The thing about the internet is that it can be accessed through many different technologies; like you can use cable wires to connect to the network or you can use wireless signals from satellites to send and receive data on your computer or device. Moreover, within your home, you can choose to have a wireless or wired connection.
However, there are factors involved in using both these technologies which make them both so different from each other. These factors will be explored in this article.
Difference Between Internet Via Cable or Satellite
The difference between both these technologies comes in when the way they deliver the internet connection is considered.
In the case of the satellite internet connection, signals are delivered from the source to satellites that are orbiting in space, and then to your home. It is available for internet users who live in remote or rural regions where there is no cable coverage.
Cable internet, on the other hand, is available in urban and suburban areas. They consist of long cable wires running all over the city from the source to millions of households.
The source in question is referred to as the internet service providers, who deliver an internet connection right to your home. There are hundreds of internet service providers in the US, either delivering cable internet, satellite, or other types. If you are living in an urban area, you will most likely find services for Xfinity internet, since it is one of the most widely available internets in the US. However, Xfinity only delivers cable internet connection, and that is rare in remote or rural areas.
If you need an example of a satellite internet connection in the US, consider HughesNet. HughesNet is the most widely available satellite internet connection in the US. Whether you are living in a city or a remote area, HughesNet service will most probably be there in your region. Even if you are living in an urban area, you can opt for a satellite internet connection, that is up to you.
Worst-Case Scenarios?
Let’s consider worst-case scenarios for both types of internet connection. Because after all, that will help narrow it down for you.
In the case of a cable internet connection, even if you sign up for the largest broadband provider, you are still susceptible to not receiving the required bandwidth during peak hours. This happens when too many devices are connected to your home network connection. This can also happen because cable internet connection is shared among the neighborhood. So during peak hours, some households or devices could be using all the bandwidth, leaving nothing for the rest.
But let’s be honest, if you had an option for choosing an internet connection while living in urban areas, you would go for the cable internet connection for smooth and reliable connectivity. Why would you go for satellite internet connection in urban or suburban areas, when you have a better alternative i.e. cable internet?
However, when it comes to living in remote or rural areas, the satellite internet connection is the only option you have. There is no cable wiring going that far into remote areas, telephone wires turn out to be faulty and slow, and cable infrastructure is almost non-existent. Hence, satellite internet is the best option in this scenario. The only hurdles are changes in the weather or uneven terrain that would interfere with the signals of satellite internet connection.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the internet, you usually go for the one that offers smooth and reliable connectivity. But realistically, cable internet is useful in urban and suburban regions and there is no need for satellite internet there.
However, cable internet connection is rare in rural and remote areas due to a lack of cable wiring infrastructure. In such a situation, a satellite internet connection would be ideal. Hence, if you are deciding between both these types of internet connection, you will most likely go for whichever is convenient for you. Have you decided yet; are you living in one of the remote or rural areas in the US? Or are you living in a suburban or metropolitan region of the country?
