You've probably read millions of reasons why one type of Internet service is better, faster and all other types of bells and whistles that makes each stand out from the rest. It's nearly mind boggling trying to wade through the technical language that reads like a vintage episode of "Battlestar Galactica." Understanding Internet service doesn't have to feel like learning a foreign language. In part one of your guide to DSL and cable high-speed Internet, you'll find simple details that will help you determine which of these two types of Internet service are best for you.
DSL: Your telephone line's biggest fan
DSL connects your computer to a telephone line either using an existing line or new wiring to send a signal from your provider to your home. An external DSL modem (varies in size and look) connects your computer to the DSL line that runs data from your Internet provider. Think of a modem as the middle man in the Internet relationship with your provider. Modems are generally provided with service, either free depending on your contract, or available for rent with a low monthly charge.
Most types of DSL use what they call a dedicated line, which generally means you can use your telephone and Internet at the same time, and not worry about sharing service with everyone on your block. It gets a little tricky here though. Your bandwidth (the amount of data that can be carried from one point to another) is shared between you and the central office of your Internet provider, not everyone on your block.
Advantages:
- Talk on the phone and surf the Internet simultaneously.
- Faster than dial up
- Bandwidth is not shared among several users
Cable Internet: Internet meet TV, TV meet Internet. Now shake hands...
Cable Internet is unique in the sense that it really requires little installation for you to be Internet ready. A cable modem is similar to a DSL modem, with both featuring an Ethernet or USB port to connect your computer to the modem. Instead of connecting the modem to a telephone jack, cable modems simply connect to the same input used for your television, with coaxial cable bridging the gap between the cable line and your modem.
Cable Internet is shared among neighbors, but cable companies generally have a large amount of bandwidth to share, so your Internet speeds will vary depending on which company you use. Distance does not affect speed.
- Available in a variety of areas
- Distance does not affect speed
- Easy installation with no additional wiring, hole digging or headaches
Want to know how fast DSL and cable Internet are? Stay tuned next week for Part Two of the DSL vs. Cable skirmish, outlining what features/aspects affects the overall speed of your Internet.
