Broadband service allows you to use applications that do not work or are just to slow with a dial up connection. For example broadband Internet service
- Gives you the ability to use Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
- Makes the use of Video phones, video-web conferencing faster and more reliable.
- Makes telecommuting practical because you have the same Internet speed at home that you are use to at work.
- Allow you to upload and download large files of graphics, text, software at high speeds.
- Provide the ability to get instant access to websites even the ones with larger amounts of graphics.
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Cable broadband service is normally best for homes and small businesses based on speed and price.
Cable Internet service is normally offered by the same companies that provide your cable TV. The Internet service runs over the same coaxial cable that your cable television service is on. Your TV is not affected by the additional Internet service. You can watch TV and use the Internet service at the same time without any interference or problems.
If you are in need of broadband services please use our broadband search tool to find a suitable cable broadband service provider in your area. To see what broadband service providers offer service in your area click here.
Cable Internet connections are shared in a given network (node) or neighborhood. Therefore, performance varies depending on the number of people using the same bandwidth. Cable speed typically is about 1 Mbps (Megabits per second), or about 20 to 30 times faster than a typical 56,000-bits-per-second (Kbps) dial-up connection.
Normally a cable company adds the bandwidth (increase scale) to a particular network as use increases.
Cable Internet service on average cost $40 to $55 per month and includes the rental of a cable modem. This flat rate cost provides unlimited Internet access. There is also an installation fee which cost from $50 to $150. Some companies waive or reduce the installation fee if you do the setup yourself.
The monthly Internet service cost is in addition to your TV service. Many cable companies will offer Internet service and television service into several packages to where the additional cost of Internet service could be insignificant.
You can also purchase a modem instead of renting one from the service provider. The cable modem is a device that connects your computer to the cable network and it enables the broadband Internet service. To view cable modems and read their reviews click here.
If your home or business is not currently wired for cable you can still get cable if it is available in your neighborhood. If it is available the cable company can install the necessary wiring. The cable company will most likely charge you an additional fee to be connected. To see if broadband is offered at your location click here.
You can also hook up more than one computer to your broadband service connection. To do this you will need a computer hub. Most cable companies do not charge an additional fee for additional computers. There are a few that do.
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Digital Subscriber Line - DSL is a broadband technology that converts a normal phone line into a high speed internet connection. Like cable, DSL is always on while your computer is on. The maximum speed of a residential DSL service is about 1.5 mbps (megabits per second). There are other types of DSL connections for home and office that can go significantly above that.
To install DSL all that is required is that you install a DSL modem to your computer and the DSL line to your modem. If you have less than six phone lines in your office or home DSL works great.
There are several types of DSL service.
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. (ADSL) is the most widely used form of DSL today. 'Asymmetric' meaning that data moves faster when downloading information than from uploading information. Therefore it's great for downloading large files or surfing the internet.
The way the ADSL technology works is that it divides the available frequencies in a line based on the theory that users download more information than they upload. Therefore the connection speed from the internet to the user is three times or faster than the speed from the user to the internet. As a result the user will benefit the most.
ADSL offers rates of 1.5 to 9 Mbps when downloading data and from 16 to 640 Kbps when sending. Data rates differ significantly depending on the distance from the telephone exchange, line quality and other factors.
ADSL speed/quality is reduced the farther you are from the telephone exchange. Poor line quality also reduces speed. If you are several miles away from the telephone exchange, connection speeds obtained may be 512k whereas if you are 3 to 4 miles away your connection could be 1024k to 2048k. A line test can be taken to determine if ADSL is a good solution for your location. ADSL is very popular but may not be available in your area. You can use our search tool to find out if DSL service is offered in your area. Just click here.
ADSL is one of many types of DSL Internet connectivity.
There is also Symmetric DSL or SDSL. Called symmetric because the download and upload speeds are equal. SDSL does not allow simultaneous phone usage. It is used mainly by small businesses with a Web presence, or has an extranet or intranet need. Connection speed can be as high as 7 mbps in either direction.
Rate-adaptive DSL or RADSL is a variation of ADSL. The modem has the ability to adjust the speed depending on the quality and length of the line.
There is also VDSL which is a fast connection, although it only works over a short distance.
ADSL is the most common type of DSL service used today by both small businesses and home in North America. SDSL is being developed in Europe.
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The above information about Cable Service and DSL Service should provide the basics about broadband Internet access options available to you. The following provides a summary of some of the main advantages and disadvantages of DSL service and Cable broadband service.
- Internet Access: Cable Internet service is shared with other users in your neighborhood where DSL is a dedicated connection. Therefore with DSL there is no concern over reduced speed as new users are added to your area or when usage is high. Cable Internet speed could slow in times of heavy usage or as new subscribers are added. Cable providers normally scale up their broadband capacity to counteract heavy usage.
- Internet Speed: Cable Internet speed is not affected by distance where as DSL speed is reduced the farther away your location is from the telephone exchange. On average cable speed is faster than DSL.
- Service Cost: On average cable cost $40 to $55 per month but could be less if you combine your TV and Internet service with a packaged deal from your cable provider. DSL service averages around $35 per month.
- Internet availability: Cable and DSL service are not available everywhere although availability continues to increase. About 60% of people who have a Internet access have a broadband connection. To see what type of service is available in your area try using our search tool. Just click here.
- Internet Reliability: Cable and DSL Internet service is highly reliable. You rarely experience a slow connection or a sudden disconnection like you would with a dial-up connection.
- Internet Consumer Target: In the past cable was primarily used by homes and DSL used at small businesses. As cable Internet becomes more available it is being used for businesses more.
The above information should be considered when deciding which high speed Internet access is best for you. Both provide reliable fast Internet speed and are cost effective.
Follow this
speedtest link
to understand how many VoIP phones you can support with your current broadband service. This tool evaluates the quality of your Internet connection.
