Cable modem or DSL?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,335
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From: Midwest
Cable modem or DSL?
I am not very computer literate,but which of these 2 are faster/better value? both are available in my area. i am wanting to go faster than my 56k modem,what are my other options that won't break the bank? 
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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Cable is most likely faster. But it depends on the wire distance from your house to the telco central office.
Check out: www.dslreports.com
On this site, you should be able to determine your wire distance. You can also find out what dsl speeds are available as well as provider choices.
Realize that cable internet service is a shared pipeline. As more people on your node subscribe, the speed decreases. A dsl line is not shared. It's rated speed may be slower, but in reality could be as fast. Dsl may be cheaper as there is more competition among providers.
Do you need the additional speed? DSL will be more than adequate for email, web surfing, file downloading, etc. Depending on the connection speed, it may or may not be adequate for streaming video.
Check out: www.dslreports.com
On this site, you should be able to determine your wire distance. You can also find out what dsl speeds are available as well as provider choices.
Realize that cable internet service is a shared pipeline. As more people on your node subscribe, the speed decreases. A dsl line is not shared. It's rated speed may be slower, but in reality could be as fast. Dsl may be cheaper as there is more competition among providers.
Do you need the additional speed? DSL will be more than adequate for email, web surfing, file downloading, etc. Depending on the connection speed, it may or may not be adequate for streaming video.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 327
Likes: 0
From: Chalmette, LA
I have DSL and I have no complaints. In my area its about $10 more expensive than cable. Cable is generally faster because you have a set price and speed of 3.0 MPBS as to where DSL has 3 different speed levels: DSL Lite (.75 MBPS) , DSL (1.5 MBPS) & DSL High Speed (3.0 MBPS). I get my 1.5 MBPS on DSL at the price of Cable's standard 3.0 MBPS. I was told the same thing about cable being a shared line and DSL is better because of that reason. PLUS if you do not have a cable outlet in your computer room than the cable company will most probably have to install it because if you go ahead and do it yourself any problems you may come across in the future will not be covered under warranty unless you have the cable company install the cable outlet. Now I do not have a cable outlet in my computer room and just got finished paying the phone company for a telephone outlet so the choice for me was easy. I have had DSL for about 4 years now and I have no complaints except for the price but I pay a premium price and I get premium service. I may upgrade to 3.0 MBPS but I'm afraid they'll gouge my eyeballs out. Hope this helps.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,221
Likes: 3
Cable is generally faster, but if you get the right kind of DSL, it can be much faster. For example, we used to have DSL, had 212k upload, so switched to cable, now have something like 248k upload. My friend though, who has DSL, has 768k upload 
I think sometimes it's just about luck on where you live, and other stuff that I don't really understand too well.
I think sometimes it's just about luck on where you live, and other stuff that I don't really understand too well.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 158
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You can do the cable install yourself. Search www.dslreports.com
There is a Cable faq that includes installation pointers and troubleshooting guide. The main issues are using the right cable (RG-6) and properly rated splitters.
The guide also addresses picture quality issues.
There is a Cable faq that includes installation pointers and troubleshooting guide. The main issues are using the right cable (RG-6) and properly rated splitters.
The guide also addresses picture quality issues.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
If you get cable buy a router and plug it in between your computer and the cable modem. I can't tell you what kind of router to get tho. I have bought two recently and neither one worked. The first router was a $40 Linksys router that reset itself every few minutes. The second one is sitting on the table next to me ready to go back to the store. The strange thing is the second one, a $55 Netgear MR814, seemed to work until you compared it with my old router in some applications. I think the next one will be a Linksys router just more expensive. I can't buy ones like my old router any more. Most routers are plug-n-play except if you get a wireless unit you must secure all open ports. My home network is wired. I only purchased that wireless Netgear unit because of my daughter and her laptop.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
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From: Central Kali
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,498
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From: Raleigh, NC
At home we have Road Runner Cable--it's awesome and reliable--more than I can say for the dial up we used to have and the DSL here at the college.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
I compared the cost of cable TV and cable internet vs. the cost of satellite tv and DSL, and satellite/DSL came out at least $30 a month cheaper. I can't tell much of a difference between the speed of cable and the speed of DSL.
Cable generally gives you more throughput, but DSL generally gives you less latency. For most people, it's probably a draw.
Cable generally gives you more throughput, but DSL generally gives you less latency. For most people, it's probably a draw.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 513
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From: Zimmerman, MN
One more thing to consider is if you already have cable service to your home. If you do, and add cable internet access, there might be a price break for being a multiple service subscriber. Here my cable internet costs 12 or 14 bucks less because I already have cable tv.
As far as speed, depends on so many factors. If your distance to the telco switch is far, your maximum speed from DSL may be lower than advertised.
Just my 2 pennies on this. I've been on dial-up, wireless radio wave connection (very cool), cable, and ADSL (at about 100 bucks a month because I need higher speed and regular DSL and cable wasn't available in that area). Still only got 256k up\down for that price. Spoiled now with my current speeds.
As far as speed, depends on so many factors. If your distance to the telco switch is far, your maximum speed from DSL may be lower than advertised.
Just my 2 pennies on this. I've been on dial-up, wireless radio wave connection (very cool), cable, and ADSL (at about 100 bucks a month because I need higher speed and regular DSL and cable wasn't available in that area). Still only got 256k up\down for that price. Spoiled now with my current speeds.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 82
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From: VA, USA
I have cable and my parents have DSL. When I'm at their house, I am completely disgusted with the DSL service. Its really fast one minute, and then almost stops another. Very unpredictable. But, as other have said, there are many factors contributing to this. I for one will stick with cable. My download speeds are actually faster at home with cable than at work with a T1.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 976
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From: clinton iowa
[URL=http://bandwidth.com/tools/speedTest?page=results] heres a link to my results and some speeds of different services http://bandwidth.com/tools/speedTest?page=results