There are several connections that you can use to get internet access. All such connections come with their own speed range that can be used for distinct purposes like personal or official use. However, to select the right internet connection, you must know the different types of internet connections that are available.
Dial-up connection –
Dial–up connection is one such connection between your internet service provider’s server and computer using the modem. A dial-up connection is an extremely traditional and cheap connection that is not preferred as this kind of connection is considered slow. To get hold of the internet connection in dial-up, you require dialling up on a phone number on your personal computer and that is why it needs a telephone connection. It needs a modem connection, which functions as interference between the computer and the telephone line. Here on this connection, you can use either a telephone or internet connection at a time.
Broadband connection –
Broadband is high-speed internet access, which is faster as compared to customary dial-up access. It is offered through either telephone or cable composition. It does not need any telephone connection, and therefore here you can use the internet connection and telephone simultaneously. The bandwidth data transmission is wide and transports various signals and traffic. Here in this connection, the medium that is used is coaxial cable, twisted pair cable, radio or optical fibre cable.
DSL –
The full form of DSL is a digital subscriber line. It offers an internet network through the telephone network. DSL is a kind of broadband communication that is always on, there are zero requirements to dial up a phone number for connecting to the internet network. DSL connection uses a router to transmit the data and the speed of the connection ranges between 128 k and 8 Mbps based on the offered service. A DSL can convert data at 5 Mbps. The service of DSL may be delivered simultaneously with the wired telephone on the same telephone line owing to the high-frequency bands for data.
Cable –
It is a kind of broadband access cable modem that offers quick access to the internet. The speed of the connection differs which can be different for uploading or downloading data. It uses a cable modem to endow the internet network and operate over cable television lines. The cable speed connection ranges between 512 k and 20 Mbps.
Satellite connection –
This kind of connection is offered majorly in rural regions where broadband is not offered. It allows access to the internet through a satellite that is in the earth’s orbit. The signal traverses from a long distance i.e., from earth to the satellite and back again. This offers a delayed connection. The speed of the satellite connection ranges between 512 K and 2 Mbps.
Wireless connection –
As suggested by its name, wireless connection makes use of no cables or telephone lines to connect to the internet. The wireless connection uses a radio frequency band to connect well to the internet. Also, it is an always-on connection, and the connection can simply be accessed from anywhere and the speed might differ for distinct locations. This ranges between 5 Mbps to 20 Mbps.
Cellular –
Cellular technology offers access to wireless internet through cell phones. Speed might differ based on the internet service provider. The most common examples include the 3 G and 4 G meaning 3rd and 4th generation, respectively. The cellular network speed of 3G is nearly 2 Mbps and the cellular network speed of 4G is 21 Mbps to attain the peak mobile speeds equaling 100 Mbps. However, the present speed of the 4G network is nearly around 21 Mbps.
ISDN or integrated service digital network
The full form of ISDN is an integrated service digital network, and this is a circuit-switched network system linked with a telephone, but it even endows access to the packet-switched networks, which transmits both the data and voice over the digital line.
ISDN connection offers better speed and higher quality as compared to traditional connections. It offered the highest bandwidth of 128 Kbps in both downstream and upstream directions.
Fibre optic
Internet through fibre optic is where the connection network transfers data through fibre optic cables. Owing to the material properties of the cables, data gets transmitted quickly i.e., it endows you with an internet connection at uninterrupted high speed. Prices for the fibre optic internet service providers are comparable to the DSL and end up getting better quality and higher speed. The only disadvantage is fibre optic internet connection is not available at all locations.
Satellite
This kind of internet connection is the one that is used the least. This internet connection delivers internet to your location through satellite. Speed tends to be less than the 20 Mbps limit, which explains why it is not used by many. While it may be one of the slowest internet connection options on the list, the connection is extremely stable. A satellite internet connection is a prudent choice if you reside in a rural region that does not come with a DSL, cable, or fibre optic infrastructure. Otherwise, it is prudent to go for the other options.
Power line internet
BPL or broadband over power lines or a power line internet is a special kind of internet connection that uses electrical power cables for carrying the internet data connection.
WI-FI is nothing but a kind of facility that endows wireless access to the internet to electronic devices like computers, smartphones, etc., within a specific range. So, having WI-FI does not mean you have an internet connection.
Conclusion
Today, life without the internet is unimaginable. Whether you are looking to video call your loved ones or looking to research something for your assignment, the internet is a must. However, it is important to know the different types of internet connections, their pros and cons, and other details, to make the right choice.