Cable Internet - Does it Just have a bad Rep?

[BadContrakt]

Ok bear with me here. I'm currently living with 45mbps fiber optic DSL provided by CenturyLink and I... Literally.. Don't even know the meaning of lag anymore. I sincerely never disconnect, never lag, never have any internet problems whatsoever. I download at a solid 5-6mbps (which I know isn't the fastest, but it certainly gets the job done) and unfortunately I'm moving. I checked and CenturyLink doesn't offer service where I'm moving to at the end of the month.

So Charter Communications does offer, however, they're cable not DSL. Last time I was on a cable connection I was on wireless and it was the most horrid, most slow, most absolutely terrible connection I've ever experienced. I'm really afraid to sign a contract with Charter at my new place (not that I have a lot of choice) because I don't want that experience again.

Here's the kicker, I will be hardwired this time, not wireless. Does anyone else have some experience with hardwired connections to a cable company, not DSL? Do you lag? Does your internet bog down during peak hours? With DSL that doesn't happen. I've heard bad bad stories and experienced them myself with cable slowing WAY down during peak internet usage hours (but again I was on wireless not directly connected to the modem like I will be in my new apartment).

Thanks for any input.

 

[getochkn]

I think slow downs are a thing of the past. I'm in Canada and my cable is 100mbs down and 20mbs and they keep increasing my speed every 6 months and it's rock solid. Nothing slows it down and the only thing faster is fiber and these speeds.

 

[Alabalcho]

The difference in technology is similar to difference between switch and hub.
With DSL, you have dedicated line (your phone line) between you and the ISP' point-of-presence.
With cable, the cable is shared with all other subscribers in the area, up to the ISP' point-of-presence.

In my area, DSL is slow, maxes out at 6mbps, while cable reaches 50mbps. There's no difference in reliability, though.

SO, on your question: It is probably bad rep, and bad luck.