, the same wires that bring cable television. You can typically receive cable Internet from the same providers that offer cable television in your area. Cable lines usually offer a maximum download rate of 2 megabytes per second, faster than ADSL. Cable speeds remain relatively stable regardless of the distance between the user and the provider.
DSL Cons
Unlike cable, DSL speeds are highly dependent on the distance the data must travel from your home to the office of the service provider. So, if your home is very far from your provider's closest office, your Internet speeds will be much slower than those who are closer. This makes DSL less attractive for people in rural or suburban areas, where you may be several miles from the nearest provider location.
Cable Cons
While cable lines offer substantially higher theoretical speeds, cable users must share the same line with their neighbors, unlike DSL users. This means that during peak times or other periods of heavy usage, your Internet speeds may decrease. Because cable lines are less common than telephone lines, you may need to install coaxial cable lines in your house.
References
- Broadband.gov: Types of Broadband Connections
- Help With PCs: ADSL Connections
- BBC Webwise: How Does Broadband Work?
- CNET: Cable v.s DSL: Vital Statistics