04-14-2005, 02:39 PM
Shadow,
Cable modems are on "always on" connection. Because the information is sent across the already present coaxial cable for your TV, the bandwidth is shared. So the more people on the line at the same time, the less bandwidth you have. If you have neighbors who use a cable modem also, then they are sapping your bandwidth during times of high activity when everyone is online. As you can tell, when noone is on the line but you, the modem is blazingly fast. But during the peak times, it sucks.
DSL is good because it has high bandwidth, and is a dedicated line to your house, so you aren't sharing bandwidth with anyone else. The only downside would be to gain the same speeds as your cable modem, you will probably pay out the wazzoo for the higher-end DSL services.
Really go with what you can afford, they are both good, but both have draw backs.
Howstuffworks.com will have more in-depth information.
Cable modems are on "always on" connection. Because the information is sent across the already present coaxial cable for your TV, the bandwidth is shared. So the more people on the line at the same time, the less bandwidth you have. If you have neighbors who use a cable modem also, then they are sapping your bandwidth during times of high activity when everyone is online. As you can tell, when noone is on the line but you, the modem is blazingly fast. But during the peak times, it sucks.
DSL is good because it has high bandwidth, and is a dedicated line to your house, so you aren't sharing bandwidth with anyone else. The only downside would be to gain the same speeds as your cable modem, you will probably pay out the wazzoo for the higher-end DSL services.
Really go with what you can afford, they are both good, but both have draw backs.
Howstuffworks.com will have more in-depth information.
WWBBD?