cable v. dsl

WingWizard · 08-20-2002, 07:54 PM

Hi all,

We're moving into a new house, and here in our old house we have a cable modem. However, my dad has been talking of switching to a dedicated dsl line, (it's a bit cheaper) and I was just wondering which one was better. We'll have a home network of two or more computers, and we're in the detroit area. Thanks!

Martoch · 08-20-2002, 08:02 PM

This site might be helpful to you...

http://www.cnet.com/internet/0-3762-7-2643119.html

From everybody I have talked to (and I mean everybody!), cable service has always been faster than DSL. Most of the DSL lines are capped at 1.5mb/sec, while cable is capped at 3mb/sec and even higher in some cases. Rumor has it that cable speeds will slow down (in theory) as more and more people join the cable bandwagon...however, I've been on cable for 2 years now and my speeds haven't slowed down 1 bit. No pun intended!

vass0922 · 08-20-2002, 08:02 PM

well this is a never ending battle..
I would suggest goign to www.dslreports.com and try to get others opinions of the other ISP before switching.

Regardless of the capabilities of DSL or cable, both are only as good as the ISP is.

osprey4 · 08-20-2002, 08:12 PM

If DSL is cheaper and there's not much of a difference in performance, cheaper sounds better to me. The dedicated line thing, however, is a fallacy, since even a crowded cable is usually faster than a dedicated DSL line. Same with security, not much difference as long as you use a router and decent firewall. But check the rating of the ISP first. Saving a few bucks for poor service is no bargain.

Redwolf · 08-20-2002, 08:21 PM

With DSL, they'll be more lenient about you setting up servers and such (usually).

Yes, do goto DSLreports.

jerrygarcia · 08-20-2002, 11:08 PM

I have cable at home and DSL at work. My cable blows away the DSL. 2 computers networked at home, 3 at work.

Meep! Meep!

Darius · 08-20-2002, 11:14 PM

Only time that cable slows down is when the Cable internet provider has reached above 70%bandwidth saturation....essentially overselling bandwidth...also keep in mind that cable is burstable and dsl is not........also DSL is distance limited....you have to be within 18,000 ft. of the telco's switch.....
....whereas cable has already figured it's distance already....

ClubMed · 08-21-2002, 03:50 AM

dsl is easier to use if your house is not hooked up to any cable network, all you need is a phone line.

I have dsl and have compared it to my friends who use cable, no difference, both systems run fine.

Good luck,
CM.

Lemon · 08-21-2002, 11:10 AM

The DSL providers in my area are a bit cheaper but then the phone company charges for the DSL line too. Basically you get hit twice for DSL line. I proced it out once and the DSL line was going to run me abou $20 more a month when all of the costs were added up and the speed was slower than my cable.

yomama · 08-21-2002, 02:45 PM

Go with the cable for the speed. By the way Martoch
, im up to 3mb/s. DSL cant do that and cable is more flexible as far as them being able to upgrade the lines ect. By the way, here is a tip for cable users.

My speed was down about a month ago. Well after several calls the guys at the cable company installed a special splitter that points more of the signal to the cable modem and less to the TV. The TV still works fine and after i also played with the REG a bit, my cable is really moving. So if you can find a splitter that splits the signal like 67/33 it might be worth giving it a try.