Table of Contents
- Cable Internet: Overview
- Fixed Wireless Internet: Overview
- Setup and Maintenance of Cable and Fixed Wireless
- What’s Faster: Fixed Wireless or Cable?
- Cable Internet & Fixed Wireless Internet: Quick Comparison
- Bottom Line
Whether it is your first time signing up for an internet service or you have just moved to a new location and looking for a reliable internet service, it is important that you are well versed about all the options available in your neighborhood. This will help you end up with an internet service that’s the best fit for your internet needs and budget.
Depending on internet services available in your area, cable internet has been one of the most sought-after option for years. However, in the fast-paced technological world, another option gaining attention of internet users is fixed wireless internet. Let’s find out what’s the difference between these connection types and which one should you opt for!
Cable Internet: Overview
Cable internet uses the same copper coaxial cable lines that are responsible for delivering cable TV to your home, so it is one of the widely available option in most residential areas. This type of internet is highly reliable with lesser outages during harsh weather condition compared to traditional satellite internet. With that said, since it is a shared network, chances are you may experience slower internet speeds during peak usage times.
Fixed Wireless Internet: Overview
Fixed wireless internet is a reliable, high-speed internet service, which is quickly gaining popularity in remote, rural and underserved region. This broadband type transmits internet connection from the main access point—usually powered with fiber optic internet lines—to receivers installed at houses, farms, and businesses.
Setup and Maintenance of Cable and Fixed Wireless
Both fixed wireless and cable internet involve pretty simple installation processes. For cable, all you need is a modem to proceed and finish the standard setup. And for fixed wireless, you only have to install an antenna or receiver dish on your rooftop. As soon as you install that, your provider becomes capable to set the transmitter radio, which delivers the connection smoothly to your home.
Also, fixed wireless providers give the option to adjust bandwidth, so you can change it in future, based on their needs and preferences. But cable subscribers may have to ask for an upgrade or downgrade to a lower or higher speed tier based on the internet needs. So, cable users may have to negotiate a deal with their existing provider if they wish to adjust their plan.
What’s Faster: Fixed Wireless or Cable?
Whether you stream videos, play online games, or just surf the web, internet speed is a critical factor in deciding which internet service provider is right for your household. Largely speaking, there is not much difference between the speeds offered by fixed wireless and cable internet providers.
Both offer broadband speeds that meets Federal Communication Commission’s standard—25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. Depending on the fixed wireless and cable providers offering services in your area, you may get speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps and even as high as 1 Gbps.
Cable Internet & Fixed Wireless Internet: Quick Comparison
| Cable Internet | Fixed Wireless Internet | |
| Speed | You can get minimum speeds up to 10 Mbps. In some areas, speeds can even be as high as up to 1,000 Mbps | You can get minimum speeds up to 10 Mbps. In some areas, speeds can even be as high as up to 1,000 Mbps. |
| Accessibility | Mostly available in suburban and urban areas. | Availability Varies but Includes Rural Areas |
| Reliability | Highly reliable | Highly Reliable |
| Price | Usually cheaper than fixed wireless. Often comes with data caps and bundling options. | Usually pricier than cable internet. The good thing is its straightforward pricing and standalone service. |
Bottom Line
In sum, cable internet is what most Americans are pretty familiar with—a cost effective, reliable, and popular connectivity option. On the other hand, fixed wireless is more on the pricey side and is not as well-known as cable. And if you are not looking for fast but the fastest possible speeds, we would recommend you get fiber advantage with MetroNet Internet. Good luck!
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