ADSL/Wireless Differences

ADSL and Wireless are two very different technologies that are both used to provide broadband Internet access to clients. Many people ask about the differences between ADSL and Wireless so here is a quick summary.

Which one is faster ?
Both ADSL and Wireless packages have a maximum download speed of 1.5Mbps. The HiNet Wireless service is symmetrical, meaning that its upload speed is the same as the download speed (unlike ADSL, where upload speed is generally 25% of the download speed).
Please refer to the broadband packages pages for a current list of what speed and data packages are available at what price points.
What are some other differences ?
HiNet ADSL is delivered over your phone line, while HiNet Wireless is delivered through the air.
HiNet ADSL generally has a much lower startup cost than HiNet Wireless.
HiNet Wireless has a historical speed and reliability advantage over HiNet ADSL.
HiNet-supplied ADSL modems generally come with a built-in 4-port Ethernet switch, while a separate switch would need to be purchased for use with the HiNet Wireless service.
It is important to note that ADSL/Wireless is only used to deliver the WAN link to the client. Once the broadband node is established via either means, internal distribution of the connectivity can take place as the customer sees fit. Normally this would happen via Ethernet or Wireless internally.
What do I need ?
ADSL
- HiNet ADSL service
- ADSL modem, filter, cabling
- Computer with Ethernet network card
Wireless
- HiNet Wireless service
- Computer with two Ethernet network cards for gateway
- Wireless hardware (bridge + POE + antenna + ethernet)
- Installation of wireless hardware
Which should I choose ?
This all depends on your service requirements and your site requirements. If your site is ADSL-capable but you do not have line-of-sight to our mountaintop installation you can only choose ADSL. Conversely, if your site is too far from the exchange for ADSL and you can see our mountaintop installation, you can only choose Wireless.
If you are fortunate enough to be able to use either, then you need to choose whether the faster, more reliable service (Wireless) is worth the extra expense over ADSL. Many people actually do not need the level of service offered with the Wireless option and find that ADSL is a very suitable alternative for them.