s a one-way cable modem. Two-way service is available where the cable plant has been upgraded to a two-way HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax, i.e. fiber optics). In these systems, the cable modem can both send and receive data. The actual bandwidth for Internet service over a cable TV line is up to 27 Mbps on the download path to the subscriber with about 2.5 Mbps of bandwidth for interactive responses in the other direction. However, since the local provider may not be connected to the Internet on a line faster than a T-1 at 1.5 Mpbs, a more likely data rate will be close to 1.5 Mpbs. To determine which service is the best one for the home user depends mostly on cost and the future of the service. Since cost for both x.DSL and cable are nearly the same, a decision should be made upon the expansion capabilities of each service. Some cost figures and speed differences are outlined on below.High Speed Access Technology Comparison Access TypeAlways OnTies-up Phone LineMonthly Service Cost* Requires InstallationDSL - ADSLyesno$60+yes- G.liteyesno$40+noCable Modem- Two-wayyesno$30-$40yes- One-waynoyes$30-$40yes* Estimated cost, does not include installation charges or hardware rental charges. SPEED COMPARISON Access TypeMaximum Data Rate Effective Web Browsing Speed* DownloadUploadDownloadDSL- ADSL/RADSL6 Mbps1.5 Mbps500 Kbps - G.lite1.5 Mbps150 Kbps 500 Kbps Cable Modem- Two-way10 Mbps800 Kbps 500 Kbps- One-way10 Mbps30 Kbps**500 KbpsFor Comparison Analog Modem- V.32 Modem30 Kbps 30 Kbps 30 Kbps * Effective Download Speed reflects the actual online performance as reported by customers. While the various technologies may be capable of much higher data rates, under typical web browsing conditions the internet operates at 500 kbps or less. The bottom line is that many of these high speed technologies can pump data as fast as the internet can handle. The ideal service in my opinion for the present time is CATV. However, considering the future of x.DSL and...
