Understanding Broadband Types: DSL vs. Fibre vs. Cable

About 98% of homes in Singapore have broadband access and 1 Gbps plans are the most commonly used in most households, according to the Digital Connectivity Blueprint by the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA).


With so many different types of broadband plans to choose from, making a decision can get a little daunting at times. Here’s our quick guide on how and why you will need to select one that suits your needs the most.

masthead-media

Why The Need To Pick Your Broadband Wisely?

Performance and speed

These three types of broadband technologies offer different levels of performance. Fibre-optic broadband typically offers the highest speeds and reliability, followed by cable, and then DSL. Knowing this helps users select the best option based on their requirements, such as streaming, gaming, or working from home.

Availability

Availability varies by region and location. DSL, cable, and fibre-optic networks are deployed differently, so understanding which technology is available in your area ensures you can actually get the service you want.

Pricing

Broadband services vary in cost. DSL is often the most affordable, while fibre-optic can be more expensive but may offer greater value due to faster speeds and reliability. Knowing the differences helps consumers make budget-conscious decisions.

Reliability

Fibre-optic broadband is generally more reliable and less susceptible to interference compared to DSL and cable. This can be important for users who rely on a consistent internet connection for work or other critical activities.

Scalability

Understanding the technology behind your broadband can help you assess its potential for future upgrades or expansion. Fibre-optic networks, for example, can accommodate much higher speeds and data loads than DSL or cable, and having upgraded routers or Wi-Fi Mesh can be helpful as well.

Impact on applications

Different broadband types can impact the performance of various applications. For example, if you're into online gaming or streaming 4K content, a fibre connection will provide a smoother experience compared to DSL or cable.

Future-proofing

As technology evolves, having a basic understanding of these technologies can help you anticipate future trends and the potential need for upgraded broadband services.

Tech support and troubleshooting

When technical issues arise, knowing your broadband type can be helpful when communicating with your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) customer support team. They can provide more targeted assistance if they understand your connection type, and they can only do this if you are clear on what your broadband type is.
Background image

What Is DSL Broadband & How It Works

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It is a type of broadband internet that uses existing telephone lines to deliver high-speed internet access. DSL is always-on, meaning you can use it and your phone at the same time.


How does DSL work?


DSL works by splitting the copper telephone wires into two separate channels: one for voice and one for data. This is done using a special filter that is installed at your home or business.


The DSL modem then converts the data signal into a higher frequency signal that can be transmitted over the telephone lines. The DSL signal is then sent to the central office of your telephone company, where it is converted back to a data signal and routed to the internet.



Pros & Cons Of DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

Pros

  • Relatively affordable, especially compared to fibre optic internet
  • Is always-on, so you don't have to dial in or wait for it to connect
  • Can provide speeds that are fast enough for most households, including
  • Streaming HD video, online gaming, and working from home 

Cons

  • Can be slower than fibre optic internet, especially in rural areas
  • Speeds can be affected by the distance between your home or business and the central office
  • Speeds can also be affected by interference from other electronic devices
  • Is becoming less easily available, as it gets phased out in gradually in the broadband industry

What is Fibre Broadband & How It Works

Fibre broadband uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data using light signals. This is much faster and more efficient than traditional copper wire, which uses electrical signals.


How does fibre broadband work?


Fibre broadband works by sending light signals through the fibre optic cables. The light signals are then converted back into electrical signals at the other end, which can be used by your devices.



Pros & Cons Of Fibre Broadband

Pros

  • Becoming more widely available than DSL and cable broadband
  • Can offer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, with speeds much faster than DSL and cable broadband
  • Less susceptible to interference and outages than DSL and cable broadband
  • Offers the same upload and download speeds, which is ideal for activities like video conferencing and sending large files
  • Has the potential to offer even faster speeds in the future, as technology advances

Cons

  • Usually costs more than DSL and cable broadband

What Is Cable Broadband & How It Works

Cable broadband uses coaxial cables, which are designed to carry electrical signals, and this form of broadband is typically shared among multiple users in a neighborhood or area. This means that the available bandwidth is divided among subscribers, and the actual speeds experienced by users can vary depending on network congestion.

Pros & Cons Of Cable Broadband

Pros

  • Offers higher speeds compared to DSL, especially for downloading data
  • Provides consistent performance, even during peak usage hours, although the speed may decrease slightly during heavy network congestion
  • Most homes and businesses already have cable TV infrastructure in place, so it's easy to set up without significant additional infrastructure cost

Cons

  • Slower than fibre broadband
  • Offers lower upload speeds compared to fibre broadband
  • Shared nature of cable networks can lead to reduced speeds during peak usage times, as many users are competing for the same bandwidth
  • Can be susceptible to interference from electrical signals, weather conditions, or network congestion

Comparison of DSL, Fibre, and Cable Broadband