Cable Broadband Speed: How Fast is Cable

If you have been considering options as to what kind of Internet service is complementary with your needs, you might have come across cable broadband. Introduced in Australia in the 90s, cable broadband is interchangeably called cable internet. Along with the other types of broadband internet such as ADSL, ADSL2 and ADSL2+, cable broadband completes the list. The rest of this article will give you a comprehensive overview of what cable broadband is, its speed compared to other broadband internet services, the pros and the cons, and its compatibility to your needs. Eventually, this will help you decide wisely which internet service is right for you.

Cable Broadband in a Nutshell

In telecommunications jargon, cable internet or cable broadband is simply referred to as cable. It is a type of broadband internet access which uses the same technology as cable television. Like digital subscriber line or DSL services, cable broadband provides network edge connectivity from the Internet service provider to an end user. It is analogously incorporated to a cable television infrastructure then to the DSL using a telephone network.

The cable broadband system usually operates within a distance of 100 miles between the modem and the termination system. If the hybrid fiber coaxial or HFC network is big, the cable modem termination system is clustered into hubs for better management. In layman’s terms, a cable generally runs down your street and, if you choose to have cable internet installed, a second cable is then attached from the main line to your house or apartment.

Cable Broadband Speed

Cable broadband speed, technically named downstream, can vary between 400Mbits per second to 100Mbits per second. Generally, business connections receive faster download speeds than residential connections. On the other side, upstream or the upload speed of cable broadband internet runs from 384Kbits per second to 20Mbits per second. However, as the cable system becomes larger, the upstream and downstream speeds can be upgraded by adding more ports which are grouped into hubs.

Cable vs. DSL: A Blow by Blow Account

When choosing broadband internet it is important to compare all of your options, however, the final choice comes down to your needs and location. In terms of security and speed, cable broadband internet and DSL emerge as a tie. Both types of connections leave your computer open and vulnerable to attacks because of the fact that you are always online. The possibility of malware and virus attacks and contamination is always high. So whether you use cable or DSL, install good anti-virus software on your PC.

The next question is speed, which is faster? The answer to this is quite tricky because the speed would depend on the location you are at. Cable bandwidth’s limit is higher, more consistent, and cable broadband speed does not depend on the distance you are from the hub. On the other hand, DSL is faster provided it is nearer to the main hub.

When we compare cable internet and DSL in terms of pricing, cable broadband will have the upper hand because it is cheaper than DSL. However, DSL gains a nod in terms of installation, because it is easier and faster to install than cable.

Given the various points above, we can say that neither one is better than the other. Both types of broadband internet connection have their own benefits and downsides. We can get the best out of each by deciding what we really need.

Cable Broadband Pros and Cons

Now we go to the pros and cons of cable broadband. After comparing it with DSL, we have seen that cable broadband speed is as good as DSL. If you are still looking for a more comprehensive list to help you decide whether cable internet is the best option for you, the list of pros and cons below could help you.

What’s great about cable internet is the consistency of its quality and reception compared to other wireless internet connection. The main woe of ADSL users from this type of connection is the reduced quality of speed when they are far from the ISP; those who have cable broadband, on the other hand, will not have to worry about this. Another good thing when you have cable broadband is that the quality of your phone calls is not affected because the lines that connect your phone and your internet are different.

The down side of cable broadband is the complicated process of its installation. Aside from that, you need a special cable modem to attach to the fiber optic cable so you can receive and send information. Then there’s also the issue of network clogging which happens when a lot of users are online.

So if you are thinking of having cable broadband in your home, you can utilise any unused bandwidth from your cable television and have cable internet installed. Just be sure that it is compatible with the internet needs you have.