I know this is not a windows specific question but I also know there are
people here that can and would probably like to answer and/or comment on
this. Below is a copy/paste of an answer given on an FAQ at
www.broadbandreports.com. I know this same answer has been there for 3 years
if not more. I recently moved and am in need of a new internet provider and
so I am revisiting the 'cable vs. dsl' question. I know service varies
depending on area so this has to remain 'general' based on the technologies.
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Q: DSL vs CABLE? (#129)
A: This is a question that is asked everywhere you look. Which do I want
.... DSL or Cable?
DSL service shares bandwidth amongst ALL users connected to the same
DSLAM. Cable shares bandwidth amongst ALL users connected to the same CMTS.
DSL's advantage?
The dedicated circuit prevents other users from affecting your connection
to any significant degree. (In most cases.)
Cable's advantage?
Generally cable can support higher bandwidth rates, and can usually
provide service to a larger area than 18,000 wire-feet, DSL's limit.
Cable modems are typically faster for downloads than most if not all DSL
lines, when the cable infrastructure is new or well maintained. One of the
most common complaints seen in our cable forums is that of increased latency
and other problems as more subscribers in a given area come on line.
Additionally, cable has a few other disadvantages when compared to DSL.
The first disadvantage is that cable is an RF network -- this means that
it is vulnerable to transient problems "within the network" from RF
interference. Since cable is a shared media, there is a possibility that
performance may degrade over time as additional households plug in, connect
additional devices (videos, game machines etc.) to the TV lines.
A cable company may react slowly to decreases in performance if it reacts
at all, as they never sell access by speed, or promise consistent speed or
latency.
Another of the disadvantages of cable over DSL is the upstream (return
path). Cable companies are using a very narrow band for return signalling,
and this is positioned below all the space allocated for TV channels. This
band is prone to RF interference and is very limited in capacity. Upstream
transmissions may therefore compete with others in the area, get delayed
(suffer high latency) due to noise fighting techniques, and cable TOS (Terms
Of Service) typically prohibit any kind of constant upstream use. Internet
use is shifting away from central servers broadcasting to many individuals
and some interesting peer to peer applications are appearing (games, voice
and video applications, communal libraries). These applications need a
strong upstream channel.
In summary, cable modems are currently good value and strong competition
for residential casual use, often available more cheaply and far faster than
their ADSL competition. However, DSL is probably the more future-proof
system, offering digital direct from the internet infrastructure. If your
DSL ISP is on the ball, your performance in either direction will not be
different from peak hour to early morning, and DSL lines are available for a
wide variety of purposes, both business and residential.
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