There are various types of internet connection services that vary through the method of connection. Internet connection service prices will also vary with the type and speed of the connection that Internet Service Providers offer their subscribers. Here are the different types of internet connections and some suggestions on how to choose the right one for your needs.
1. Types of internet connections
Dial-up access – This type of connection is one of the cheapest internet connections, but is also the slowest in terms of download speed. A modem is connected to your computer either through the available slot on your motherboard or an external modem that connects to your computer. A telephone line is connected to the external modem, and the connection is controlled using software on your computer. To access the internet connection you will have to provide a username and password, then the modem dials the number of the ISP or Internet Service Provider. Once the connection is made you can then use the internet, but you will notice how slow some web pages will load depending on how big the file sizes are on the page. Referred to as an analog connection, its speeds are up to 56kbps, and you cannot use your telephone if you’re connected to the internet.
DSL - A faster option than Dial up access is DSL, which stands for Digital Subscriber Line or Dedicated Service Line. This type of connection uses the same phone lines as in the dial up access connection, but there is no need to dial up to connect to the internet, since the connection is always activated. A signal splitter is used for the telephone line inside your home or office, so you can use the telephone and the internet both at the same time. Internet connection speeds through DSL can go from 128 kbps up to 8 Mbps.
Cable – Cable internet connections use the cable lines that provide you with a hundred channels on your television set. This connection is broadband and capable of giving you download speeds from 512 Kbps up to 20Mbps, which means downloads from the internet will be a lot faster than DSL. The same coaxial cables are used for both the television and internet connection and can provide more bandwidth than the phone lines used for dial up and DSL connections.
Wireless – Wireless connections don’t use telephone lines or cables to provide an internet connection. This type of connection uses radio frequencies, and you can connect to it if you are within the coverage area. The further you are from the source will make it harder for you to connect to the internet.
Satellite connections – Just like the wireless connection, you can connect to the internet without the use of phone lines or cables and the service can be accessed anywhere. The only downside to this connection is that it is much slower because of the distance transmitting signals have to travel from your computer to the satellite and back again.
2. Ask for reviews
Before deciding on which type of internet connection and ISP provider to subscribe with, you can ask friends and neighbors which type they use and their surfing experience from that connection.
3. Ask for service availability and rates
When you find Internet Service Providers, call up each one on the list and ask if their services are available in your area and ask how much their rates are for the type of internet connection you have decided to get.
The type of internet connection you should choose would depend on what you use the internet for. If you only use the internet for checking your email, then a lower speed connection is just right for you. If you do a lot of surfing, gaming, blogging, or do telecommuting jobs over the internet, then you should consider a fast and reliable internet connection.
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