DSL vs Cable Internet

Cable Modem:

- Provided by your cable company.
- Almost like high-speed ethernet into your home, but your not the only customer using that connection.
- No type of dialing: just plug the ethernet cable in and your set to download Lab Rats TV.
- Super-fast with a consist speed.

DSL Modem:

- AKA: Digital Subscriber Line.
- Transmitted through your regular telephone line.
- Provided by your telephone company or a reseller.

- Two Types of DSL:

- ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line or Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line

- Download and Upload speeds are not the same.

- SDSL: Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line or Synchronous Digital Subscriber Line

- Download and Upload speeds are equal.

- First generation DSL can reach a maximum speed of 8 Mbps within 5000 feet of the telco switch.

- ADSL2 can reach 12 Mbps within 8000 feet [2.5km] of the telco switch.

- ADSL2+ can go up to 24 Mbps.

- DSL is transmitted on frequencies between 10 and 100 kHz, which do not come through during voice calls.

- A dedicated line between you and your DSL providor.

- In some areas you can pay for DSL service without paying for phone service, which is called "naked DSL".

- DSL still dials just not in the traditional way most people think of it.

- DSL uses a PPPoE to dial.

- PPPoE: Point to Point Protocal over Ethernet.

- DSL subscribers can use a router, which you would set the router as the PPPoE.

- DSL customers also need a user ID and password from there providor to complete the PPPoE connection.

- To complete a speed test using SpeakEasy: http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/.

- Remember, when shopping for boardband access check the specs to make sure they fit your needs.