DSL Versus Cable

DSL and a Cable Modem are going to be compared on six issues which are speed, security, reliability, accessibility, price, and installation.

• Speed:
  • DSL—DSL has a wide range of speeds that go as high has 1 Mbps symmetrical guaranteed.
  • Cable Modem—a Cable Modem is actually on a shared network which in return makes the speed performance unpredictable. This is because it is completely contingent on network traffic volume.
• Security:
  • DSL—since DSL is on a closed circuit it makes it much less susceptible to hackers.
  • Cable Modem—since a Cable Modem is on a shared network it makes it much more vulnerable to hackers.
• Reliability:
  • DSL—since DSL is on a closed circuit it is able to guarantee high speeds of up to 1 Mbps.
  • Cable Modem—since a Cable Modem is on a shared network it’s speeds are somewhat unpredictable. Another thing you have to keep in mind is that there may be multiple sources/companies providing service and Internet access to you. Because of this a Cable Modem may be less convenient than a single-source service provider.
• Accessibility:
  • DSL—DSL is able to use almost 100% market accessibility because it utilizes 100-year-old telephone infrastructure (which consist of RJ-11 jacks, copper telephone wire, ect.).
  • Cable Modem—on the other hand a Cable Modem uses young network infrastructure that have been known to provide people with an irregular and sometimes unpredictable service. Also since the growth of accessibility is more often than not on a case-by-case basis there may be a slower rate of market infiltration.
• Price: First of all for DSL or a Cable Modem you have to keep in mind this is just on average because prices may be different in your particular area. Also keep in mind that there are many competitors, so look around for lower prices. Plus bigger companies offer discounts especially if you already use them for some other type of service.
  • DSL— with DSL most of the time there is a flat monthly rate so you do not have to pay for additional usage or toll charges. Plus DSL can be considered cost-effective if you have simultaneous access on a single connection.
    Cable Modem—a Cable Modem costs on average between $40.00 to $45.00.
  • Installation: DSL—with DSL you use your telephone jack that is usually nearest to your computer. You can either have who ever your service is through come and install your DSL (which costs on average around $100.00), or you can use a self-install kit (which costs anywhere from free to $25.00).
  • Cable Modem—with a Cable Modem you have to wait for the cable company to install a new line or you may have to splice the line that is already there. When you do have a Cable Modem installed it to will cost you around $100.00. If you think you would like to try to install it your self you can with self-install kits costing anywhere from free to $25.00.