DSL vs. Cable

What is the difference between DSL and cable modems?
DSL provides always on high-speed Internet access over a single dedicated telephone line. Cable modems offer always on high-speed Internet access over a shared cable television line.

While cable modems may have greater theoretical downstream (from the Internet to the home) bandwidth capabilities, that bandwidth is shared among all users in a neighborhood, and will therefore vary, perhaps dramatically, as more users in a neighborhood get online at the same time.

Cable modem upstream (from the home to the Internet) traffic will in many cases be slower than DSL, either because the particular cable modem is inherently slower, or because too many people in a neighborhood are trying to send or receive data at the same time.

DSL Advantages

• DSL service is flexible enough to grow with the skills and interests of our users

• Customers can dial up services remotely

• DSL is as reliable as your phone

• DSL speed stays consistent as more users sign up

Cable Modem Advantages

• Cable providers could offer TV, Internet, and telephony bundles

Cable Modem Disadvantages

• Reliability and privacy problems

• Shared bandwidth causes slowdowns.