Who wants to be the tortoise when you can have the hare. High-speed Internet isn't a technology that's built for crawling, so "DSL vs. Cable - Part Two" will help you determine whether DSL or cable Internet is a better fit for your need for speed.
Raw Speed
Just based on potential alone, cable's bandwidth is generally capable of reaching speeds up to 30 Mbps, while the most common form of DSL—ADSL—usually peaks at about 6 Mbps. Fiber optic technology helps VDSL reach similar speeds as cable Internet, but is not as widely available in residential areas as ADSL.
Factors that affect actual speed
- The same cable line connects to many households, so bandwidth can fluctuate depending on how many users are online simultaneously.
- DSL speeds vary depending on your distance from the central office. The closer you are the better.
- Package price is your best bet for determining speed. The faster DSL and Cable Internet packages usually range from $40-$50.
- Most DSL and cable Internet services are asymmetrical, meaning that downloading and uploading speeds are different. Basically, activities such as receiving emails and browsing websites are generally faster than sending emails and uploading files.
- Most companies will provide a range of download and upload speeds specifically detailing a max bandwidth.
Not sure what comes in your high speed bag of tricks? "DSL vs. Cable: Part Three: Equipment and Availability" will outline the installation fees, required equipment and general availability of DSL and cable Internet.
