DSL Internet Vs. Broadband
DSL and cable broadband Internet are two options in Internet technology that allow users to surf the Internet at speeds faster than dial-up Internet connections. Both DSL and broadband Internet connections are the top ways that people connect to the Internet; however, while these connection options give users a choice in the way that they want to connect to the Internet, they are comparable in terms of speed, availability, price and installation. Both also carry disadvantages.
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Speed
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DSL and broadband are both comparable in terms of speed. For the most part, broadband Internet promises faster speeds than DSL since the bandwidth is larger for faster downloads and uploads. According to Cnet.com, cable broadband Internet download speeds are approximately 2-3 Mbps while DSL is only 1.5 Mbps. However, upload speeds are about the same for both DSL and cable broadband Internet connections at 384 Kbps.
Availability
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The availability for DSL differs from that of cable broadband Internet. DSL is available readily in highly populated metropolitan areas like larger cities but less available in areas where fewer people live. On the other hand, cable broadband Internet is available to anyone who can receive cable television. Nonetheless, availability in your area is also dependent upon your provider; therefore, don’t rule in favor of one over the other before first checking with your cable or telephone provider.
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Installation
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DSL installation is quite simple. DSL is offered through telephone providers and is easy to connect from the existing telephone line in your home directly to the modem. The customer can do this himself or it can be installed by a DSL technician. Cable broadband Internet is somewhat more difficult to install since the connection comes from the cable setup outside of the home. New cable wires must be split and run from the cable pole and then connected to the modem. This requires extra drilling and splitting of the cable to the home where the modem is located so that the cable television is not compromised.
Costs
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The cost for DSL Internet installation is approximately $150, including materials. However, since DSL is usually connected through a phone line, the installation is simple and takes only a few minutes. Therefore, most DSL providers allow customers to complete the installation and setup and, as an incentive, will usually throw in the modem for free. Monthly DSL service costs on average about $45 per month. Cable broadband Internet installation is not as easy to install, therefore, installation costs begin at $100. Monthly service charges amount to approximately the same as DSL at about $45 per month.
Disadvantages
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The worst disadvantage of DSL Internet connection is speed. Speeds are slower than those of DSL and they slow down even more the farther away that you are located from your provider’s central office. Moreover, you may reside in an area where DSL is not available, and even if you are, your existing home phone line may not be sufficient to carry the connection, which may result in more installation charges for a new home phone line to carry an adequate connection. Cable broadband carries drawbacks as well. While broadband speeds are faster than those of DSL, the possibility of neighbors sharing your same connection is likely since broadband is available to anyone with access to cable television. This creates havoc when using broadband to engage in online gaming since many people on the same connection will eventually slow down download speeds. Additionally, since the installation of broadband requires a professional, it can prove costly and time consuming.
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References
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