Main Types Of Broadband
In the United States, there are three primary forms of high speed Internet connections for home use. While Cable is the most popular because of the high speeds, it is also more expensive. DSL has greater coverage areas, is cheaper than cable on average, but is much slower. Fiber is the newest type of connection and as fast or even faster than cable, but still not widely available.
Discover which type of connection and bundle offers are accessible in your general vicinity by utilizing this database which checks for Internet Providers by zip code.
We will explain the main differences and advantages of each in order to help you decide on the right broadband connection for you.
Discover which type of connection and bundle offers are accessible in your general vicinity by utilizing this database which checks for Internet Providers by zip code.
We will explain the main differences and advantages of each in order to help you decide on the right broadband connection for you.
Fiber Optic Internet
If both Fiber and Cable are available in your area, then you are one of the lucky ones. You have a real choice between the two fastest types of connections in the country. Also, both Fiber and Cable also provide TV and phone services. This allows you to easily bundle your Internet with either TV and/or voice. Statistics show that when both Verizon FiOS and a cable provider are available, most people choose FiOS.
Broadband Cable Internet
The clear winner in the competition between cable and DSL was clearly won by cable. Ever since DOCSIS 3.0 cable technology was implemented, cable quickly became the better choice. With speeds above 100 Mbps, cable left DSL in the dust and it won't ever be able to catch up. Newer forms of fiber-optic cable connections are being developed that will reach 1 Gbps, and DSL lines have no means to improve speed in a comparable way.
When the choice is between cable and DSL Internet providers, the vast majority of home owners will choose cable.
When the choice is between cable and DSL Internet providers, the vast majority of home owners will choose cable.
DSL / ADSL Internet
The more advanced form of DSL lines are known as ADSL or ADSL2+. This type of Internet connection uses copper phone lines to transmit information. It is also the most broadly accessible across the country and the simplest to set-up.
The max speeds on ADSL items are around 15Mbps, but only in limited areas.. Most households will only be able to get the lower speeds. Still, if cable is just too expensive, then you can still get a decent Internet connection by choosing DSL.
The max speeds on ADSL items are around 15Mbps, but only in limited areas.. Most households will only be able to get the lower speeds. Still, if cable is just too expensive, then you can still get a decent Internet connection by choosing DSL.
High Speed Satellite Internet
For many Americans, there really is no good choice for high speed Internet. They live in rural areas that certainly don't have fiber optic lines, might have a good cable company in the area, but probable only have DSL, if that.
For these people, satellite Internet is the only real option for a fast Internet connection. Luckily, new satellites were launched by both HughesNet and Exede which provide faster speeds than satellite could in the past. Download speeds of up to 12 Mbps are available via satellite in some areas, but in most areas of the country, it will be limited to around 5 Mbps. Problems with weather, latency, and high costs still remain, but at least it provides and option.
For these people, satellite Internet is the only real option for a fast Internet connection. Luckily, new satellites were launched by both HughesNet and Exede which provide faster speeds than satellite could in the past. Download speeds of up to 12 Mbps are available via satellite in some areas, but in most areas of the country, it will be limited to around 5 Mbps. Problems with weather, latency, and high costs still remain, but at least it provides and option.