DSL vs Fiber vs Cable Internet: Which Is Best?
Want to get more out of your home internet?
Picking out a high speed Internet plan can be confusing when you're faced with three different types of connections: DSL, cable, and fiber optic. Each type is faster than dial-up Internet, but the similarities stop there. Our guide will help you compare and contrast DSL, cable, and fiber optic Internet so you can find the right service for your home.
Is DSL more reliable than fiber optic and cable?
DSL is one of the first Internet technologies. DSL uses your local phone line to connect to the Internet and transfer data. It is similar to dial-up Internet except it uses different frequencies for your phone Internet, so using both devices at the same time won't slow your connection. Between DSL, cable, and fiber optic, DSL is the slowest. If you choose DSL, your download speeds would be around 1 to 7 megabits per second. While this might be considered slow to some, this speed is a good amount for basic usage such as surfing the Internet, email, or standard music and video streaming. DSL would be too slow for high-definition videos, especially if you have multiple devices connected to your WiFi. Some Internet service providers do offer DSL packages with speeds up to 20 Mbps, which is slightly faster, but still is only best suited for fundamental Internet use. The main advantages of DSL are that it's widely available and is the most affordable option when compared to cable and fiber optic. However, the disadvantage of DSL is that it's the slowest of the bunch.
Is Cable Internet better than DSL?
As the name suggests, cable Internet is a service that uses cable wires to provide a high speed Internet connection. Cable wires deliver a faster connection than DSL. Typically, download speed of cable Internet ranges from 100-300 megabits per second. At these speeds, even households with multiple devices connected to the Wifi will be able to perform to the best of their capabilities.. The only disadvantages of cable Internet are the higher costs, and more limited availability.
Is Fiber Internet better than DSL and Cable?
The fastest and most advanced option available is fiber optic Internet, though it's worth noting that advances in cable Internet are quickly catching up. Download speeds of fiber optic Internet match those of cable Internet, but fiber optic is exponentially faster than both cable and DSL Internet when it comes to upload speeds. Upload speeds are important because they affect the quality of any video chats as well as your ability to send large files. Fiber optic Internet is a great option for those who work from home. Unfortunately, Fiber optic Internet isn't as widely available as DSL or cable internet service. That's because it doesn't use pre-existing cables or phone lines. In order to use fiber optic Internet, new cables must be installed to provide service in an area. These special cables are unique to fiber optic Internet by using light and tiny glass fibers to send and receive data.
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