The Average Download Speed for Cable

As Internet download speeds increase, Internet usage continues to rise.

According to High Speed Internet Access Guide, basic cable Internet speeds average from 4 Mbps (megabits per second) to 6 Mbps, whereas high-end cable speeds average from 12 Mbps to 20 Mbps. Download speeds for cable have been higher than digital subscriber line (DSL) for some time.

Function

Faster downloads allow Internet users to have a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Playing streaming audio and video has become widely used which will only be appreciated by users with fast download speeds.

Significance

The number of users of the Internet and the amount of time each user spends surfing the Internet has exploded. According to Internet World Stats, Internet users have grown from 361 million in 2000 to 1.9 billion as of the latest data.

Considerations

According to High Speed Internet Access Guide, DSL has the advantage of having higher security. The bandwidth from the user's access point to the cable Internet service provider is shared by every user in the area.

References

• High Speed Internet Access Guide: DSL vs Cable
• Internet World Stats: Stats