Compare DSL and cable internet options to see which suits your needs best.
Compare DSL and cable internet options to see which suits your needs best.
It has consistently been clear since DSL and Cable were deployed on less advanced gear that DSL remains the better choice. The justification has also become much weaker over time. In the early 2000s, DSL offered advantages because bandwidth was not shared, ensuring you received exactly what was allocated and gradually decreasing with distance from the central office. Cable provided fixed bandwidth but always shared among all connected devices at that node, which led to extremely high bandwidth imbalances—often around a 100:1 ratio (e.g., 10Mbit down, 100K up)—as providers aimed to deter file sharers from disrupting their business during the era of "unlimited internet." Now, with the trend shifting back toward unlimited services, bandwidth has increased, but costs have risen threefold. DSL still stands out as the superior option, especially when not channel-bonded. For instance, Shaw (cable) versus Telus (DSL) would yield latencies of 100ms versus 20ms for similar routes, or 20ms versus 6ms for metro locations. This means choosing DSL ensures you stay on the 75Mbps VDSL2 plan rather than opting for the more expensive 150Mbps channel bonded version. Cable typically offers a 38Mbit down / 27Mbit up setup before any bonding, while DOCSIS 2.0 caps at 40Mbits (40 down, 30 up). Even with DOCSIS 4.0’s potential for 10Gbps, providers are unlikely to invest in it due to the high costs and complexity of channel bonding. Current DOCSIS 3.1 supports cable up to 1216Mbits down / 216Mbits up. For VDSL2+, the limit is around 300Mbits down / 100Mbits up. Although Cable might eventually support 10Gbps via DOCSIS 4.0, the expense and technical hurdles make it improbable. g.fast remains a niche option for DSL where proximity to the central office matters most (within 100m), with speeds as low as 1Gbit. CenturyLink offers g.fast in select areas. When choosing between fiber, DSL, or cable, always favor fiber. If you must pick between DSL and cable, go with DSL. If you’re limited to wired versus wireless, always opt for the wired connection. Low latency is crucial for gaming and streaming; it often outweighs additional bandwidth benefits. Today’s needs require roughly 25Mbits for 4K video—likely climbing to 100Mbits for 8K—but that’s still a long way off.
Thanks for the details. I’m planning to give CenturyLink DSL a shot.
Don't rely solely on what they say. Request the real documentation or contract for the connection. I'm ready to assume it mentions "up to" 100 down and 10 up without guaranteeing those rates. Checking their site, all speed plans indicate "up to." -kp
Based on my observations, fiber generally outperforms DSL and cable. While cable now provides faster speeds than DSL in my region, peak usage can still cause congestion. Fiber remains the top choice whenever available. It’s wise to check with locals to understand real-world performance. I’ve received excellent service from Telus Fiber nearby, but their social media reveals many frustrated users. Each person’s experience can differ significantly.
Previously I received 99Mbit from VDSL beyond 200 meters. Now crosstalk has lowered it to 63Mbit. Each system depends somewhat on nearby users in the vicinity.