What's the difference between Cable/Fibre/DSL internet connections in 2020?

There are so many options for different types of internet connection; it can get confusing which one is the best for you. How is Fibre internet the best option for you? Is DSL better than cable?

Don’t worry, this article will help you clear up all the confusion you might have and help you pick the best connection type for your needs.

Cable Internet Connection

Let's start with the most common type of internet connection. Cable internet means your ISP uses coaxial cables (basically a copper wire) to send information/data to your home.

Pros

Cable networks have been around for about 70 years or so, the network of cables currently exists in most of the urban areas and is the most commonly used in the suburban areas. Cable internet prices are lower than fibre internet but the speed is faster than DSL internet. Our cable packages range from $39.98/month to 69.98/month. Most cable speeds range from 25-1000Mbps (Megabits per second). To give some context of these numbers: Netflix recommends 25 Mbps to watch a show in 4K resolution. However, this does not mean that you should ask your ISP to downgrade your internet plan. You are likely to have multiple people in your home using the internet at the same time so this traffic all adds up to the total usage.

Cons

It is hard for rural customers to get cable internet because it is very expensive to lay cable wire installations along many kilometers in rugged terrain, to reach remote locations. Also, your internet cable is connected to your neighbours’ cables so this means that if many neighbours are using the internet at the same times, you are likely to experience lower speeds during peak hours in the evenings due to network congestion.

Fibre Internet Connection

Now let's talk about the newest innovation in internet technology which is fibre internet. Instead of relying on copper wires, fibre internet uses thin strands of fibre optic glass wires or plastic to transfer the information.

Pros

Fibre internet allows information to move faster and over greater distances. It is easily the fastest of the three internet types. Fibre is a great choice if you are a gamer or working from home during the pandemic and need to attend several virtual meetings. It is also more secure because it is harder to intercept the data sent over fibre-optic cables.

Cons

Fibre internet takes more time and money to install among all types of internet connection. It is possible that your region does not even have access to fibre-optic cables as it is not available everywhere yet. However more buildings and homes are being retrofitted with fibre as it is becoming the new standard for home internet connections.

DSL - Digital Subscriber Line

DSL uses your phone line to give you internet access.

Pros

DSL is the most widely available of the three options. If you have a phone line that means you can get internet access through DSL. DSL plans often are the cheapest option and can start as low as 19.95/month. This could be a great choice if you are not a frequent internet user.

Cons

DSL is the slowest of the three options. Activities like streaming and gaming may lead to long buffering times. Also, as you get further away from your ISP, your connection begins to degrade. The most common top speed you can get with DSL is 50Mbps which is an insufficient speed for families or bigger households.

In summary, choosing the right internet connection depends on a variety of factors such as location, service availability, and your internet usage. If you need any advice while you are choosing for the right internet plan, you can always call us at: 1-800-208-7798.