Cable Internet Vs Other Internet Options
You just bought a 1 Gig internet package but the internet speed doesn’t match the expectations? Is this a sign that your internet service provider (ISP) is lying?
Well, if you have similar questions, then we have news for you. Your ISP is not lying; instead, your internet connection type might be the culprit.
Internet comes in different connection types. Fiber, cable, hybrid, DSL, 5G, and satellite are some of the connection types that you must know about. However, keep in mind that connection type has nothing to do with the internet service provider (ISP).
ISP is generally the internet brand, while internet connection type is the style of connection. Brands might offer multiple connection types so the user can choose the one that suits their needs.
If you are thinking of getting an internet connection for your home or upgrading to a better package, here is everything that you need to know about different internet connection types.
Cable Internet Vs Other Internet Options – An Overview
| Features | Cable Internet | Fiber Internet | DSL Internet | Satellite Internet | 5G |
| Technology | Coaxial cable | Glass fibers | Copper wires | Satellite dishes | Cellular network |
| Speed | Up to 1 Gbps or higher | Up to 10 Gbps or higher | Up to 100 Mbps | Up to 100 Mbps | Up to 1 Gbps |
| Latency | Moderate | Low | High | Very high | Low to moderate |
| Availability | Widely available | Not available everywhere due to infrastructural limitations | Mostly available in rural areas | Available almost everywhere | Increasingly available in urban areas with some rural areas as well |
| Reliability | Moderately reliable; can be affected by weather or network traffic | Very reliable; no interruption due to weather or traffic | Easily affected by weather, reduce speed with an increase in distance from the central office | Not very reliable; easily affected by weather and positioning of satellite | Affected by network congestion and weather |
| Best for | Users looking for high speeds at a reasonable price | Users looking for the highest possible speeds without any budget limitation | Users in rural areas with limited option | Users in remote areas with no other option at all | Users who need high speeds on the go |
| Cost | Moderately expensive, price than DSL but less than Fiber | Very expensive due to infrastructural limitations | Very affordable but slower and less reliable | Expensive than cable or fiber due to equipment and installation cost | Can be more expensive than fixed-line internet |
Now that you have an overview of different types of internet connection, let us look at these one by one with pros and cons.
Cable Internet Vs Other Internet Options – Types of Internet Connections
Fiber Internet
Fiber internet or fiber broadband is the fastest and the most reliable internet you can get. This internet is delivered via fiber optic cable, which is a thin glass standard. This standard is so secure that there is minimum signal loss. As a result, the signal strength stays uniform throughout and even the most remote areas get the same speed.
With so many advantages, one might wonder why not everyone upgrades to fiber internet. A simple answer is that fiber is a new technology, so it is not available everywhere. Although competitors in fiber are increasing, which is helping with availability; however, the overall infrastructure is expensive, which is also driving the prices up.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fastest possible speed of up to 10 GBVery reliable due to strong signals and minimum interference More than 20 simultaneous Wi-Fi device compatibility without lag Very low latency, enhanced user experience | Relatively expensive than other internet types Limited availability due to expensive infrastructure Might not be good for residential users with less speed requirementPrice and availability vary based on location |
Best Options: AT&T, Clearwavefiber, Optimum
Cable Internet
A perfect mix of wide availability, good speed, and affordable prices – a cable internet connection is so far the most popular option. Cable internet is delivered via Coax cable that is made of aluminum and copper with an outer plastic jacket to protect the metal core. The dielectric insulator in the jacket helps in minimizing signal loss. This is the reason speed stays the same regardless of the distance.
Even though cable internet is quite reliable, weather, network congestion during peak hours, and emergency conditions might affect the speed. Regardless of reliability issues, cable internet is still a preferred option due to price and speed. However, with so many ISPs offering cable internet, finding the best cable internet can become a challenge.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cheaper plans compared to fiber, even for the fast-speed packageWidespread coverage More reliable than wireless internet, satellite internet, or 5GCan be paired with cable services | Price is updated every yearSpeed slows down due to network congestion Hidden fee applies in most packagesSome providers are more reputable |
Best Options: Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox
5G
5G or fifth generation internet is a wireless internet. There are two versions of 5G i.e., 5G home internet and 5G cellular internet. However, there is also 5G home internet. Just like cellular 5G internet, the home internet version also has a receiver for getting a signal at your home. However, the location of the receiver is fixed and cannot be carried around.
Since most people have 5G cellular internet, one might wonder why 5G is not the popular pick for most users. The simple answer is that 5G has limited availability. You can easily get 5G in urban areas but rural areas do not have the same facility. Moreover, the providers are limited so prices can be higher.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use and installGood coverage Every mobile service provider offers 5GLarge network capacity | Speed might vary based on usage, peak hours, and network congestion Signal interference is very commonSpeed varies based on signals and locationHigh chance of missing signals in remote areas |
Best Options: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon 5G
DSL Internet
The predecessor to dial-up, DSL (digital subscriber line) is one of the oldest internet connection types. This connection type uses the phone lines for delivering the internet. People living in rural areas with limited options generally love the DSL option. The speed is decent and the price is low, which adds to its appeal.
However, DSL internet relies on landline wiring, making it an outdated option. With such an outdated infrastructure, there is a high signal leakage, which only makes the overall user experience worse. This type of connection also has a high lag, making it unfit for most of the high-tech speed-sensitive online activities.
| Pros | Cons |
| Up to 100 Mbps speed that is decent enough for every online activityCheaper prices and more packages No data cap Very reliable because of the physical cables | Outdated and not well-maintained technologyRelies on old landline infrastructure Slower than most internet connection typesRepair might take longer due to outdated technology |
Best Options: CenturyLink, Verizon, Windstream
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is a type of wireless internet that relies on a dish receiver that directly gets the signal from the satellite. This type of internet has virtually nationwide availability, so whether you are in remote or rural areas, satellite internet will be there. It is also an excellent option for people living in rural areas, hotels, and restaurants in rural locations.
However, considering the technology, prepare to pay a little extra. Satellite internet also comes with a data cap and has high latency and slow speed.
So, you might be thinking why do people still choose satellite considering so many disadvantages?
The simple answer is that satellite is a great option for remote areas where there is no other option.
| Pros | Cons |
| The highest available rate, even in rural areas Offers WiFi in rural areas as well Good for travelersCompetition is helping with price as well | Less reliable; easily gets affected by weather Slow speed, high latency, and lag Installation and equipment are expensive Plans have a data limit |
Best Options: Hughesnet, Viasat, Starlink
FAQ’s
1- What is the fastest type of internet connection?
Fiber optics is the fastest type of internet connection.
2- How to pick the best internet connection for your home?
For picking the best internet connection, consider your needs, compare your options, and check the availability of internet in your area. A good way to compare your options and check availability is by using a good internet comparison website like LocalCableDeals.
3- Is switching from cable to fiber worth it?
Switching to fiber internet is only worth it if you are tech-savvy or you perform high-tech speed-sensitive online activities. In case, you are just using your internet for regular streaming and downloading, cable internet is good enough.
