The Difference between ADSL and Cable

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The Difference between ADSL and Cable - Home Broadband

Posted On : Jan-08-2012 | seen (1367) times | Article Word Count : 557 |

Do you know the difference between ADSL and cable? Read this article to find out what you need when purchasing a home broadband connection.

With the increasing number of people accessing the internet, it is no surprise that people are searching for a home broadband plan that meets their needs and is within their family budget. Some of the concerns when making the decision between purchasing an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) or cable plan are bandwidth, internet speed, download usage, price, and ease of installation features.

With a cable broadband connection, customers have an internet connection that is on all of the time. Since broadband cable utilises a separate line, there is also no chance that a phone conversation could be affected. In addition cable broadband uses fibre-optic technology, which is easier to install and use.

Advances in fibre-optic technologies have enabled larger amounts of data to be sent across longer distances. As a result, cable internet and bandwidth speeds are typically 2 times faster than its ADSL competition. All that it takes to install cable is a visit from the technician to install a new phone line. The next (and final) step is connecting this line to the modem. However all this comes to a disadvantage due to the cost of the service. This is because cable broadband is connected to the cable company that provides cable television services. There are also data usage limits, which can slow a connection down once a user passes it, hence drawing a larger bill.

Connecting to the internet using ADSL doesn't require a new telephone line, and it is more complicated to install. ADSL (or DSL) uses the phone network. Normal telephone usage is made possible because ADSL utilises the high frequencies of the phone line. The lower frequencies are unaffected, which allows for everyday communications. Micro-filters have to be installed on all of the telephone lines in the home. These filtering devices separate the different frequencies, which ensure that there will be clear sound on the phone while the internet is being used. The last step to installing ADSL is going through the installation process on the computer in order to connect the modem to it.

Similar to broadband connections, ADSL provides an "always-on" internet connection. To save money on their bills, people with ADSL can also take advantage of VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), a very inexpensive phone service that provides unlimited local and some long-distance calls. ADSL also is more financially sound; there are never surprises on the bill, as it contains fixed rates, regardless of usage! So, ultimately, ADSL is a cheaper option than cable. One common complaint about ADSL service however is that it is not available in all areas. Before one inquires about signing up for DSL/ADSL service, it is important to check if they are within the limits of the Internet Service Provider. ADSL service also works better for users that are located near the central office. For areas that can't get ADSL service, Wi-Fi connections, offered through broadband, are being utilised.

Regardless of the internet service provider chosen, the consumer can expect a high-speed connection, appropriate for everything from computer games to simply checking email! Which service is better however solely rests on the consumer: their budget, amount of internet usage, and availability. Before making the decision, the buyer should research their local internet service providers, and check into packages or deals offered by them.

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<h1>The Difference between ADSL and Cable - Home Broadband </h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Ted Brumby.aspx'>Ted Brumby</a> With the increasing number of people accessing the internet, it is no surprise that people are searching for a home broadband plan that meets their needs and is within their family budget. Some of the concerns when making the decision between purchasing an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) or cable plan are bandwidth, internet speed, download usage, price, and ease of installation features.

With a cable broadband connection, customers have an internet connection that is on all of the time. Since broadband cable utilises a separate line, there is also no chance that a phone conversation could be affected. In addition cable broadband uses fibre-optic technology, which is easier to install and use.

Advances in fibre-optic technologies have enabled larger amounts of data to be sent across longer distances. As a result, cable internet and bandwidth speeds are typically 2 times faster than its ADSL competition. All that it takes to install cable is a visit from the technician to install a new phone line. The next (and final) step is connecting this line to the modem. However all this comes to a disadvantage due to the cost of the service. This is because cable broadband is connected to the cable company that provides cable television services. There are also data usage limits, which can slow a connection down once a user passes it, hence drawing a larger bill.

Connecting to the internet using ADSL doesn't require a new telephone line, and it is more complicated to install. ADSL (or DSL) uses the phone network. Normal telephone usage is made possible because ADSL utilises the high frequencies of the phone line. The lower frequencies are unaffected, which allows for everyday communications. Micro-filters have to be installed on all of the telephone lines in the home. These filtering devices separate the different frequencies, which ensure that there will be clear sound on the phone while the internet is being used. The last step to installing ADSL is going through the installation process on the computer in order to connect the modem to it.

Similar to broadband connections, ADSL provides an "always-on" internet connection. To save money on their bills, people with ADSL can also take advantage of VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), a very inexpensive phone service that provides unlimited local and some long-distance calls. ADSL also is more financially sound; there are never surprises on the bill, as it contains fixed rates, regardless of usage! So, ultimately, ADSL is a cheaper option than cable. One common complaint about ADSL service however is that it is not available in all areas. Before one inquires about signing up for DSL/ADSL service, it is important to check if they are within the limits of the Internet Service Provider. ADSL service also works better for users that are located near the central office. For areas that can't get ADSL service, Wi-Fi connections, offered through broadband, are being utilised.

Regardless of the internet service provider chosen, the consumer can expect a high-speed connection, appropriate for everything from computer games to simply checking email! Which service is better however solely rests on the consumer: their budget, amount of internet usage, and availability. Before making the decision, the buyer should research their local internet service providers, and check into packages or deals offered by them.
About the Author: Get your <a rel="nofollow" href="http://go.bigpond.com/broadband/">home broadband</a> service through BigPond. Great <a rel="nofollow" href="http://go.bigpond.com">internet service provider</a> plans for anyone planning to use ADSL or cable.
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Get your home broadband service through BigPond. Great internet service provider plans for anyone planning to use ADSL or cable.

Keywords : Cable, ADSL, home broadband, internet service provider, BigPond, Australia ,

Category : Communications : Broadband Internet

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