What is the difference b/w cable, DSL, ADSL?

[hunge]

Right now I have roadrunner cable, and it is going through a linksys switch to 4 computers. All of the 4 computers get their own IP addresses. I am thinking of buying my own cable modem since I heard that you can save $20 a month for not renting the modem. Does DSL service require a modem? Will we need to buy a router to have 4 IPs? And what is that ADSL available at someplace? Sorry about all this newbie question, but ya. I am a newbie in networking. :)

Edit: After reading this (http://www.techrepublic.com/article.jhtml?id=r00220010212ggp01.htm), I think Cable is much much faster in my matter. At my place I usually get at least 40KBps each file even dling 3 files at the same time. That's like 120KBps. And I dun understand why would people pay like 60bux for 512KBps DSL service when cable is much faster tho quality is not guaranteed most of the time (it dies once in a while).

[Edited by hunge on 04-02-2001 at 10:07 AM]

[spigidygak]

Definitely cable will be faster but just not as stable as DSL. You still need a modem for dsl. ADSL is just another form of DSL. I forget the differences though. . .

[playdoh]

cable is shared bandwidth. You probably have to suffer with fluctuating speeds with cable. DSL doesn't have as high a ceiling but the speeds are consistent throughout the day.

[Jeffbx]

Originally posted by spigidygak
ADSL is just another form of DSL. I forget the differences though. . .

ADSL = Asymmetric DSL - Faster download than upload
SDSL = Symmetric DSL - Same speed both ways
IDSL = Integrated DSL - Limited to 144kbps, but you can be much further away from your switching station & still get it. Based on ISDN technology.

Read up on it here: http://www.dslreports.com/faq

[SpeedRacer]

Yeah what Jeffbx said pretty much covers it. Most companies offer ADSL to residential areas because it's much cheaper than DSL. xDSL, in theory, is more stable than cable. But I've heard some horrible stories from both connections. I'm currently using cable right now and I don't get any fluctuations whatsoever.

[hunge]

wow... that's dslreport really says it all... nice...
when cable give you a max of 1.5Mbps I dunno why people will pay extra for the lower speed consistence...

[playdoh]

hunge, I've heard about cablemodem users getting speeds not much better than dialup modem users at times. The ceiling is higher wih cablemodems but the lowend can be maddening at times...

[Jeffbx]

Many people (like myself) are in the unfortunate position of not having cable access available in my area. However, after talking to many people about the cable vs. DSL debate, I would probably stick to DSL anyway. I've never had any problem with speed no matter what time of day I'm connected, and I know several people whose cable modems slow down to the speed of a 28.8 modem at peak hours - about 4-10pm. However, you may be one of the lucky ones who consistantly get good speed.

Also, at least for me the cost of DSL is actually cheaper than cable - I spend $39/mo for DSL, while others in my area who can get cable access pay $49/mo.

[Edited by Jeffbx on 04-04-2001 at 06:25 AM]

[hunge]

Oh I read people paying $99 including phone service... That's why I said it is much more expensive... What is the peak U/D load speed for DSL (ADSL)? Is it somewhere around 768kbps? Somehow dslreport says the max speed is 1.5Mbps, if so I am jumping onto it. Do they lend you a DSL modem? Is it same as cable modem using RF cable? How about multiple IPs? Is it a must to get a router to split it? Sorry for that many questions again... :)

[Jeffbx]

Originally posted by hunge
Oh I read people paying $99 including phone service... That's why I said it is much more expensive... What is the peak U/D load speed for DSL (ADSL)? Is it somewhere around 768kbps? Somehow dslreport says the max speed is 1.5Mbps, if so I am jumping onto it. Do they lend you a DSL modem? Is it same as cable modem using RF cable? How about multiple IPs? Is it a must to get a router to split it? Sorry for that many questions again... :)

Speeds can vary from 144Kbps up to several Mbps. 768Kb seems to be the most common - that's what I have. Most ISPs will offer up to a 1.5Mb connection, and you can usually pick your speed (obviously, higher speeds = more $). It runs on regular phone wire, not RF cable. I'd recommend CAT3 to cut down on interference, but regular old flat phone wire will work.

Everything else you mention will vary from provider to provider. I'd suggest running your address through the DSL finder (put your zip code in the "Welcome ..Find high speed in: (ZIP)" box on the DSLreports home page), and then start contacting the providers that offer service in your area.