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Home DSL vs. Cable Modem

DSL vs. Cable Modem

If you’re in the process of deciding whether to choose a cable or DSL connection for high-speed Internet, you’ve probably run across volumes information on the subject. But when you consider that most consumers are looking for speed, low cost, and online security, the decision-making process becomes much simpler. Below you’ll find a comparison between DSL and cable modems that will help you choose a connection that’s right for you.

DSL vs. Cable Modem – Speed

Connection speeds are one of the most important considerations when comparing Internet providers, and today’s cable modem capabilities generally surpass DSL speeds by a wide margin. DSL service, which offers dedicated, non-shared local Internet bandwidth, is available as ADSL (asymmetric DSL) and SDSL (symmetric DSL) and offers speeds of up to approximately 10 Mbps. With the introduction of wideband cable service, which utilizes shared bandwidth connections, cable customers can now enjoy speeds up to 50 and even 60 Mbps, with faster speeds expected over the next few years.

DSL vs. Cable Modem – What Factors Impact Connection Speeds

With both DSL and cable modems, you may not always experience the maximum speeds available. Actual speeds can be negatively affected by many factors. For example, DSL is a distance-sensitive technology transmitted through a telephone line in your home that connects to the phone company’s central location. The farther your are from this location, the higher the chance that the speed and reliability of your service may be impacted. Also, high Internet usage in a particular area may affect both DSL and cable customers.

During high-traffic periods in your area, speed and overall performance may be decreased. In fact, congested bandwidth has become such an issue that some Internet providers have introduced network management techniques that limit or cap the amount of bandwidth their subscribers have access to during high use periods; this can also affect speed and performance.

DSL vs. Cable Modem – Online Security

Concerns about online security are paramount among Internet users, and both DSL and cable providers offer an abundance of security features to protect your computer from spyware, malware, viruses, and data breaches. Because DSL subscribers don’t share a line with other users, DSL connections are very secure. With cable, you share your connection with others in your area, but you’ll have a secure connection as long as you take full advantage of security features and keep your firewall settings on and up to date.

DSL vs. Cable Modem – Cost

In today’s highly competitive marketplace, both DSL and cable providers are feature-rich and have special offers and subscription tiers to fit almost any budget. Simply find out what providers are available in your area and then compare the special deals for new customers.