Both DSL and cable get packet loss. The great thing is that with DSL, you can clear your packet loss. Also, another great thing about DSL is that DSL was specifically created to give you a constant bandwidth despite other user's usage etc. You can "train" your DSL modem to give you that specific bandwidth. Once it is trained at that bandwidth, your set. However, the downside to "training" is that it must occur at off hours when network usage is low and when it is a cool, dry night.

If you feel that you do want to train your modem, it is simple to do: Just turn it off, leave it off for a handful of seconds, then turn it back on and connect to several web sites - surf around and load different media. After 5-10 minutes of surfing, you've trained your modem. You will now get the constant bandwidth you were getting while surfing.