Unless you really want to get stuck with an Internet connection that still uses dial-up services, any option other than that is good. So which is it? Would that be DSL or cable options? Choosing between the two is really dependent on multiple factors, like: what Internet connection speed you really need, your budget, the ISP service providers you are looking into, your computer capacity, etc.
Let us expound on this matter. First of all, not everyone needs that high bandwidth allocation. If you are looking into Internet surfing, emailing, IM messaging, and occasionally creating a website or two, (which basically comprises almost 75% of the world’s Internet subscribers) then a moderate bandwidth is enough. However, if you have to have that much speed for Internet gaming, or video conferencing or massive (and fast) downloading of whatnots, then you would need that higher bandwidth.
Secondly: how much are you really willing to shell out for your connection? DSL subscription is usually less expensive than cable connection; but there are always exceptions to the rule; which incidentally, brings us to the third factor in this discussion. There are now several ISP service providers who offer both competitive rates and faster connectivity. The race between DSL and cable service is virtually neck to neck, so it would be best to really scope out all possible offerings before you sign up for one. You might be surprised as to what bargain you might find for a connection speed (and additional services and bonus packages…) that some of your friends may not have even heard of.
And lastly: what is the capacity of your computer? This may seem elemental, true. However, if your computer is about 200 years old, with so many issues that it could have a technical subscription on its own, then any Internet connection (no matter what potential speed it may have) would be wasted. Try upgrading first, or even overhauling your entire system – and then look into your options for Internet connection.
Okay, so what really is the better option? Here is a list of things about both DSL connection and cable connection so that you can compare services and prices. However, we would like to strongly suggest you also look into what the newest offerings are from your local ISP service providers.
Cable modems can provide better throughput, which makes it great if you need to access most communication channels like VOIP, Internet conferencing and the works. Cable modems will also work wonders if you have 2 to 3 computers running under the same connection.
DSL, on the other hand have lower latency, which does wonders to all your gaming needs. This type of connection provides a more constant feed making the visuals easier to handle. This means that your game progresses as it should, without those irritating stops and delays. If you have a solo computer, a DSL might be a better option.
Both connections have shared Internet mediums, so bandwidth allocation speed is really dependent on the ISP service provider. Here is the pitfall. The most popular ISP service providers can usually provide you the speediest connection because they have all the necessary equipments to make it possible. However, because they have so many subscribers, the bandwidth allocation is shared among them, making connection a bit slower. Newer and smaller ISP service providers usually have less subscribers, which in theory, should provide you faster connection. Unfortunately, most of these said ISP service providers do not have the necessary tools or equipment yet to match its more advanced competitors.
Thank you for the informations!
Comment by Bnserger — June 24, 2008 @ 5:40 pm