What is the main difference between DSL and Cable internet like Roadrunner, and which is better?

Question

I just swtiched or ordered from AT&T internet DSL express and phone service. I had roadrunner lite, which was okay, but, when I wanted to add a land line the prices shot up because I didn't bundle everything...mainly, it was high priced because I refused to get digital cable ( I am content with basic cable). So, I ordered DSL, but know nothing about it, and would like to know what the main difference is. Thanks.

Answer 1

Main difference - DSL runs over the telephone wires, Roadrunner over the cable tv coax.

Don't know what roadrunner lite is, but generally speaking the internet over cable is faster.

I have comcast, which provides 3+Mbps of download speed.

DSL is usually about 1/2 or less than that, about 1.5Mbps download speed. DSL is distance sensitive, as in the distance between your home and the DSL collection point. The further you are away the less reliable it gets. With DSL, they are trying to run over the old telephone wires that have been in place for decades.

If you want the latest and greatest - get Verizon FIOS. Fiber optics right to your home. Internet runs on one spectrum of light, telephone on a another spectrum of light and TV on a third spectrum of light. All in the same piece of fiber.

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

Basically, the difference is that with Roadrunner came through your cable and DSL comes in through your Phone Line.

I just switched for the same reason as you and was worried about performance. Lucklily to say I am just as pleased with my DSL as I was with my cable internet.

weeder