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Difference between DSL Modem and Cable Modem
Cable modems and DSL modems are both devices that allow you to connect your computer to the Internet. But what’s the difference between DSL modem and cable modem?
For starters, a DSL modem uses a phone line to connect to the Internet, while a cable modem uses a cable TV line. This means, if you have DSL service, you can’t use your phone and surf the Internet at the same time. With cable service, you can do both. It’s worth noting that most modern routers include both a DSL modem and a wireless router in one unit. So if you’re in the market for a new router, you may not need to buy a separate DSL modem at all.
In this article, we will the compare speeds, data transfer capabilities, installation time, cost, and more in order to give you a comprehensive breakdown of these two options. One of the main difference between DSL modem and cable modem is that a DSL modem uses your home’s existing copper phone line while a cable modem uses a coaxial cable line.
Read this article to find out more about DSL Modem and Cable Modem and how they are different from each other.
What is a DSL Modem?
A DSL modem connects to the Internet by using the DSL technology. It connects to the Internet by using the telephone lines which are supposed to be a cable modem, and it uses a coaxial cable. A digital subscriber line (DSL) modem is a device used to connect a computer or router to a telephone line which provides the digital data connection for DSL Internet service. A DSL modem typically uses an Ethernet cable to connect to the computer or router.
DSL uses standard phone lines to transport data. Although slower than cable or fibre, it is faster than dial-up. The main drawback of DSL is that it can vary in speed according to how close you are to the service provider's office. The farther distant you are, the slower your connection will be. The DSL subscribers have a router, which establishes a home network and enables multiple connections to access to the internet concurrently.
What is a Cable Modem?
A cable modem can be used to access the Internet on a computer at home or at work while using a cable TV connection. They frequently function more swiftly than DSL modems, which connect computers to the Internet using phone lines. A cable modem can be used with any Internet service, including dial-up, DSL, and cable TV.
A cable modem is a device used to connect a computer or router to a cable television line which provides the high-speed data connection for cable Internet service. A cable modem typically uses an Ethernet cable to connect to the computer or router.
Difference between DSL and Cable Modem
The following table highlights the major differences between DSL Modem and Cable Modem −
Characteristics |
DSL Modem |
Cable Modem |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
DSL is a type of broadband Internet connection that delivers fast speeds over a standard copper phone line. A DSL modem connects to your phone line and then to your router or computer. |
A cable modem connects to your TV’s coaxial input and then to your router or computer. |
Type of Connection |
Uses the telephone lines |
Uses the Cable TV Coax |
Speeds |
Range up to 300 Mbps |
Range up to 10 Gbps |
Connectivity |
DSL modem contains the dedicated signal |
Cable modem contains the shared signal |
Stability |
It is more stable due to the landline |
It is less stable as compared to Cable Modem |
So, Which is Better? DSL Modem or Cable Modem
DSL uses a phone line to deliver internet service, while cable uses a coaxial cable, or “coax,” similar to the type used for cable TV service. Now that we know how each type of internet service is delivered, let’s explore the key differences between DSL and cable −
Speed − Cable offers faster speeds than DSL. If you download a lot of content or stream video regularly, you’ll want to consider a plan with higher speeds.
Availability − DSL is widely available across the U.S., but availability varies by location. Cable is also widely available, but in some areas only one ISP may offer service.
Price − In general, DSL plans are cheaper than comparable cable plans. However, pricing can vary depending on your location and the speed of the plan you select.
Conclusion
The distinction between a cable modem and a DSL modem is pretty obvious. Since cable modems offer faster download rates than DSL modems, they are the most popular type of modem. However, a DSL modem can be a better option for you if you require a more dependable connection without bandwidth limits.
Both DSL and cable modems use different frequency bands to transmit data. DSL modulation uses lower frequencies, which means that it can be transmitted over longer distances with less signal degradation. This also means that more people can subscribe to a single DSL connection without affecting speeds. Cable modulation, on the other hand, uses higher frequencies, which limits the distance it can travel but provides faster speeds.
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