''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.