Internet Speeds Explained
The speed of an Internet connection determines how quickly information is sent and received between a computer and the website to which it is connecting. Internet speeds vary greatly depending on the type of connection.
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Dial-Up
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The dial-up Internet connection is the oldest mainstream method for connecting to the Web. The connection is made through a person's phone line, which transmits data from the computer modem to a server. A dial-up connection is limited in transmission speed, often maxing out at around 55 kilobits per second.
Broadband
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Broadband Internet connections allow Web surfers to use more advanced modems to connect to the Internet. Data is carried through cables that allow information to travel much faster than traditional dial-up connections. Broadband can also be used via a wireless network that sends signals from a computer's wireless adapter to the modem. These connections are up to thousands of times faster than dial-up networks.
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T1 and T3 Lines
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T1 and T3 lines are found predominantly in offices or other businesses that require the fastest Internet connections available. In a T1 or T3 connection, information travels through fiber-optic cables that transmit data up to 60 times faster than standard broadband connections.
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References
- Photo Credit computer keyboard and mouse image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
