Fast Lanes of the Internet: Comparing Starlink, DSL, Cable, and Fiber Speeds and Latency

By Larry Billinger

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the speed and responsiveness of our internet connection are crucial. This article delves into the differences in speed and latency between various internet services, including the new player Starlink, alongside traditional broadband and fiber-optic connections, offering a comprehensive look for the everyday user.

Understanding Internet Jargon: Speed and Latency

• Speed: Measured in Mbps (Megabits per second), this tells us how fast data travels from the internet to your device. This is the download and upload speed as shown in the test below.
• Latency: Measured in milliseconds (ms), latency is the time it takes for data to travel from its source to your device and back. Think of it as the reaction time of your internet connection. This is the ping time in ms in the test below.

Test Your Speed

Use the speed test below to see how fast your internet is.

Understanding Satellite Internet: The Starlink Revolution

Satellites are like tiny machines floating in space, sending signals to Earth. Traditional satellites are far away, making the internet slow. But Starlink changed the game. They use LEO satellites closer to Earth, which makes the internet faster. Imagine throwing a ball to a friend nearby (LEO satellites) versus throwing it across a large field (traditional satellites).

Starlink: The New Satellite on the Block

• Speed: Starlink, part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, offers speeds between 50 to 150 Mbps.
• Latency: Its LEO satellites achieve an impressive latency of 20 to 40 ms, a significant leap over older satellite technologies.

Traditional Broadband: DSL and Cable

• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line):
  • Speed: Varies widely, typically 5 to 35 Mbps.
  • Latency: Around 25 to 45 ms.
• Cable Internet:
  • Speed: Faster, offering 10 to 500 Mbps.
  • Latency: Generally between 10 and 20 ms.

Fiber-Optic Internet: The Speed King

• Speed: Fiber-optic boasts of speeds from 250 Mbps to over 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps).
• Latency: Outstandingly low, around 5 to 20 ms.

Comparing Starlink and Traditional Internet

Starlink’s satellites are fast, especially in remote areas where cables can’t reach. However, in cities and well-connected areas, fiber-optic cables might be quicker. Latency, or the delay in internet response, is lower in fiber-optic cables compared to Starlink, meaning less waiting during gaming or video calls.

Comparing the Contenders: What Does This Mean for You?

When choosing an internet service, consider the type of activities you do online. Fiber-optic, with its high speed and low latency, is ideal for heavy usage like online gaming or streaming in high definition. Cable is a robust option for everyday use, while DSL, despite being slower, still serves basic needs. Starlink emerges as a promising option for remote areas, bringing higher speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite services.

Conclusion: Matching Your Needs with the Right Internet Service

Your choice should balance speed, latency, and availability in your area. Fiber-optic is the top performer, but Starlink is a game-changer for those in less accessible locations.