Cable v. DSL? Any opinions?

BaltoMD · 05-05-2003, 07:50 PM

OK...so it's time for me to make the big switch from AOL DSL to a real Broadband. Unfortunately, I'm going nuts trying to compare the local (Maryland) Comcast cable with the Verizon DSL service. On a strictly economical basis, Verizon wins with it's latest (today!) price cut. But can anyone point out the pros and cons of each, to help me make a decision?

I've always assumed the cable could be faster, at 1500Mb, but it also could be slower, if a lot of users in my neighborhood are logged on at the same time. I've also always assumed that DSL was more reliable, but generally slower. However, one of the other TechIMO postings says that if you're withing 12,000 feet of a CO, then you can also get the 1500Mb speed. I've been very pleased with DSL for its reliability and consistency, even though the AOL DSL causes several headaches that I've had to overcome (with help from this web site, I might add!!

).

So, does anyone have an opinion about Comcast cable versus Verizon DSL?

cunokyle · 05-05-2003, 07:53 PM

Of the people I know that use DSL and cable in this area(Des Moies,Ia) Cable is ALOT faster!

Kruzin · 05-05-2003, 08:05 PM

I have cable at home, DSL at work.
Cable wins hands down speedwise.

discreet · 05-05-2003, 08:10 PM

Ive had both Earthlink DSL and Roadrunner cable, some of the best on reliability. Since you can get AOL broadband, I would assume you can also get Roadrunner and definitely recommend you do so. Compared to Earthlink, they are just as reliable and their advertised speed dropped from 200kb to 100kb but 95% of the time I get 300+kb download and 50 kb upload. If you want to save some money, Verizon is another reliable option. Ive looked up on it before and I dont think bottleneck applies to todays cable technologies, at least not to Time Warners.

djlar · 05-05-2003, 08:10 PM

cable rocks forget the dsl

kenyg · 05-05-2003, 08:31 PM

check out the reports for your area over at www.dslreports.com - they cover both cable and dsl. I know comcast had some severe issues in Maryland at one time, don't know if they've been resolved or not.

haxxorpoop · 05-05-2003, 08:55 PM

w00t, co Cable!

jak · 05-05-2003, 08:56 PM

depends on what you wanna do, id go insane if i had cable, but thats cause i run servers down in my basement and constantly am uploading files, cable isnt that fast with uploading, but unfortunately if you want real fast uploads on dsl you have to pay for it, im paying 70 a month for small business SOHO from covad

Martoch · 05-05-2003, 08:57 PM

We've discussed this before a few times...basically it all boils down to your particular area.

Cable kicks DSL booty here.

Cable @ $39.95/month, 3mb download bandwidth max
DSL @ $49.95/month, 1.5mb download bandwidth max

You do the math.

BTW, would you say hello to my relatives on Eastern Ave? Thanks!

[A3D]Hatswitch · 05-05-2003, 10:15 PM

1) With some exceptions, DSL is generally better for gaming (lower pings), especially if you have SDSL (which is not cheap). At my last place, I had IDSL (144k), which is the slowest form if DSL (and the last resort if you live more than 18,000 feet from the central office, which was my case), but my game pings were commonly under 30 ms.

2) DSL is always almost better for any server-type applications, such as FTP, web, and game servers. The upstream is usually higher than that of cable (though there are exceptions).

3) Cable is shared with other users on your node. DSL isn't shared until it hits your ISP's backbone. For this reason, cable's speeds can vary widely during different parts of the day, while DSL stays consistent.

4) Cable generally has the better cost/performance ratio. If you mainly download files and occasionally play games, this is the better choice.

What do I have now? Cable. My CO doesn't even support DSL yet (it's too new), and even if it did, the higher cost of DSL wouldn't be worth it to me now. I get digital cable, analog cable, 12 HBO's, and cable modem for $80/month.

If you really want DSL, I recommend you try Speakeasy (I had them at my last place), which is probably the best DSL provider. Regargless, look at where you live and where the DSL's closest POP (point of presence) is. If it's close to you, then you'll get nice low pings. If the closest POP is 2,000 miles away, don't waste your money (if game pings are what you want). If you really have the bucks, and you're into server-type stuff, get a 1.5 Mb SDSL line.