DSL Provider Versus Cable Provider

Gone are the days where dialling up is the only way of getting online, as these are the days of high speed internet. This gives people not only the speed they need but also the ability to have their internet and their phone ready for use at any time.

This is making more and more people interested in what a DSL provider and a cable internet provider have to offer, and many people are confused about the differences between the two of them. Constant advertisements boasting one company's superiority over the other are not helping matters either as it just furthers the confusion between the two.

For those in the market for a high speed internet provider, deciding whether or not a DSL provider has anything over a cable internet provider can be difficult, as the difference between them is not always clear. To clear up any confusion, know that there are some minor differences between cable and DSL internet services that may make a difference as to which one is best for your needs.

To help clear up any misconceptions on whether you should go with a DSL provider or a cable internet provider, here are the main specs on the two and a little bit on which type of service may work best for your family.
Cable Internet

For cable internet service you will need:

A cable ready internet modem, usually included with activation of cable internet service
A cable company that is offering cable internet service
An ethernet ready computer or a way to adapt your computer to Ethernet readiness

Most cable internet costs range in price every month and it is said to be up to five times faster than DSL, hence the higher price tag. For those who can't possibly need internet that fast, DSL internet should do. The signal comes from the same coaxial cable cord that gives your television cable service, and it is run through a modem and into your computer.

It doesn't matter how far away your home is from the actual cable company hub and cable is available on a lot more of a widespread basis. This makes it a popular and common favourite and even though cable lines can be shared between multiple users speed is normally not affected.

For DSL service you need:

An active phone line
A DSL-ready internet modem, which is normally included with and activated with the internet service
An ethernet ready computer or the ability to adapt your computer to be ethernet ready
A DSL internet provider

DSL stands for digital subscriber line, and it is the word that everybody uses to lump so-called high speed internet together. As a matter of fact, DSL internet is very rare because the signal gets weaker the further away from a central office or hub the actual subscriber is.

This means that unless you are close to an area that is giving off a DSL connection, the chances of you getting a good, fast internet signal is slim to none. There is not nearly as many DSL subscribers out there as there are to other types of internet, but it is pretty well priced. It is not quite as fast as cable internet but again, you get what you pay for.