What's the difference between DSL and Cable internet? And which DSL provider is best?

Question

Hello,
I have been a Cable Internet subscriber for years, and have enjoyed the high speeds and ease of use. However, I am moving in a few months to an area in which Cable is not currently available. Therefore, DSL seems to be my only option for high speed internet.

Will I notice a significant difference with the two services? I've always heard and assumed that cable is significantly faster, is this true?

Also, there seem to be a lot of companies that provide DSL service. Is there significant differences between them (i.e. Verizon, DirecTV, Yahoo, etc)? Which would you reccommend based on speed, reliability, etc?

Thanks in advance,
Henry

Furthermore, I've read on several sites, as well as on some answers of your informative answers, that DSL speed depends on location to "the line". How can I tell whether my new house will be close or not close to this line?

Additionally, does DSL allow for networking of computers as well?

Thanks!

Additionally, does DSL allow for networking of computers as well?

Thanks!

Answer 1

http://www.dslreports.com

Lots of info there.


Edit- When people refer to the "Line" they are referring to how close you are to your "central office" (CO) (where your DSL connection meets your service provider). This is limted to 15,000 line feet of wire (not your actual homes proximity to it.) being closer to this is advantageous as there is less distance for the digital signal to be transorted over analog lines, and therefore less chance of bottlenecks, bad lines, interference, etc.

Theres a run down here:

http://www.speakeasy.net/home/dslbasics.php


Also, not to put anyone down here, but two things are answered incorrectly.

1) DSL is NOT the same as Cable.
2) A DSL connection uses your standard phone line and jack (RJ-11) and not and RJ-45 (ethernet cable)

Edit #2-
Yes, you can network computers just as with cable. Just hook your DSL modem up to your router, and away you go.

You will have to configure your router a little differently for a DSL connection though, becuase it will require a username and password. PPPOE connection in your routers config use your UN and PW proided by your ISP.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Speed (advantage - Cable): Cable boasts faster speed than DSL Internet in theory. However, cable does not always deliver on the promise in everyday practical use. Some of the differences between DSL and cable modem originate not with the technology itself but rather with the service provider. All other things being equal, factors like cost, reliability and quality of customer support for installation and maintenance issues can vary significantly from one provider to the next.

Answer 3

Cable is faster than DSL. DSL speed depends on where you are within the line. If near the front, then you are fast, if back near the end, then you are slower.

After being on cable I am sure you will see some difference. It will seem like its just a busy web day and items are taking a bit longer.

Best DSL depends on the area, the bigger the name then most likely the better the service and lines available.

DSL will come into your house like an over sized telephone plug. Same plug that goes from the back of a cable router to the back of your PC.

Answer 4

digital subscriber line (dsl) is no different than cable. They operate in the same way, and through the same conductor. Speeds vary from area to area, depending on several variables that all equate to signal strength. Wireless dsl operates like a cell phone and has the same problems as your phone. The best way to find a new provider would be to talk to your new neighbors.

No offense but, they are the same in that they use wide band digital signals above the existing base band analog signal . By conductor, I was referring to bandwidth.

Answer 5

Try Comcast (here on the west coast). It's awesome fast.

Answer 6

Cable is MUCH faster.

I agree with others, Comcast is awesome.