DSL Versus Cable Internet

DSL Versus Cable Internet What’s the big deal? Kim Shuffield ETEC 562

What are we talking about? • In order to better understand the difference between DSL & broadband cable internet. We first must determine what these things are in the first place.

DSL • DSL stands for digital subscriber line, this is a line that turns your phone line into a high-speed digital link to Internet access.

DSL Myths & Realities Myth DSL is easy to set up because you're using an existing phone line, and you don't need to install any special new equipment to use it. Reality It's not so easy to set up DSL. True, you don't need a special digital line, and if you have the know-how, you may be able to connect your PC to the service yourself. But most people will need a technician to fiddle with the necessary wiring and installation of the DSL modem.

DSL Reality Except for a lucky few customers, DSL isn't as fast as some companies imply. Crosstalk generated by other nearby electronic devices can affect DSL performance. More importantly, your distance the special switching facility directly affects your DSL connection. The further you are from the switching facility, the slower your connection. And, of course, no matter how fast your connection, you're subject to traffic jams once you get on the Web. Myth Once you're connected, you have an Internet connection that's as fast as a T1 line--at least 1.5 megabits per second.

DSL Reality Cost is another harsh DSL reality. You typically have to pay $100 or more for installation, from $40 & up per month for access, $100 to $200 for the DSL modem and network card, plus possible service charges if a technician has to come to your premises when your connection goes down or your DSL hardware stops functioning. Myth Anyone with a phone line can get DSL cheaply .

DSL Reality Because DSL keeps your computer constantly connected to the Internet, you may end up with a unchanging IP address .Traditional dial-up services randomly assign you a new IP address every time you log on, so no one can find you at the same place twice. With an always-on Internet connection like DSL, your computer is vulnerable to hackers . Myth DSL is as safe and as secure as traditional dial-up modem connections.

Broadband Cable • Like DSL, cable technology provides a high-bandwidth, always-on connection to the Internet (often over the same line as your cable TV service).

Cable Myths & Realities Reality In order for you to get cable, your access provider must physically attach a coaxial cable and a cable modem to your computer, which may mean adding a network card if you don't already have one. This installation process is often both time-consuming and costly All areas of the country do not have access to cable Internet connections. If your local cable company doesn't offer Internet access, you're out of luck. Myth A cable connection is easy to set up and available everywhere you find cable TV.

Cable Reality You'll probably never get data transfer rates even close to cable's theoretical 27 mbps. One big factor is that you share that cable line with other local customers. If you're the only person in your neighborhood online via cable, you may well get that 2 mbps. But as each person logs on, your access speed is divvied up. If one of your cosurfers starts downloading mammoth files, your performance will slow down even further. Myth With a cable modem, you get connection speeds as fast as 27 mbps

Cable Reality It's true that cable internet access is relatively cheap--as little as $39 per month. But beware of not-so-hidden installation costs, including a setup fee of around $75 and $30 to $50 for a network interface card. Sometimes the use of a cable modem is included in the monthly fee, but not always. This little piece of hardware can cost $200 to $300. Myth Cable Internet access is as cheap as cable TV.

Cable Reality Like DSL, cable is an always-on connection with a static IP address, which means you're similarly vulnerable to hackers. That means you should disable Windows' file- and print-sharing features, turn off your computer when you're not surfing, and install some antivirus software. Myth A cable connection is as safe from hackers as a traditional dial-up modem connection.

So Let’s Look at a Comparison of what DSL & Cable Internet By Cost Cable and DSL Cost Source: NorthPoint Communications.

Now let’s look at overall pros and cons…. DSL and Cable Pros and Cons

In the end it is your decision • DSL & Cable both have their ups and downs and in the end it is your decision which connection is best for you.

DSL Versus Cable Internet