 | Shawn Wilson
is the owner of DVI Group, a Web Development and Network Support company. Shawn got his start in the technology sector while helping to start an internet service provider and subsequently spending 7 years as a tech support manager and web developer. DVI Group is currently offering technology classes for small or large groups. You can visit online at: www.dvigroup.net, or call (316) 371-9692 for more information. |
Internet Software, Hardware, and Computers
2004-01-01 11:57:00
Difference between cable and DSL
: Some-time back I remember reading something in your publication about the differences between cable and a DSL Internet connections. I am sure things have changed in the two or more years since that article appeared. Can you give me some new and updated information?
ANSWER: Ever since cable internet service and DSL came out there has been a long standing debate over which service is better, faster, or more secure. These questions are not always simple to answer because so much can vary depending on the specific company you get the service from. This month, we'll deal with the speed differences and next month we'll take a detailed look at the security of both systems. When people refer to cable or DSL, they often use terms like: High-Speed, Always-On, and Broadband. All of these terms, while not always used one hundred percent correctly, are pretty much interchangeable in today's marketplace. Speed is usually the first thing on your mind when planning to upgrade your internet connection, so we'll start there.The cable internet system is typically advertised as 3 megabits per second (3 Mb/s), or roughly 60 times faster than the best dial-up modem. The DSL internet system is typically advertised at 1.5 megabits per second (1.5 Mb/s), or roughly 32 times faster than the best dial-up modem. Based on those numbers, cable is twice as fast as DSL, but that's not a clear picture of how it works in the real world. Because some companies need to share bandwidth, or oversell, to cut costs, the end user's service sometimes suffers, but this is caused by cost saving measures not a failing within the technology.In the real world, the cable internet system has some similarities to a very small network. This raises some security concerns (that we'll discuss next month), as well as speed concerns. If several cable subscribers are in any given area, then all of them will suffer slowdowns during peak usage times. The same is not true with the DSL system. So although cable may have a higher top speed, you may not get to see it if your area is full of cable subscribers. Of course, even if cable slows down, it's still typically much faster than a dial-up modem and users may not even notice the slowdown.The best way to decide which service is right for you is to talk with friends and neighbors and find out what they are using and how they like it. It shouldn't take long to find a company that stands out amongst your friends and should work out great for you.
