Cable modem or DSL

KingBishop · Dec 8, 2003

Sell me on the pros and cons of both. I REALLY hate dealing with the cable compnay...

Turner · Dec 8, 2003

DSL vs Cablehttp://www.dslreports.com/faq/129
Q: DSL vs CABLE? (#129)
A: Cable modems are typically faster for downloads than most if not all DSL lines, when the cable infrastructure is new or well maintained. However, cable has a few disadvantages to DSL.

The first disadvantage is that cable is an RF network -- this means that it is vulnerable to transient problems "within the network" from RF interference. Since cable is a shared media, there is a possibility that performance may degrade over time as additional households plug in, connect additional devices (videos, game machines etc.) to the TV lines.

A cable company may react slowly to decreases in performance if at all, as they never sell access by speed, or promise consistent speed or latency.

One of the largest disadvantages of cable over DSL is the upstream (return path). Cable companies are using a very narrow band for return signalling, below all the space allocated for TV channels. This band is prone to RF interference and is very limited in capacity. Upstream transmissions may therefore compete with others in the area, get delayed (suffer high latency) due to noise fighting techniques, and cable Terms Of Service typically prohibit any kind of constant upstream use. Internet use is shifting away from central servers broadcasting to many individuals and some interesting peer to peer applications are appearing (games, voice and video applications, communal libraries). These applications need a strong upstream channel.

In summary, cable modems are currently good value and strong competition for residential casual use, often available more cheaply and far faster than their ADSL competition. However, DSL is probably the more future-proof system, offering digital direct from the internet infrastructure. If your DSL ISP is on the ball, your performance in either direction will not be different from peak hour to early morning, and DSL lines are available for a wide variety of purposes, both business and residential.

www.dslreports.com is an excellent site for broadband users. Check it out, and peruse the site. There is a lot of information there. I personally have cable, and would not consider DSL. Just biased, I guess, as there's no other reason. Both have their advantages, and both have their disadvantages. I get road runner through a package with my cable company, and while it's a little more than DSL, I like the package better. Just me, tho. You may find reasons to take DSL over cable.

Edit: Fixed link. Good idea, Z.

KingBishop · Dec 8, 2003

Originally posted by Turner_727

www.dslreports.com is an excellent site for broadband users. Check it out, and peruse the site. There is a lot of information there. I personally have cable, and would not consider DSL. Just biased, I guess, as there's no other reason. Both have their advantages, and both have their disadvantages. I get road runner through a package with my cable company, and while it's a little more than DSL, I like the package better. Just me, tho. You may find reasons to take DSL over cable.

Thanks for the quick response. I would like to here some other people's personal experiences and see what they feel. Especcially those that have tried both.

GrandAdmiral · Dec 8, 2003

Originally posted by Turner_727

www.dslreports.com is an excellent site for broadband users. Check it out, and peruse the site. There is a lot of information there. I personally have cable, and would not consider DSL. Just biased, I guess, as there's no other reason. Both have their advantages, and both have their disadvantages. I get road runner through a package with my cable company, and while it's a little more than DSL, I like the package better. Just me, tho. You may find reasons to take DSL over cable.

Hah hey man thanks for the link but I'm at work!
I have used both DSL and cable. The DSL was fast but the connection always timed out when it wasn't in use for a while and I had to restart to get it working again. The cable was even faster and my connection was more reliable. So there thats my experience.

Speedo · Dec 8, 2003

I would prefer DSL, mainly because of the problems you have with cable slowdowns when many people are on at the peak hours.

HAND · Dec 8, 2003

I have had both DSL and cable...i prefer dsl myself since i got faster upload speeds (DSL -Download=60KB, Upload =28KB... Cable -Download 80KB Upload=16KB) .
IMHO DSL is better for hosting a game server for example and comes through the phone line is convenient. I find Cable a bit clumsy though a perfectly good alternative to DSL.

Archer 007 · Dec 8, 2003

I have dialup. However, I know people with both cable and DSL, and use their computers frequently. DSL seems better from my experience.

