In today Internet era speed has become a major criteria and choice. Over the past few years there have been significant changes in the technology. Faster internet services like DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and Cable/wireless broadband services have become more affordable and popular choice for home connections.
What are the major common features?These faster internet connections facilitates the following features over the conventional dial-up connectivity:
- Your computer is always connected to the Internet, unlike the dialup connection, where every time you have to manually connect to the net.
- You get a high speed internet connectivity, enabling a faster downloading and better voice and vedio signals.
Comparison factors:
- Cost wise:
Both DSL and Cable are almost costing the same. Nowadays, cost is coming down as compared to last year. It varies from area to area, and also depends upon the service provider. Roughly, it comes around 40$-50$/month.
- Technology Difference?
DSL
(Digital Subscriber Line) can be considered as a
“Dedicated Digital Telephone Line to the Internet”.
Cable
on other hand is, the normal cable used to serve
your TV connection. No additional physical cable
is required, if your cable TV provider is also a
ISP.
Like DSL, cable technology provides a high bandwidth, and a dedicated connection to the Internet. Quick comparison chart:
- DSL and Cable both provide a static IP address to your PC.
- In both the cases you need a modem, either a DSL modem or a Cable modem, respectively. Modem can be your own, or provided by the ISP.
- Both provide far greater speed than the dialup connection (56K).
- More number of PC’s can be connected for an additional nominal fee per extra connection.
- DSL is a dedicated line, and Cable is a shared line with your neighbors.
- DSL is considered more secure than Cable.
Availability? The choice for any of these options mainly depends upon the
availability of the service in your area and apartment.
Check
DSL Availability
What about setup? In case of DSL, a dedicated telephone line is required. If you don't have it, then the phone company or the DSL provider will be laying that line for you. Cable works through the same cable which serves your TV connection. In case your ISP and TV cable service provider are different then a separate cable line might be used. Setting up on PC might involve some network related configuration. ISP should be providing you the necessary required instructions.
So which one is best? Both are equally good as far as functionality and speed is concerned. It is entirely a matter of preference, availability and cost. |
