Dish Internet Options

Here is a brief explanation of how DSL, cable, and satellite Internet connections work as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Cable Internet Service

Cable Internet is offered through cable companies, who can provide telephone, television, and high-speed Internet services. Through physical coaxial or fiber-optic cables, the cable company creates a physical connection between users and the nearest company location. Internet services are offered through a cable modem, which uses bandwidth from the TV channels to connect to the Internet.

Internet service requires only a small amount of bandwidth, which makes it easy to combine with TV service. Most cable companies offer bundles of TV, Internet, and telephone service, or any combination of the three. Since the Internet connection uses the same cables as the phone and TV services, adding Internet services to existing phone or TV services is as simple as installing a modem. Because a physical connection is established through the cables, the quality of the Internet connection isn’t affected by a user’s distance from the provider’s office.

Cable Internet is particularly convenient for users who don’t share a cable channel with anyone else. However, customers who live in an area with many users can experience a decline in Internet speeds and encounter difficulty with cable Internet, especially when other users stream multiple videos or share large data files. This occurs because all of the users on a given channel are sharing the same bandwidth. Customers should also remember that bundles of TV, Internet, and telephone service can be a good deal, but sometimes the services may be cheaper if purchased separately. Use the tools provided by Wirefly to see pricing across all services.

DSL Internet

DSL, or a Digital Subscriber Line, is an Internet connection that runs through an analog telephone line. Through this analog telephone line, users have access to bandwidth, a frequency range that can transmit telephone calls. DSL uses the extra bandwidth from this line to connect to the Internet. First, users connect their computers to a DSL modem at home. The modem connects to a service provider through the analog phone line. The service provider then connects to the Internet through a DSLAM, or digital subscriber line access multiplexer. Through this connection, the customer can access the Internet.

Since phone calls requires very little bandwidth, customers can use the Internet through a DSL connection and make phone calls at the same time. Unlike cable, DSLAM isn’t compromised by the number of users who log on at once, so it can provide fast Internet service to multiple DSL units in one neighborhood. This means that while other services may advertise faster speeds, DSL may actually be faster in practice. However, if the nearest service provider’s office is far away, DSL can be difficult to use. The further the distance from the office, the more the quality of the connection can degrade. Prospective customers should check with their local providers and read customer reviews to ensure the quality of the DSL connection in their area. Also, customers without an existing analog phone line need to keep in mind that they will be required to install a phone line in order to set up a DSL connection.

Satellite Internet Service

Satellite Internet service provides Internet access through a satellite dish. First, customers connect a modem in their home to a satellite dish. The satellite emits frequencies to the dish, which are in turn transmitted to the modem. These frequencies allow the customer to connect to the Internet.

Though satellite isn’t the most popular option for high-speed Internet, it’s an ideal option for users in rural or remote areas. Many times traditional telephone companies or cable companies may not be available at all for these customers. If services are offered, their distance from the service providers’ offices could result in a low-quality connection that could be slow or costly. In order to subscribe to a satellite Internet service, a customer will be required to install an equator-facing satellite dish. For rural customers or customers with an existing satellite dish, satellite Internet service could be a viable option.

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