Myth DSL can access the internet as fast as Fiber Cable

Many homes and offices cannot get the higher speed DSL because they are located too far from the telephone company’s central office. DSL circuits cannot maintain high-bandwidth connections past relatively short distances (such as 18,000 feet). In contrast, cable technology provides all customers equal access to high-speed services.

Of course, service levels depend on the specific Internet package selected by the customer, the specific cable company’s offerings and whether the access is for residential or commercial use. Overall, cable Internet subscribers can rest assured that cable has more bandwidth available than DSL.

Often we hear people justifying the purchase of a cheap or outdated computer: "I only need it for Internet and e-mail." While accessing the Internet is certainly less taxing on a computer than some other tasks, the performance of your high speed internet connection may be severely limited by a poorly outfitted or old computer. An underpowered computer will not be able to render a web page for viewing, stream music, or show a video nearly as fast as a modern machine. With the increasing complexity of Internet content, the need for modern equipment is even more necessary. Your broadband connection may transmit data at a faster rate, but your computer puts it all together into something you can use.

When you request a file or a web page over the Internet, it is transmitted to you in small data packets that are passed along the Internet from the source to your computer. The speed at which the information arrives at your computer is dependent upon the path it takes. Think of it like maneuvering though traffic. The busy intersections and slow roads can increase travel time. While a fast connection is nice, it won’t help you if traffic is heavy or the web site you are visiting is slow to respond. When you visit a speed test website you can gauge the speed of that web site in sending you data at that time. Nothing more. Nothing less. Does it help you to know this?