Comparison of DSL & Broadband Internet
Internet service terms and descriptions can be confusing to consumers who are not well-versed in the technology. With many of these services available from many providers today, it is important for consumers to know what the terms mean. Though the terms used to describe Internet service may seem confusing at first, they are actually quite simple and are easily understood with just a little bit of effort. Broadband, DSL (digital subscriber line) and bandwidth are the most common terms that consumers may find confusing.
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Significance
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A broadband connection is defined as one that uses many different information paths to send a large amount of data. Though most DSL connections use broadband technology, not all broadband connections are DSL connections. Broadband was not a term originally used to describe telecommunications technology, but is instead a combination of the phrase "broad bandwidth." Bandwidth is the term used to describe how much information is sent on a particular data path per second. DSL and cable Internet services are both considered to be broadband connections.
Types
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Broadband Internet service is mainly available in three popular varieties. These are: satellite, DSL and cable services. DSL Internet moves information by using bandwidth on telephone cables that already exist. Satellite Internet uses a satellite that is in orbit to send information back and forth through the use of the satellite. Cable Internet services use a regular television cable to move information.
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Identification
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The cheapest, but slowest, Internet service is the DSL broadband option. Speeds still get up to a level of about 6 megabits per second, but that is slower than the other options. Cable offers the highest speeds available, but it is not as reliable because users must share the connection with those using cable Internet nearby. Cable also does not usually meet the high speeds that are advertised by the cable providers. According to the Federal Communications Commission, to be considered broadband a connection must reach speeds of 768 Kbps. Not all DSL connections reach this speed, so they are not all broadband.
Benefits
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The increased speed of downloads is one of the biggest advantages of a broadband connection. DSL service is the most cost-effective way to increase the speed of your Internet connection. However, if you stream audio and video and use your computer to download very large files, then cable Internet service is the best choice for you.
Considerations
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If you live in a rural or isolated area, you may not have access to DSL. DSL Internet is dependent on a direct connection from the hub of the Internet service provider. Therefore, even if DSL Internet is available in your area, your Internet connection speeds will depend on how far away your location is from the provider's hub. If DSL is not available, then cable is usually a viable option. If you do not have access to DSL or cable, satellite should be available for you.
Prevention/Solution
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DSL broadband Internet service does provide you with fast Internet speeds and is often cheaper than other options. You cannot count on DSL to give you extraordinarily fast downloads all the time, however. Much can affect the operation and speed of your DSL service, including distance from the service provider's hub and your own computer's capabilities. If your primary concern is download speed, then it is important to know that many websites place speed restrictions on downloads. It is possible to get around these restrictions through the use of a download manager. It is also a good idea to download rather than stream audio and video. This will give you better results with regard to speed.
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References
Resources
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