How does DSL compare to cable modems?
Cable modems offer services over a shared cable. Tens and possible hundreds of users may be connected to this local cable line. The more users on the network, the more your speed is compromised. With DSL technology, you have dedicated service over an existing telephone line. DSL ensures that you don’t have to share your access connection with others, so your speed is never compromised due to other DSL users.
Although cable can be appealing because of its price, there are some inherent drawbacks to cable modem service. First, the cable network is shared, which means as the number of cable users increases the speed on each individuals line decreases. At times of peak Internet usage cable modem speeds fall off dramatically. Second, a shared network is inherently less secure than a dedicated service like DSL, as neighboring cable customers can more easily intercept data or hack into another users computer. Third, the upstream speed on a cable modem generally is no higher than 128 Kbps. Thus, cable modems are unable to provide acceptable levels of speed or security for business purposes, like video streaming, video conferencing, or sending large emails.
DSL provides a dedicated service over a single telephone line; cable modems offer a shared service over a television cable network. Cable bandwidth is shared among all users on a line, and will therefore vary, perhaps dramatically, as more users in a neighborhood get online at the same time. Cable modem upstream traffic will in many cases be slower than DSL, either because the particular cable modem is slower, or because of rate reductions caused by increased upstream bandwidth use.
Cable modems offer service over a shared cable. Multiple users may be connected to the same local cable line and can slow down service. DSL provides a dedicated connection so you are directly connected to the Internet and don’t have to share your local access connection with other users. If your location qualifies we may able to offer you the 3.0 mbps higher speed Internet package for a 12-month term.
