Most consumers are familiar cable internet But satellite internet It’s not mainstream yet. However, satellite Internet technology can provide Internet access regardless of location. This can help bridge the digital divide in areas with low coverage of terrestrial Internet technologies. Satellite Internet can also provide higher Internet speeds and a higher level of service reliability. Earlier, we discussed how satellite internet works and how it can be useful. Here, we will discuss how satellite internet is different from cable internet.
difference between Cable Internet and Satellite Internet
Cable Internet goes through underground coaxial cables that use internal copper wires that are wrapped by insulation to transmit data. Cable TV signals also use similar cables to transmit data. Coaxial cables transfer data much faster than phone lines used by dial-up connections. However, fiber optics are also faster than coaxial cables.
A satellite Internet connection does not need to travel through underground cables as the service is derived from satellites orbiting the Earth. A dish receiver placed near you can pick up the signal and transmit it to your modem, which is eventually translated into a usable Internet connection. Satellite internet is available almost everywhere. This signal comes from space, so it can be picked up anywhere when there is a clear view of the sky. This makes satellite internet the only option for people in rural areas who do not have access to a cable or fiber connection.
Cable Internet vs Satellite Internet: Internet Service Providers
Most urban or semi-urban areas usually have multiple cable internet providers. This is because of the existing cables that cable companies use to build cost-efficient Internet networks. However, fiber networks usually require companies to start from scratch.
As we mentioned in the previous article, Jio Platforms has recently signed a joint venture to explore satellite internet space. Currently, two major telecom operators in India have entered into satellite internet services. Other tech giants such as Bharti Airtel’s OneWeb and Elon Musk’s Starlink are also part of the new satellite internet space.
Cable Internet vs Satellite Internet: Internet Speed
Cable internet is much faster than satellite internet. While satellite Internet speeds are fast enough for most daily uses, there’s a catch: latency. Satellite Internet is not able to offer lower latency than cable or fiber connections, as the signal travels a longer distance. This causes a slight delay between giving the command and receiving the output.
While this delay is not a big problem for everyday use, it can be a big blow for online gaming. The delay between action and result can be the difference between victory and defeat in fast-paced, competitive sports.
At the same time, cable internet can give speed up to 2,000 Mbps. In some cases, the cable provider’s minimum speed may exceed the speed of a satellite Internet connection. Currently, coaxial cables can transmit data much faster than satellites.
Cable Internet vs Satellite Internet: Installation
Satellite Internet connection is included with the service for professional installation. Technicians handle the installation of everything—from the dish to your modem. But for cable installation, you can either pay a professional or you can do it yourself. Self-installation is usually very simple as installation kits come with detailed instructions and all the tools are available online.
Cable Internet vs Satellite Internet: Affordability
Cable internet is much more affordable than satellite internet, users can also bundle it with their TV package. But, as long as you have a clear view of the sky, you can receive a satellite signal. This is what makes satellite internet expensive. Whereas, in some areas, cable internet provides download speeds similar to fiber internet.
Therefore, satellite Internet may be an option for people who live in areas where there are no other high-speed Internet options. But the biggest drawback to cable Internet is that packages, providers, and prices are not standardized and can vary across countries.
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