How to Choose Cable or DSL for Broadband Internet

Everyone wants their online access to be as fast as possible. Slow connections, especially dial-up, are frustrating. Most people prefer broadband Internet, which is significantly faster and affordable at the same time. A broadband Internet connection can be through a Dedicated Subscriber Line (DSL) or a cable modem. Here’s how you can choose between a DSL or cable Internet provider.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Compare availability. Due to the existing cable TV network, it is easy for most service providers to promptly give you access to a cable Internet connection. DSL, which uses existing telephone wires, is still not easily available in rural areas, although people living in urban regions do not face any availability problem.
2. Pay attention to connection speed, a key factor to be considered when choosing which type of Internet connection you want. Although cable theoretically is faster than DSL, the actual speed you experience depends on the number of subscribers using the connection at that time. Several people simultaneously accessing the Internet in a given area may compromise the data-transfer speed of a cable connection. This is because the available bandwidth depends on the number of people sharing the line, and cable connection is typically shared among several consumers. With DSL, each subscriber gets an individual dedicated line.
3. Consider the quality of service. With DSL, broadband connection quality depends on the distance between the consumer and the remote terminal or the nearest telephone switching station. A nearby remote terminal offers better service than a terminal that is located far away–the reason for the patchy availability of DSL in rural areas. In comparison, the laid-out cables of cable TV ensure that all broadband customers get consistent Internet access. Cable broadband users, however, must try to determine the number of local users actively using the service. As mentioned, high Internet traffic compromises the quality of connection. With DSL, the number of active users does not affect connection quality.
4. Compare the costs involved. Both DSL and cable service providers offer competitive rates, although DSL is often a bit on the higher side. Compare available packages, which are designed to encourage consumers to buy a package of services instead of opting for only one. It is for you to determine your priorities and choose a broadband service accordingly.
5. Learn about the customer care offered by each service provider. Before subscribing to any service, ensure that it has a good customer care department. Look at the downtime for both types of connections (how much time every month a connection may be “down”). The best way to assess downtime is by reading customer feedback.
6. Look at the data-security features. Generally both cable and DSL are secure, especially for home use.

Tips & Warnings

• Gather information about cable and DSL broadband services by checking with friends or by going online and reading customer reviews.
• Find out the service providers available in your area and assess the packages they offer.
• Cable Internet providers typically want customers to subscribe to cable TV also when opting for cable broadband. To encourage people to opt for both the services, they have high rates for a broadband connection alone compared to otherwise reasonably priced combo packages.
• Both DSL and cable let you keep your PC always connected to the Internet. This "always on" feature, however, makes your computer susceptible to viruses and hackers. Disconnect when you are done surfing the Web.

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