Cedric Greene · Dec 8, 2003

I have had both, currently have DSL. Main reason for me choosing DSL is price. When I had cable I had 2mb down 256k up for $60/month (no cable tv) now that I have DSL its 1mb down (supposed to be 500k, not sure why it's not capped) and 128k up for $30/month. While I greatly miss the upload speed, the down isn't a big deal and after a period of network problems SBC was having with my town I haven't had any disconnects. Anyway I'd go with whatever is cheaper in your area. Remember they almost always need to drill a hole for a new line for cable but usually your current phone line is fine, not a big deal for homeowners but renters are another story.

hbdragon88 · Dec 9, 2003

Originally posted by Speedo
I would prefer DSL, mainly because of the problems you have with cable slowdowns when many people are on at the peak hours.

"LOG OFF!"
"I only was on for twenty minutes! You get off!"

:lol:

Those DSL commercials.

Turner · Dec 9, 2003

I'm lucky, in that TWC in KC has more than enough infrastructure to allow double or triple the users. They seem to be really on top of keeping the networks open. Plus, they advertise about 3.0mbps, and I'm getting around 3.8. So no complaints from me.

Zwelgje · Dec 9, 2003

I've got DSL and I love it.
Just be sure that you get an ethernet modem in stead of a USB modem though. I and many others on a DSL forum I visit have many problems with USB modems...

IceBlaZe · Dec 9, 2003

Yes, and USB modems are not directly compatible with almost all routers and hubs.

Plexus · Dec 9, 2003

Originally posted by Turner_727

www.dslreports.com is an excellent site for broadband users. Check it out, and peruse the site. There is a lot of information there. I personally have cable, and would not consider DSL. Just biased, I guess, as there's no other reason. Both have their advantages, and both have their disadvantages. I get road runner through a package with my cable company, and while it's a little more than DSL, I like the package better. Just me, tho. You may find reasons to take DSL over cable.

Holy crap... looks like DSL Reports is down or something. 'Cause I get a porn site when I click the link... :eek:

Edit: I know what's wrong... the link is mispelled...

Turner · Dec 9, 2003

that's cuz I spelled it wrong when I typed it in. www.dslreports.com should be what it was, not www.dlsreports.com.

Whoopsie. . .just saw your edit.

Zwelgje · Dec 9, 2003

Better change the link in your first post too then...

ArmOrAttAk · Dec 9, 2003

I've used both and cable is far superior I can't believe these people are voting DSL.
You don't need any software, or usernames/passwords with cable> plug it in and you're online.
My maximum upload with DSL was 7k/sec slightly better than the 4k/sec with my 56k modem, 100k/sec up with cable. Maximum download with DSL was 70k/sec with cable 1000k/sec. 100mb file takes a few minutes, with DSL it would take hours. I find the only limitation when downloading is the upload speed of servers.
That being said... not all cable and DSL providers are the same.

Zwelgje · Dec 9, 2003

Originally posted by ArmOrAttAk
That being said... not all cable and DSL providers are the same.

That's the bottom-line.
When thinking about having either cable or dsl you should check which providers offer it in your region. Then you should compare these providers and their products through websites like dslreports.

KingBishop · Dec 9, 2003

Originally posted by Zwelgje

That's the bottom-line.
When thinking about having either cable or dsl you should check which providers offer it in your region. Then you should compare these providers and their products through websites like dslreports.

So who would be the best provider for me to seek out? I live in the DC area.

Zwelgje · Dec 9, 2003

Originally posted by KingBishop
So who would be the best provider for me to seek out? I live in the DC area.

There are probably other dsl comparing sites out there too but for this site I think it works as follows: Here you can look which ISP puts up services in your neighbourhood. Then here you can compare the speeds.
There's no way I can confirm this though. I'm in the Netherlands and don't know US ZIP-codes...

hbdragon88 · Dec 9, 2003

Originally posted by ArmOrAttAk
You don't need any software, or usernames/passwords with cable> plug it in and you're online.

I have verizon and I didn't need any software or have to deal with usernames either. Well, there was one thing to install some software to set up the account, but afterwards I could delete the installed software.

The downfall of DSL though is the filters I had to install. I had to install five or six filters, which sucked major time. Then DSL stopped working and Verizon installed a splitter in our house. But now it works like a charm.

Cable modem or DSL

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