What's the difference between Cable/Fibre/DSL internet connections in 2020?
What's the difference between Cable/Fibre/DSL internet connections in 2020?
There are so many options for different types of internet connection; it can get confusing which one is the best for you. How is Fibre internet the best option for you? Is DSL better than cable?
Don’t worry, this article will help you clear up all the confusion you might have and help you pick the best connection type for your needs.
Cable Internet Connection
Let's start with the most common type of internet connection. Cable internet means your ISP uses coaxial cables (basically a copper wire) to send information/data to your home.
Pros
Cable networks have been around for about 70 years or so, the network of cables currently exists in most of the urban areas and is the most commonly used in the suburban areas. Cable internet prices are lower than fibre internet but the speed is faster than DSL internet. Our cable packages range from $39.98/month to 69.98/month. Most cable speeds range from 25-1000Mbps (Megabits per second). To give some context to these numbers: Netflix recommends 25 Mbps to watch a show in 4K resolution. However, this does not mean that you should ask your ISP to downgrade your internet plan. You are likely to have multiple people in your home using the internet simultaneously, so this traffic all adds up to the total usage.
Cons
It is hard for rural customers to get cable internet because it is very expensive to lay cable wire installations along many kilometers in rugged terrain, to reach remote locations. Also, your internet cable is connected to your neighbours’ cables so this means that if many neighbours are using the internet at the same time, you are likely to experience lower speeds during peak hours in the evenings due to network congestion.
Fibre Internet Connection
Now let's talk about the newest innovation in internet technology, fibre internet. Instead of relying on copper wires, fibre internet uses thin strands of fibre optic glass wires or plastic to transfer the information.
Pros
Fibre internet allows information to move faster and over greater distances. It is easily the fastest of the three internet types. Fibre is a great choice if you are a gamer, working from home during the pandemic and must attend several virtual meetings. It is also more secure because it is harder to intercept the data sent over fibre-optic cables.
Cons
Fibre internet takes more time and money to install among all types of internet connection. It is possible that your region does not even have access to fibre-optic cables as it is not available everywhere yet. However, more buildings and homes are being retrofitted with fibre as it is becoming the new standard for home internet connections.
DSL - Digital Subscriber Line
DSL uses your phone line to give you internet access.