Naked DSL & wireless: What is the difference?

What’s the best way to get fast, reliable internet that meets your needs? There are a plethora of options, and naked DSL is one of the newer possibilities, while wireless has been around for a few years. Both have advantages, and will suit different users’ needs. The main difference between these two options is portability.

Naked DSL explained

Naked DSL is fast internet that relies on existing phone cabling, just like any other DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) internet service. The difference between naked DSL and ADSL or VDSL services is that your phone line won’t have a dial tone with the naked option. You won’t be able to use it for standard telephone calls, it will be dedicated purely to broadband provision. This means that the service is cheaper than other options.

Naked DSL works by using your existing POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service – a cute acronym!) connection, but without the splitter cable that normally allows you to use phone and internet simultaneously. The service, however, comes with provision for over the internet phone services (VoIP – Voice Over Internet Protocol, which can be a very cheap and preferable option for phone calls for many people anyway, so you still get phone and internet.

Differences between Naked DSL and Wireless Broadband

The main difference is in the way the broadband arrives at your computer, and therefore its portability:

• Naked DSL uses POTS existing connections to deliver the internet, while wireless uses signals relayed from satellites or earthbound relay stations, which are picked up by your computer
• The quality of your wireless signal depends on where you are on Earth, while the naked DSL, relying on cables, produces a dependable broadband service
• Wireless is great for users who need portability as a primary concern. Business people, students and other users who need the internet in a variety of locations may prefer wireless
• Wireless capability is built into newer laptops, and the user simply needs to contact a provider to start a plan
• The cost of wireless depends on whether the signal is satellite or earth relayed – satellite broadband is still more expensive and less available than other options, while naked DSL is actually cheaper than other broadband options
• Wireless broadband is subject to an extent to the vagaries of the weather, as well as the position of earthbound features such as mountains, trees, and buildings, and is not available in some areas of Australia. Naked DSL is available reliably to anyone with a phone connection

Which of these services suits you best will depend on individual needs.

Wireless vs. Naked DSL

Wireless internet is ideal for those who need portability, but its down side is less reliability, especially away from major urban centres. Naked DSL is reliable, but means that you will have to use VoIP for a phone service, and your internet connection is not transportable. Choose the service that best suits your individual needs.