Broadband vs. DSL — Know the Difference

The days of dial-up internet tying up your phone line and making ear-splitting screeches in the process are long gone. Now with high-speed internet, you no longer have to wait for that picture to download bar by bar.

Yes, the future is now, and knowing what type of internet service you need is a cornerstone of productivity in the modern age. Learning the difference between broadband vs DSL internet is very important.

Broadband vs DSL

Broadband internet is a synonym for high-speed internet. Its name implies that this type of internet is capable of transferring a wide bandwidth of data during operation.

The difference between broadband and DSL is that DSL is a type of broadband internet. Broadband internet is the category and DSL is a type of internet connection within that category. There are many other types of broadband internet besides DSL.

Types of broadband internet include:

• Cable Internet
• Satellite Internet
• Fiber Optic Internet
• DSL Internet
• Fixed Wireless Internet

Each of these types of high-speed internet has its unique sets of advantages and disadvantages. Not all will work for every situation, so making your choice on what’s best for you depends on your individual needs.

Cable Internet

This type of connection provides high speeds of up to 1000 Mbps, but it can be expensive and prices go up every couple of years. Also, there are hefty installation fees and you can get locked into a contract with a provider.

Fiber Optic Internet

Fiber Optic internet is basically a new and improved version of cable internet. Fiber optic cables are relatively new inventions.

These cables contain glass fibers woven into an insulated coating. This allows them to transfer a much higher bandwidth of data over vaster distances.

Satellite Internet

This is a relatively new form of internet connection. It involves mounting a dish on the roof of your house which receives an internet signal from a satellite in space. It can be expensive and use can be intermittent during inclement weather or outages.

This type of internet is appropriate for use in remote areas where no other forms of internet connection are available. Some customers also prefer the freedom from contracts, the cable company whims, and other aspects of “cutting the cable”.

DSL Internet

DSL stands for “digital subscription line”. This type of internet uses an existing phone line to transfer data. There are varying degrees of speed available to DSL users such as HDSL (High Data Rate DSL) and VDSL (Very High Data Rate DSL).

Speed is dependent on the distance of your home from the closest phone company. DSL tends to be less expensive than other forms of internet and requires little or no installation. You can also get a price-lock for a few years from most providers.

Fixed Wireless Internet

Fixed wireless internet is the newest and most cutting edge form of internet connection. This type of internet uses radio towers and other devices to provide internet remotely to a stationary device mounted in your home.

An example of a service provider for fixed wireless internet is Beam internet. This type of internet is most appropriate for rural areas. It is also great for customers who want to “cut the cable”.

The Future Is Now

Telling the difference between all of the tech jargon out there when it comes to the internet can be a difficult task. Now you know the difference between broadband vs DSL internet.

No matter which type of broadband internet you choose, one thing is sure: all of them beat dial-up. For all of your other news needs make sure to check out the rest of our blog!