The internet is popular but not everybody has access to the best types of cable or DSL Even though we live in the age of 5G internet and fiber optic cables, reaching speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. In many areas, internet access is a luxury not available to everyone. Many forms and speeds are still not available to large parts of the globe where most people live. But most people in the US are still internet junkies.
Most subscribers have a common choice between using Cable internet or DSL. There are a number of considerations to think over. For example, if the service provider near you is as efficient as reps on the Cox Bill Pay number. Check out other important considerations below:
What’s the Difference Between DSL and Cable Internet?
In a nutshell, DSL internet is connected using copper wires through your phone lines. About 87% of Americans have access to DSL since most homes come with a phone line connection.
On the other hand, Cable internet uses coaxial cables through television lines making for a much faster internet connection. Cable internet however comes with its own host of issues which we will discuss in detail.
Cable Internet
What Is It?
Cable internet uses coaxial wires that run through your television line. Almost 90% of households in America have access to cable internet. It’s almost as widely available in the market as DSL and offers much higher speeds as well.
Speeds
Cable internet offers much higher speeds than DSL, offering a range of between 30 – 1000 Mbps. Its download speeds even rival Fiber Optic levels but its upload speed usually caps at 5 – 10 Mbps. these high-level download speeds offer a great option for Gamers and High data users who work/study from home and require faster speeds and connect multiple devices to their internet.
Prices
Cable internet packages are usually more expensive than DSL connections. They typically fall within the bracket of $70 – $300 depending on the number of competitors in the area, the type of package, and its availability. Cable providers usually offer Bundle packages at discounted rates which include an internet, TV, and Phone line connection. They’re always coming out with new deals to attract more customers. You could even check with a provider if you’re eligible for any available discounted packages.
Reliability
Cable internet speeds are not as reliable or stable as DSL. Even though cable offers much faster levels of speed, their connections may fluctuate during evening hours when more users are using their bandwidth. Since all your neighbors are going to be sharing your internet bandwidth, you can safely estimate 20% – 40% of your internet speed is going to decrease during peak hours.
Pros and Cons of Cable Internet
Cable internet is without a doubt the option for you if you require fast speeds. But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come with its own range of issues. Apart from Fiber Optic (which isn’t available in all states yet), this mode is the fastest internet connection available in the market. Cable internet also hosts multiple devices in a home without slowing down the internet making it the perfect solution for large households.
DSL
What Is It?
DSL stands for Direct Subscriber Line. DSL basically runs cables through your phone lines making it accessible to almost every household. Almost 87% of Americans have access to this form of internet. It’s perfect for casual surfers who just want to check their emails, stream a video on one or two devices and call it a night.
Speeds
DSL internet offers typical speeds of up to 10-25 Mbps. It’s one of the slowest forms of internet on the market making it the new version for dial-up internet. Despite its low download and upload speeds, DSL offers more stability than cable internet. DSL internet speeds rarely fluctuate and offer a constant reliable level for speed. The closer your ISP’s local office is to your connection, the faster speeds you’ll have access to.
Prices
DSL internet packages can range from anywhere between $20 – $70 depending on the number of providers in your area and also the accessibility. Typically, almost all houses in the United States have the ability to get a phone line connection, even if people don’t use landlines anymore. Hence the availability is not an issue here.
Reliability
DSL internet connections are usually regarded as more reliable than cable connections. Although they offer slower connections speeds, their speeds rarely fluctuate. It’s also the only mode of the internet where the consumer is connected directly with the ISP. The closer your local provider’s office is to your house, the faster your internet speed is going to be.
Pros and Cons of DSL
Although DSL is the much more affordable option that’s widely available to everyone, it also offers the slowest internet speeds in the market. It’s the perfect option for casual surfers who don’t download large files, stream movies on multiple devices, etc.
It must be remembered that those areas which are prone to storms or natural disasters are not suitable environments for DSL. Most DSL connections are very prone to storm damage and often break down.
