We used to ask: Should you get ISDN or ADSL?

Integrated Services Digital Network and DSL both offer options for reliably accessing the Internet over telephone lines at rapid speeds. Unlike standard dial-up connections, ISDN and DSL allow you to simultaneously use the telephone and Internet on the same line. They're more frequently available in cities than small towns or rural areas. However, a comparison of ISDN and DSL reveals significant differences in speed, equipment needs, cost and other factors.

Speed

In terms of speed, DSL is faster than ISDN. DSL sends data packets with speeds ranging from 128Kbps – 1.5Mbps. On the other hand, ISDN comes in two different speeds i.e., 64Kbps and 128Kbps.

 

Equipment

 

DSL and ISDN require special types of modems, usually installed outside of the computer. ISDN equipment typically costs more and requires a special digital telephone line, according to Pacific Bell. With the right external hardware, both types of connections will work with older and newer computers. Internet connection speeds may vary depending upon the capabilities of the computer and networking equipment in use.

 

Telephone

 

You can experience different telephone service depending upon whether you have DSL or ISDN. Using a special digital telephone, ISDN provides digitized voice audio rather than the analog audio of standard telephone service used with DSL, according to BellSouth. However, it doesn't work during an electrical outage. DSL lets you to keep all existing telephone equipment, wiring and jacks; this also allows you to use corded telephones during power outages.

 

Expense

Internet access costs vary significantly depending upon your local area. The National Center for Education Statistics indicates that ISDN typically costs somewhat more than DSL. However, it may cost less, the same or substantially more where you live. It's best to conduct your own comparison of rates offered by different Internet and telephone providers. More companies offer DSL, which promotes competition in prices. Nonetheless, ISDN providers still have to compete with other forms of Internet access.

 

Availability

The local availability of ISDN and DSL do vary, although neither can be found in as many rural areas as cable or dial-up access. ISDN remains available in some areas DSL isn't. However, telephone companies now primarily focus upon expanding DSL. An advantage of ISDN is that you can connect using the same account on different digital phone lines, even during travel, while DSL requires the designation of a single line for Internet access.

Technology

ISDN is a dial-up service and transmits voice and data through a single line. There are two types of ISDN: Basic Rate Interface (BRI) and Primary Rate Interface (PRI). BRI is used mostly for residential homes and comes with three channels. On the other hand, Primary Rate Interface (PRI) ISDN is abusiness version and comes with 24 channels. In this case, 23 B channels are used to transmit voice, data and video – all through the same wire. A D channel carries low speed data and signaling. This signaling is used to generate alarm signals and provide support for non-voice functions. ISDN does not transmit data through analog lines.

 

ISDN and DSL are both distance sensitive. To get either service, your place should not be more than 18,000 feet away from the central office.

BUT nowadays, this comparison is no longer usable. We can now compare between fiber optic and ADSL. What I want you to do is to compare between fiber optic and ADSL by using same aspects  those we used between ISDN and ADSL (speed, equipments, telephone, expense, availablilty and technology).

So, after going through all these differences between ISDN and ADSL. What is better for you? fiber optic or ADSL and why! Let us know in the comments below for extra marks!