The debate about DSL Vs. Satellite is one that requires a thorough understanding of the uniqueness of both.
DSL and Satellite both provide some crucial advantages, so choosing between the two will not always be straightforward.
Your choice will mostly hinge on where you plan to use them and your purpose for going for either.
In this article, we discuss and compare the two of them, DSL and Satellite, and highlight their pros and cons. By the end of this article, you will have clear insights about the best situation to use each.
What Is DSL?
Digital Subscriber Liner, or DSL, is a broadband-based internet connection that runs through existing phone lines.
DSL uses standard copper phone lines that transmit digital data after converting from their analog base form.
DSL modems convert this digital data to the signal that drives your internet browsing experience.
Although standard phone lines serve as the conduit for the passage of DSL internet signals, there’s no interference with the voice signals.
This is because of a frequency band separation property that allows DSL users to browse and make calls simultaneously on the same line.
This means you don’t need to install new wiring if you already have phone lines running the analog home.
While the average speed is around 15 Mbps in rural areas, DSL provides internet connection at fairly decent speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
The average speed depends on your proximity to the service provider hub.
Popular DSL service providers like AT&T and CenturyLink offer different price plans that provide internet connection at set maximum speeds.
Their plans tend to be flexible and affordable for the most part, and they will not demand a contract agreement.
They can also offer different DSL connections, ranging from ADSL to SDSL and VDSL services.
What Is Satellite Internet?
Satellite Internet is a high-speed broadband that does not transmit via wires or cables running across your home.
Satellite internet comes about via satellite communication orbiting the earth’s surface and a dish installed on the ground.
Here’s how it works. You install a dish around y, our home, in a place with a clear view of the sky.
Your dish sends requests to a company’s satellite, which delivers signals to its ground station.
The satellite now sends back digital data to your dish, which then connects to an in-house router to give you internet connectivity.
Due to the long distances this data has to travel to reach your dish, satellite internet service faces latency issues.
The over 40,000 miles of travel brings lags, buffering, and other concerns.
These issues may pose a problem if you engage in internet browsing activities that unfold in real-time, such as gaming, video calls, etc.
While Starlink is becoming increasingly popular, other common Satellite internet providers include Hughes.net and Viasat.
While their average upfront purchase costs reach a few hundred dollars, their monthly subscription fee is around $50.
( A Starlink dish)
Advantages and Drawbacks of DSL Internet
DSL has a few major merits and demerits associated with using it, and we discuss them here.
Advantages
Reliable Connection: DSL uses a wired underground connection to provide internet services. The chances of experiencing disruptions caused by bad weather were reduced significantly.
Big Data Caps: With DSL, you don’t have to worry about quickly reaching your data usage limit. The data cap that most DSL service providers offer can go as high as 1TB monthly.
Affordable Options: Most DSL service providers offer reasonably priced plans across different ranges. A typical plan can go for $50 per month.
Easy To Install ll: As long as your provider has phone lines installed in your location, you should be able to use DSL interference. Reduced, you don’t have to worry about incurring additional costs.
Stable Internet: If the bulk of your online activities involve fairly large file sharing, streaming, and real-time video gaming, DSL is a great option to side with. DSL delivers high-speed, low-latency internet for the most part.
Disadvantages
Efficiency Issues: The strength of your DSL internet connection will depend on how close you are to a provider hub or central office.
Not Readily Available: DSL internet is only available in places with an existing phone line infrastructure. You might not find it easily in rural areas.
Speed Limitations: DSL internet is not the fastest and turns around. Your connection speed will vary depending on your proximity to a provider hub.
Dependence On Phone Lines: You might occasionally experience connection issues with DSL if there’s a general phone line problem. If the phone lines cut off, perhaps due to a power outage, you’ll automatically lose service reception.
Advantages and Drawbacks of Satellite Internet
Next, we outline some of Satellite Internet’s most important advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
Wider Availability: Satellite internet is more popular due to its capacity to operate successfully in the most rural and remote places. It is your best bet for off-grid internet access.
Portable Use: You can easily bundle your Satellite kit whenever you need to travel somewhere. Setting it up is quick and easy.
Reasonably-high Speeds: With Satellite internet, you can hit top speeds while uploading or downloading files. Depending on your plan, you can browse at speeds of up to 100mbps.
Wide Bandwidth Coverage: If you rely on Satellite internet to service your household’s internet needs, you’re in safe hands.
Satellite technology provides a wider connection socket and bandwidth space to which multiple users on your home’s Wi-Fi can connect.
Reliable For Everyday Use: If your daily routine involves moderate file uploads, emailing, and working with multimedia content, Satellite internet will work just fine.
Very high-bit-rate DSL(VDSL) is the more obvious choice for people who need higher upload speeds.
( A person touching a representation of global data exchanges)
Disadvantages
Latency Issues: Satellite internet signals travel several thousand miles to establish and maintain a connection. This means you’ll have to deal with lagging and buffering issues in your network.
Significant Costs: Satellite internet is widely considered a relatively expensive internet option. The upfront costs of setting it up and the monthly payments can set you back significantly.
Vulnerability To Inclement Weather: High winds, heavy rains and other unfavorable weather conditions can disrupt your Satellite internet service delivery.
Your dish will lose connection, and the signal will fade, causing lags and downright cutoff.
Data Caps: While this is not a prevalent problem, data caps are common with many Satellite internet service providers. Many providers charge additional fees to exceed a data usage limit.
(A Satellite rada,r/dish mounted on a roof)
DSL VS Satellite: Which Is Better?
To settle for the better choice between DSL and Satellite, you’ll have to weigh them against certain factors.
Live in a remote place where physical infrastructure is scarcely available. Satellite internet may best serve you. Satellite internet covers more of the earth’s surface, unlike DSL, which is only available in places served by phone lines.
If costs concern you, DSL internet service will be your best bet. Most Satellite internet service providers charge high purchase, installation, and subscription fees that surpass the fees charged by their DSL counterparts.
For people who travel frequently, Satellite internet may be the wiser choice. Companies like Starlink provide portable equipment you can lug away easily and even set up and use while in transit.
If you mostly engage in online activities that demand real-time communication, you might want to side with DSL. DSL internet fares considerably better than Satellite with latency, which is important for multiplayer gaming, HD streaming, etc.
Weather conditions affect the quality of service both options deliver. If you stay in places where the weather can be very bad, you’ll have bigger problems if you opt for Satellite internet. Companies like Starlink face this weather problem.
In essence, your choice will depend on your location, budget, and the online activities you engage in, among other things. DSL slightly edges Satellite internet due to its more cost-effective and consistent delivery. Satellite internet shines through in rural areas.
(A man checking upload and download speeds)
Conclusion
DSL and Satellite-enabled internet are two of the most popular connection options for many people worldwide. Both options have their strengths and weaknesses that people consider before going for either of them.
Understanding these strengths and weaknesses is the first step to settling for the right choice. You also have to consider your internet needs, budget, and location’s physical conditions.
This article provides a well-detailed overview of DSL and Satellite internet services. The goal is to provide sufficient information to help you settle for the option that’ll serve you better.