The Pros and Cons of Cable Internet
How does cable Internet measure up to other forms of Internet connections?
High-speed Internet access is vital in today’s modern home. It helps family members of all ages and lifestyles surf the web, stream video and music, complete tasks for school or work, and stay connected to friends and family through social media.
Though most people access a WiFi network at least once a day, many aren’t aware that there are multiple types of Internet connections available, and some are better than others at catering to specific needs.
One of the most common types of Internet connection? Cable Internet. In this article, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of cable Internet to help you make more informed decisions about the Internet services you need.
Because cable TV and cable Internet are inextricably linked, the same provider that handles your cable TV will often oversee your cable Internet connection.
Cable Internet requires two pieces of gear in order to work: a cable modem and a coaxial cable or wire that connects your modem to your Internet service provider’s cable modem termination system, or CMTS.
This should already be installed in your home for cable TV connection, unless you are having both services installed at the same time.
Though cable Internet is already a significant step up from older dial-up methods in terms of speed, you may find that cable Internet is better or worse than other options for your specific Internet needs.
Let’s explore how this type of Internet plan measures up to other common connection methods.
Fiber Internet, also known as fiber optic Internet, is a newer Internet connection method that uses specific wiring to communicate data through signals of light.
Fiber optic Internet is known to reach speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps. The fiber optic wiring also tends to be less susceptible to damage during bad weather than other kinds of Internet cables.
Though fiber Internet boasts reliably fast speeds for browsing the web, this type of connection is still relatively rare, and it is not available in all service areas. Cable Internet connections are accessible nearly anywhere as long as you also have a reliable cable TV connection.
DSL Internet connection, also known as a digital subscriber line, utilizes your phone lines to access the Internet through ethernet cables and ports that are already installed in most cases.
DSL and cable Internet are extremely similar in that both offer customized plans with faster or slower download speeds, upload speeds, and bandwidth that can vary based on your home’s needs.
Both types of Internet connection are also generally available in most areas of the U.S., alongside cable TV and phone hookups.
However, on a larger scale, DSL Internet tends to cost slightly less and have slower speeds, while cable Internet is slightly more expensive with faster, more reliable connections.
Satellite TV utilizes the power of satellites orbiting the Earth to send signals to home devices and give them access to thousands of channels.
Satellite Internet works in a similar way, allowing users to access a high-speed Internet connection with the help of satellites.
Satellite connection is one of the most widely available forms of Internet, as satellites can transmit Internet connections to any home that has a view of the open sky.
However, satellite Internet is usually pricier than cable Internet service. It can also be hampered by bad weather. Overall, if you have access to cable Internet, it’s the wiser, more reliable choice.
All things considered, cable Internet provides speed and reliability at an affordable price. While it isn’t the fastest Internet connection in every zip code, it’s still an excellent option for Internet access for the average family — even with multiple devices, streaming, and gaming.
In most cases, cable Internet customers can choose from customizable plans that include unlimited data or service bundling.
One of the most convenient features of cable Internet is the ability to bundle your WiFi and TV services together, making it easy to pay your bills all at once and receive the high-quality TV and Internet access you need.
Companies like Xfinity, Spectrum Internet, Cox, Optimum, and more offer a wide variety of bundling options that help you to save money on the same great services you’d be using anyway.
Want to find the best Internet service at the best rates? SmartMove makes it easy! Find out which Internet options are available in your particular service area.
Though most people access a WiFi network at least once a day, many aren’t aware that there are multiple types of Internet connections available, and some are better than others at catering to specific needs.
One of the most common types of Internet connection? Cable Internet. In this article, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of cable Internet to help you make more informed decisions about the Internet services you need.
What Is Cable Internet?
Cable Internet is a type of high-speed Internet service that utilizes the cable TV infrastructure already available within a user’s home to deliver an excellent home WiFi connection.Because cable TV and cable Internet are inextricably linked, the same provider that handles your cable TV will often oversee your cable Internet connection.
Cable Internet requires two pieces of gear in order to work: a cable modem and a coaxial cable or wire that connects your modem to your Internet service provider’s cable modem termination system, or CMTS.
This should already be installed in your home for cable TV connection, unless you are having both services installed at the same time.
Though cable Internet is already a significant step up from older dial-up methods in terms of speed, you may find that cable Internet is better or worse than other options for your specific Internet needs.
Let’s explore how this type of Internet plan measures up to other common connection methods.
Cable Internet vs. FiberInternet
Fiber Internet, also known as fiber optic Internet, is a newer Internet connection method that uses specific wiring to communicate data through signals of light.Fiber optic Internet is known to reach speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps. The fiber optic wiring also tends to be less susceptible to damage during bad weather than other kinds of Internet cables.
Though fiber Internet boasts reliably fast speeds for browsing the web, this type of connection is still relatively rare, and it is not available in all service areas. Cable Internet connections are accessible nearly anywhere as long as you also have a reliable cable TV connection.
Cable Internet vs. DSL Internet
DSL Internet connection, also known as a digital subscriber line, utilizes your phone lines to access the Internet through ethernet cables and ports that are already installed in most cases.DSL and cable Internet are extremely similar in that both offer customized plans with faster or slower download speeds, upload speeds, and bandwidth that can vary based on your home’s needs.
Both types of Internet connection are also generally available in most areas of the U.S., alongside cable TV and phone hookups.
However, on a larger scale, DSL Internet tends to cost slightly less and have slower speeds, while cable Internet is slightly more expensive with faster, more reliable connections.
Cable Internet vs. Satellite Internet
Satellite TV utilizes the power of satellites orbiting the Earth to send signals to home devices and give them access to thousands of channels.Satellite Internet works in a similar way, allowing users to access a high-speed Internet connection with the help of satellites.
Satellite connection is one of the most widely available forms of Internet, as satellites can transmit Internet connections to any home that has a view of the open sky.
However, satellite Internet is usually pricier than cable Internet service. It can also be hampered by bad weather. Overall, if you have access to cable Internet, it’s the wiser, more reliable choice.
Cable Internet: What’s the Bottom Line?
All things considered, cable Internet provides speed and reliability at an affordable price. While it isn’t the fastest Internet connection in every zip code, it’s still an excellent option for Internet access for the average family — even with multiple devices, streaming, and gaming.In most cases, cable Internet customers can choose from customizable plans that include unlimited data or service bundling.
Bundling Cable Internet and TV Service
One of the most convenient features of cable Internet is the ability to bundle your WiFi and TV services together, making it easy to pay your bills all at once and receive the high-quality TV and Internet access you need.Companies like Xfinity, Spectrum Internet, Cox, Optimum, and more offer a wide variety of bundling options that help you to save money on the same great services you’d be using anyway.
Want to find the best Internet service at the best rates? SmartMove makes it easy! Find out which Internet options are available in your particular service area.
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