Choosing between cable and DSL Internet access comes down to speed, reliability, security and of course price. Which one is better, really depends on where you live and what is offered. DSL speeds will depend on your proximity to the DSL hub, and cable speeds will vary with the technology used by your local cable provider.

Speed

Generally speaking, cable is faster. Since 2008, cable companies have been upgrading their networks to fiber optics. In some areas, cable is much faster than DSL. This applies to download, upload and connection speeds. The clear winner here is cable.


Basic Internet access:


DSL: 768 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps
Cable: 4 Mbps to 6 Mbps


High-end Internet Access:


DSL: 3 Mbps to 7 Mbps
Cable: 12 Mbps to 20 Mbps and higher


Reliability


DSL is distance sensitive. This means DSL providers can only offer these services within 18,000 feet from the central office or hub. DSL speed will drop off noticeably after 10,000 or so feet. Users living close to the hub may take advantage of the 3 Mbps or higher speeds, while those who live further away will only be eligible for the basic 768 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps speed. Cable on the other hand is not distance sensitive. Because of this, cable offers a more reliable and consistent connection, regardless of distance.


Security


Cable uses a shared medium “the cable” between subscribers. The bandwidth is also shared, and while cable ISP’s insist that your connection speed will not be affected, many consumers do complain that it does. Using a shared connection makes cable less secure, it may be more susceptible to eavesdropping, denial of service attacks, and service theft. In general, DSL has the upper hand in terms of security.


If security is a major concern, be sure to secure your Wi-Fi or home wireless network, regardless of using cable or DSL as your Internet providers.


Price


This is probably the biggest reason to go with one or the other. In this area, DSL has a slight advantage. As of March of 2010, High-speed DSL prices ranged between $20 and $45 per month. Cable plans on the other hand will typically start at $40 to beyond $55 per month. Cable providers usually do not have less expensive, lower speed plans like DSL.


Often times, you will see DSL providers advertising $19.95 per month or lower rates. Beware of the fine print, as in most cases these low prices are for a limited time, between 3 and 6 months. In addition, you may be required to sign a long-term contract or commit to buying other services.


Speed

Generally speaking, cable is faster. Since 2008, cable companies have been upgrading their networks to fiber optics. In some areas, cable is much faster than DSL. This applies to download, upload and connection speeds. The clear winner here is cable.

Basic Internet access:

DSL: 768 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps
Cable: 4 Mbps to 6 Mbps

High-end Internet Access:

DSL: 3 Mbps to 7 Mbps
Cable: 12 Mbps to 20 Mbps and higher

Reliability

DSL is distance sensitive. This means DSL providers can only offer these services within 18,000 feet from the central office or hub. DSL speed will drop off noticeably after 10,000 or so feet. Users living close to the hub may take advantage of the 3 Mbps or higher speeds, while those who live further away will only be eligible for the basic 768 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps speed. Cable on the other hand is not distance sensitive. Because of this, cable offers a more reliable and consistent connection, regardless of distance.

Security

Cable uses a shared medium “the cable” between subscribers. The bandwidth is also shared, and while cable ISP’s insist that your connection speed will not be affected, many consumers do complain that it does. Using a shared connection makes cable less secure, it may be more susceptible to eavesdropping, denial of service attacks, and service theft. In general, DSL has the upper hand in terms of security.If security is a major concern, be sure to secure your Wi-Fi or home wireless network, regardless of using cable or DSL as your Internet providers.

Price

This is probably the biggest reason to go with one or the other. In this area, DSL has a slight advantage. As of March of 2010, High-speed DSL prices ranged between $20 and $45 per month. Cable plans on the other hand will typically start at $40 to beyond $55 per month. Cable providers usually do not have less expensive, lower speed plans like DSL.

Often times, you will see DSL providers advertising $19.95 per month or lower rates. Beware of the fine print, as in most cases these low prices are for a limited time, between 3 and 6 months. In addition, you may be required to sign a long-term contract or commit to buying other services.