3G v Satellite v ADSL Speeds?

z1000000

Hi

I hope someone can help or steer me in the right direction about types of internet connection.
I live overseas, so I’m not asking if BT is better than Virgin.
I have three choices here, cable adsl, Satellite broadband, and mobile 3G, like the 3 dongle thing.

I was on the adsl service, but it was so unreliable I’ve just had a satellite system installed. It’s actually slower then the adsl system. I’m not talking about bandwith, I’m told it’s latency or delay and ping speeds that matter? Great, I only find out now!


I’ve searched everywhere online, but I can’t find anything.
The best I’ve found is that two way satellite systems are renowned for their delay, as the signal has to go to space then earth then back again. Fine for downloading a movie, but rubbish for gaming and trading online, which is what I try to do.

As 3G also uses satellites, will it be as delayed as a satellite system? Does anyone know if tests of latency or ping speeds has been done for the three main different systems?

Many thanks for any help.

z

Conor_3

3G doesn't use satellites until you make calls outside of the UK. It uses the mobile phone companies network.
OK...goes like this:
3G - slow speeds, high latency. No good for gaming or large downloads.
Satellite - average speeds, high latency. Good for large downloads - no good for gaming. Doesn't work in heavy clouds and needs clear line of sight.
ADSL. High speeds (dependent on distance from exchange) , low latency. Good for downloads and gaming.

Your ADSL shouldn't be unreliable. Either you have a connection or you don't. It was most likely you chose a bad ISP.

Satellite is really a "last resort".

z1000000

Thanks Conor
I've been reading up on this all yesterday. It's the high latency that's driving me mad, press a button, then wait a second or two.
Sadly I'm in the third world, so nothing is easy or as it should be. I think I will have to stick with the poor ADSL service. It's the only choice we have, and they piggy back through the local university, or something like that.
Anyway, thanks again.
z

devizes18193

out of interest what country