Dial Up Internet Vs ADSL Broadband

Connecting to the Internet will invariably via one of two routes - a dial-up internet connection or ADSL. So what's the difference between the two?

Dial-up connections

Dial-up connections have been the most common type of internet connection available from ISPs but they are also the slowest and usually the most inexpensive.

A dial-up connection allows you to connect to the internet via a local server using a standard 56k modem, your PC literally dials (hence the name) a phone number (provided by your ISP) and connects to the server and therefore the internet.

Once connected you can utilise all aspects of the internet, the drawback with a dial-up connection is the speed: an average web page including images would take around 7 seconds to completely load in your browser.

Dial-up Connection Pros

Dial-up connections can be very economic and are widely available, the cost is usually the same as a local phone call or priced as a monthly plan. As these connections use a standard modem the hardware costs are minimal.

Dial-up Connection Cons

Dial-up connections are very slow compared to other connection types. When connected to the internet the same phone line cannot be used for phone calls so if anyone phones you when you are connected they will get the busy signal.

ADSL Connections

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscribers Line) connections are increasingly available and can provide an excellent internet connection.

The connections work by splitting your phone line into two separate channels, one for data (internet) and one for voice (phone calls) which means you can talk on the phone and be connected to the internet at the same time.

ADSL Connection Pros

The download speed of pages is considerably faster than dial-up. ADSL technology eliminates the need for a second phone line by allowing voice and data transfer at the same time (you can use the phone as normal while connected to the internet). ADSL connections are ‘Always on', which makes the usual long wait to connect a thing of the past.

ADSL Connection Cons

ADSL connections are not available to everyone, you should always ensure that you have ADSL coverage in your area (an ISP will check for you).