Posted on July 13, 2010 by admin

As broadband Internet service enters its third decade of existence, it is a good time to reflect on the current state of the technology, and compare it with what may be coming down the road. Internet service providers have made a compelling switch from dial up to broadband, overturning the nature of the Internet overnight. And while a large number people assumed that fiber optic Internet service would be the force that would supplant cable and DSL, it just has not worked out that way.

Cable Internet service is provided through the same basic infrastructure that cable television is. A network of coaxial cables delivers both the television signal and the Internet, as coaxial has more than enough bandwidth to accommodate both services simultaneously. Coaxial trumps traditional phone lines – which deliver dial up and DSL (Digital Line Subscriber) service – in both bandwidth, data transfer speeds and reliability of service.

Pros of Cable Broadband Internet Service

Cable broadband Internet does not require phone service to operate. In a sense, cable Internet is always “on” meaning there is no lengthy log in and connection process. Open your Web browser and you are ready to go. In addition, since your cable Internet service does not hog up the phone, you are free to utilize both at the same time. Though DSL promises this feature as well, in certain cases it is simply not possible due to bandwidth constraints.

Cable broadband is the industry standard as far as personal Internet use goes. It offers data transfer speeds that all other forms cannot hope to match. The only type of data transfer that is faster is fiber optics, and the future of that technology does not look too promising. Most cable Internet providers give transfer speeds of up to 12 megabits per second, where DSL barely manages six megabits per second.

Cable broadband Internet works great for those who use the Internet frequently, and require a large amount of bandwidth for streaming video off of the Web, or for playing online games.

Cable broadband Internet is incredibly reliable, and the signal suffers no drop off the farther it gets from the network’s infrastructure.

Cons of Cable Broadband Internet Service

Data transfers speeds can slow considerably during peak use times, such as mornings and early evenings. This is because every cable Internet customer shares the same bandwidth, and in peak times, they have to compete with television viewers for bandwidth as well. Cable broadband Internet is much more expensive, both initially and on a per-month basis, than dial up or DSL.

Some rural areas do not have reliable, or up-to-date digital cable systems, meaning that cable broadband Internet is not available.

Can I Get Cable Broadband Internet If I Have Satellite Television?

This is a common question, given the recent explosion in popularity of satellite television. The answer is, probably. While some cable companies will require that you also purchase a cable television plan with them, many will allow you to contract for Internet service only. Beware, though, that some companies will make you pay a surcharge for only purchasing Internet service. In some instances, this charge, when coupled with your monthly service fee, will be more than what cable television and Internet would cost together.

A better option might just be 4G wireless Internet, though, which is the newest revolution hitting the market.

Clear Internet Greensboro provides simple and affordable plans for home internet, mobile internet and VoIP. Clear Internet Greensboro goes where you want to go.