Cable, DSL, and Satellite - What's the Difference?

While technology itself is extraordinarily convenient, and makes life easier for all of us, the rapid rate at which it is expanding and improving upon itself as getting to be a bit confusing. It seems that for just about every type of technology there are now several options, as far as who provides service, which devices are best, etc. With this in mind, this article will seek to provide a brief comparison of some of the most common types of Internet connection: Satellite, DSL, and Cable.

Satellite Internet is probably the least understood of the three major types of connection, though there is plenty of information available at websites such as http://www.satellite911.com/. The main perk of satellite Internet is its extremely wide range of availability; generally, it is most common in technologically remote locations, or even in moving locations, where no other type of Internet connection is attainable. That said, however, many people who use satellite Internet will swear that it also offers the fastest and clearest possible connection.
DSL is an “older” form of Internet in many people’s minds, not because it necessarily existed before Satellite or Cable, but simply because it was the first type of Internet connection used by many households. DSL Internet connects you to the Internet through your phone line, though you will still be able to be online and use your phone at the same time. Speeds are generally fairly quick, though this can depend somewhat on your phone network, as well as on where you are. Sometimes DSL Internet is unavailable in more remote areas.

Much like DSL uses your phone line, Cable Internet uses the television line that you already have in place to bring you high-speed Internet. Generally, this can probably said to be the most common type of Internet used in homes today, and is also usually considered to be faster than DSL or dial-up Internet. However, with Cable Internet you are subject to slower performance based on how many people in your area are using it. It can also be a more expensive option than DSL.

Again, these days there are seemingly endless options as far as the different services and providers available to you with regard to your technology. However, this brief comparison of different types of Internet service can give you a basic idea of what to expect when you start looking into getting connected. As you can see, there are pros and cons to each type of Internet, and it will be up to you to decide which option best suits your needs and preferences.

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