Cable Modem versus Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

By

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Devry University

Professor Bonita Reed

January 20, 2011

Author Note

This paper was prepared for English 112, taught by Professor Reed.

Abstract

Unless you live or work in a remote or very rural area, you probably have the option of giving up that slow dial-up modem and investing in a broadband Internet connection. If high-speed Internet services are available, your choice is between DSL or cable modem services. Both DSL and cable modems are common home networking broadband connection technologies — but which option is better? In order to determine which is better, we need to discuss them in detail. DSL uses a technique for placing a digital data onto copper wires.

Cable Modem versus Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

DSL and cable modems are common home networking broadband connection technologies but which option is better? In order to determine which is better, we need to discuss them in detail. DSL uses a technique for placing a digital data onto copper wires).

What is a DSL?

DSL is a high-speed internet service like cable Internet. DSL provides high-speed networking over ordinary phone lines using broad band technology. DSL is also called an always-on connection because it uses existing 2-wire copper telephone line connected to the premise and will not tie up your phone as a dial-up connection does. There is no need to dial in to your Internet Service Provider.

DSL technology allows Internet and telephone service to work over the same phone line without requiring customers to disconnect either their voice or Internet connections. DSL is sometimes referred to as a “last-mile technology” because it is used only for connections from a telephone switching station to a home or office, not used between switching stations.

What is a Cable Modem?

Cable Modems provides bi-directional data communication via cable television (CATV) infrastructure. Cable modems are primarily used to deliver broadband internet access in the form of cable internet taking advantage of the high bandwidth of a cable television network. Because the cable used by cable TV provides much greater bandwidth than telephone lines, a cable modem can be used to achieve extremely fast access to the Web.

Cable speed vs. DSL speed:

The topic of "which is better and faster" has been a highly discussed topic, and still there doesn't appear to be a clear winner. DSL offers users a choice of speeds up to 1.5Mbps. Cable modem download speeds are typically up to 2 times faster than 1.5Mbps DSL, but the reason there is no clear speed winner is because cable technology is based on shared bandwidth, with many factors influencing a user’s download speed. With shared bandwidth the speed fluctuates depending on the number of subscribers on the network.

DSL, the connection is yours and not shared, and you tend to have a more constant speed. This is one reason why cable internet providers don't often publish speed information. In rural areas with fewer customers, you're bound to have faster download speeds than a subscriber in a metropolitan center. Because cable modem speeds fluctuate, it is difficult to gauge an exact download speed. On the upload stream, however, cable and DSL are closely matched for speed. Both DSL and cable Internet speeds is largely dependant on the service provider and either the distance away from the switching station you are or how many subscribers are in your immediate area.

Cable Security vs. DSL Security

Home Networking & Security both DSL and Cable Internet can easily be shared with computers on your home Local Area Network (LAN) through software or by using a device, such as a router and firewall software. Using a SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) router is most-often the recommended option, as this will also provide you with a much needed firewall protection for your LAN as well. It is important to check with your service provider, however, as sharing your broadband connect may violate your Terms of Service agreement.

In some areas, service providers will allow you to connect additional computers to your broadband Internet service for a nominal fee ($5.00 at time Warner Cable). Because Cable is shared connection, you are actually on a Network with all subscribers in your areas. This would really create security issues only if no security measures are in place, but cable service providers generally provide cable modems with security features in the hardware. Overall the security of these broadband connections are closely matched, with DSL boasting a bit better security — and it is always highly recommended purchasing additional hardware or software to protect your system, as your service provider may only provide the basics with the installation & set-up of your account

Cable Price vs. DSL Price

The price consumers will pay for DSL or cable Internet services is not standard. It depends on how much competition there is for broadband services, and the area you live in. For example, in some areas it's only been in the past few years that cable Internet has been available. Until then, DSL costs were quite high, but as cable Internet became available the price of DSL went down. With either option you generally will pay a one-time set-up fee. For cable you could expect this fee to be anywhere from $50 to $100, while the cost for DSL installation is a bit more and could run up to $150 for set-up.

Once the installation is completed, you will usually pay for your Internet subscription on a monthly basis. Cable, again, is usually a bit cheaper with monthly fees averaging $40 to $50. You can expect to pay about $5 to $10 more a month for DSL service. If you live in an area where both cable and DSL is offered then you may find yourself being able to nab a better deal on your broadband service. Your local DSL or cable carrier may offer introductory offers such as free installation or offer the Internet service free for a couple months. In addition, you can also check and see if the service provider offer discounts on service bundles. For example, Time Warner Cable companies offer discounts for “Combo w/ Road Runner High speed Online” which gives you a price discount if you subscribe to both cable TV and cable Internet from the same provider. If you choose Cable you may qualify for a “Combo w/ Road Runner High speed Online” bundle plan.

Finally if you live or work in a remote or very rural area, you probably have the option of giving up that slow dial-up modem and investing in a broadband Internet connection. If high-speed Internet services are available, your choice is between DSL or cable modem services. Both DSL and cable modems are common home networking broadband connection technologies — but which option is better?

Works Cited

(Vangie ‘Aurora’ Beal. “Cable VS DSL.” Writer Version (June 03, 2005): Pages 1-5. Date

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/dslvscablemodem/a/dslcablecompare.htm?rd=1

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/cablemqa.html Computer