Our lives are inundated with internet usage. It contributes to every facet of modern life from education to work and entertainment. There are different types of internet connections such as Cable, DSL, Fiber, and more. This tends to confuse people.
If you feel as if your internet experience is not pleasant, it could be because you are using the wrong type of connection for your internet usage. It is important to know the technology behind internet connection as it makes selecting the right internet connection easier.
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DSL and Fiber internet are some of the most frequently debated internet connections. DSL is the most common connection whereas Fiber internet features exciting new technology and offers incredible speed. How do these two compare? If you have been meaning to invest in either of them, it would be helpful to know which one is better.
Here is your complete guide to DSL vs Fiber internet.
What Is DSL Internet?
Digital Subscriber Line or DSL provides internet access through copper telephone lines. It does not require any additional wiring as most apartments have wiring for a phone. The only investment that needs to be made is on the modem device. Internet signals travel from the ISP through the copper cable to the modem. The modem converts these signals so you can use them. CenturyLink and Frontier are popular DSL internet providers.
Pros
- Widespread available
- Easy to install
- Affordable
Cons
- Low speed
- Internet quality degrades as distance with the provider increases
What Is Fiber Internet?
Fiber optic technology provides an internet connection using light signals. Data is transferred via light signals through fine glass stands called fiber optics. Multiple fiber optics combine to create a fiber optic cable. Fiber internet connection commonly offers an average speed of 1Gbps. MetroNet, AT&T, and Verizon are top fiber optic internet providers.
Pros
- Same upload and download speed
- Fast speeds
- No data cap
- Reliable connection
Cons
- Not easily accessible
- Can be expensive
How Do They Compare?
Here is an in-depth comparison between fiber internet and DSL internet.
Pricing
The pricy is slightly tricky to break down. A DSL internet setup does not require additional infrastructure, which saves installation fees however, its plan pricing fluctuates quite a bit. On the other hand, only 45% of US citizens have access to a fiber internet connection. This is because it requires infrastructure to be laid down which can be expensive. Overall, Fiber internet is more expensive at first but it has lower maintenance costs and price plan fluctuations.
Speed
Fiber internet is undoubtedly faster than DSL. It uses light signals to transfer data and provides internet service via glass optic cables instead of copper cables. The latter significantly reduces electromagnetic interference. Fiber internet on average provides 1Gbps of speed and it has symmetrical download and upload speed.
Availability
DSL internet is widely available. It works on pre-existing copper cables that have been laid down in most areas to provide a phone connection. Contrary to popular belief, one does not require an active phone connection to have DSL internet. All you need is the wires. Fiber internet is not as prevalent as of now. However, internet service providers are working towards making the service readily available to rural and suburban areas.
Installation
A DSL connection requires a modem and telephone wires to operate. Most locations have telephone wires laid down so the only investment the consumer needs to make is on the modem device. Fiber internet requires a fiber optic cable network laid down from the closest fiber internet junction to your home.
Final Verdict
The internet has evolved massively over the years. Fiber optic internet seems to have kept up with the changes better. If you value speed and reliability, Fiber optic is the better choice out of the two. However, if you are on a budget or have limited internet usage, DSL internet will work fine for you.