''Five Types of Internet Connections''
1. DSL or Digital Subscriber Line
Just like the dial up connection, DSL offers internet access through the telephone line except that it does not interfere with voice phone calls since DSL internet will rely on high frequencies
and segregate low frequency for regular telephonic conversations. The
frequency bands are transmitted together and are separated at the end
user point.
Initially, DSL referred to Digital Subscriber Loop and later came to
be synonymous with ADSL, the common form of DSL today. ADSL connection
can deliver anywhere from 256 kbps to 20Mbps speeds to the customer
based on plan, technology and other factors. However, upload speeds are
significantly lower which is why this DSL is called Asymmetric.
2. Wi-Fi Internet Connection
This type of internet connection is commonly seen in business houses,
malls and public places. It uses the standard of IEEE 802.11 for
transmitting data. In fact, local networks can provide internet access
by converting into Wi-Fi hotspots such as those observed in cafes.
Service providers may rely on Wi-Fi signals to convert an entire city
internet accessible.
Regardless of the way Wi-Fi internet is delivered to the end user, it
still relies on other connection methods such as DSL and satellite
internet to get access to the World Wide Web. Transfer rates can vary
anywhere from 6 to 600Mbps and range will be between 20 meters and 250
meters. Service providers can extend the range due to advanced Wi-Fi
technology.
3. Cable Internet
A cable based internet service will rely on the same cable that
provides TV connection. The data transfer rate on such modems is about
equal with DSL and service providers are limited because only cable
operators can offer this kind of connection.
This is the least common among all types of connections since TV
cable operators are fast losing ground to superior set top box and
satellite television.
4. Dial-up Access
The cheapest of all connection methods, dial-up access can provide
users internet access on a shoe string budget. It uses a modem and a
simple telephone line to go online. Unfortunately, using the internet
automatically blocks access to voice calls since only one can exist at a
time. Moreover, speeds are as low as 56 kbps, or even lower. This kind
of connection still exists in Third World countries and in rural areas
inaccessible by mobile and other internet service providers.
5. Satellite Internet
If you cannot live with slow speeds and cannot access DSL or cable
internet then satellite internet is perfectly suited to your needs. This
service is very expensive but promises internet connection anywhere in
the world, including the Sahara desert. However, transfer rates are not
that great; but it’s a sacrifice anyone secluded enough will be willing
to pay if their livelihood depended on the internet.