Cable Modem VS DSL :: Broadband

Both DSL and cable modems make accessing the Internet so much easier and speedy. However, you’ll find a few major differences between them. These differences can be broadly classified into Setup, Availability and Performance. The similarities are in Speed, Cost, Benefits and Security.

Cable modem vs. DSL The differences

Setup. DSL or Digital Subscriber Link uses a copper wire, which is the same telephone wiring as analog modems. It actually works on the unused high frequencies of the line. DSL modems contain an internal signal splitter. It carries voice signals on usual low frequencies and data signals above that. The splitter allows simultaneous access to the link by telephone and computer. There is no need to install a second phone line, thanks to the DSL technology.

Cable modem is an external device. It consists of two connectors. One to the cable wall outlet and the other to the standard 10 Base-T Ethernet card in the PC. Cable companies actually dedicate a standard cable-TV channel for Internet and multimedia services. PCs equipped with a cable modem are connected to the cable TV network using the same type of hookup used for the television. Once connected, the cable modem lines are set-aside for data transfer to access the Internet. The cable modem receives digital information from the cable TV network and passes it to the PC.

Availability

Most local cable companies offer cable modem service. However, the technology used to implement DSL service only works over limited physical distance. At a maximum, DSL would run about 18,000 feet (3.5 miles or 5.5 kilometers) from the telephone exchange. Therefore, the distance you are at also determines the speed you would get.

Performance

In theory, cable modem should be faster than DSL. This is because cable television networks are designed to display full-motion pictures, which require greater bandwidth. Because of this, you would get Internet connection at very high speeds. However this is not the case. What actually happens is that cables modems have shared access. Much like an office network, where all traffic travels across a common connection. This shared access makes cable modem speeds comparable to the DSL.

DSL modems provide a dedicated connection to the phone company’s central office. But after this, they share a single pipe from there to the user PC. Many consumers complain that connections drop unexpectedly. On the other hand, DSL service maintains a constant feed with lower latency.

The debate between cable internet vs DSL is continuing for quite a while. Both these technologies have their plus points. But there are minus points as well.