Broadband ISPs
FAQs: Ask an Expert on Broadband ISPs

What's Faster - DSL or Cable?

Description: It's natural to want to make sure you have the best internet connection possible. But finding your way through the minefield can be tricky. Look at comparing DSL and cable to find the best solution for you.

Firstly, DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. Because it's digital it is way faster than a normal dial up internet connection, and you'll certainly notice the difference when it comes to web pages with lots of graphics on them. While a DSL connection will have you surfing the web in no time, a dial up connection could leave you waiting.

Cable broadband is responsible for providing much of America's internet access, but which service offers the best speed when it comes to accessing those slow to download graphics on some websites? Does cable beat a digital subscriber line?

DSL connection speeds have the potential to be somewhat faster than cable connections, but in truth there is very little in it and of course the final answer depends on a lot of variables and can even come down to where you live. The first step will be to see whether you have access to both in your particular area - if you find that DSL isn't available then the question of speed is a moot point.

The one area where DSL does tend to fall down is where distance is concerned. If you live miles from the place where your DSL line originates from then cable would probably get you a faster service.

The main point to remember here is that it's worth doing some research on providers in your area before you make a choice. By doing this you can work out whether there is likely to be any difference in speed, or whether the difference is negligible - in which case you are better off choosing the cheapest and most reliable service available to you.