All about DSL
DSL, or as it has come to be termed “Digital Subscriber Line”, is the technology of providing data transmission utilizing telephone networks. The use of DSL does not interfere with normal phone use because the phone uses low frequency while DSL uses high. This difference in frequency allows you to make and receive calls while you are connected and using your DSL connection. This is often achieved by simply installing a DSL filter for each phone, allowing the splitting of frequencies to allow concurrent use of DSL and the phone.
In terms of performance DSL is generally viewed as slower when compared to Cable Internet. In theory Cable Internet can max out at 30 Mbps while DSL tops out under 10 Mbps. Actual numbers vary by area and company but, DSL bandwidth usually runs in the range from as low as 128 Kbps to as high as 3Mbps or 3000 Kbps, while Cable Internet providers offer between 1 Mbps and 6 Mbps. Though it should be noted that the number of people in your area accessing the same Cable Internet at the same down will affect the bandwidth for all users.
Also, subscribers of both types often must deal with the artificial limits, a.k.a. Speed caps, put in place by their service providers. So looking simply at the speed of connection it would seem the edge goes to DSL. But there are other factors to consider as well. As previously mentioned the Cable Internet connection will be shared, while DSL is dedicated. Also, because the DSL connection is dedicated it is generally viewed as more secure than a Cable connection. One other important thing to keep in mind is that the physical distance from the providers facilities will negatively impact the speed of DSL while this will not affect Cable Internet.
