Options for Internet Connections
The Internet is a vast network of connected computers. Individuals can connect their computers to the Internet via a wide variety of methods. These methods can be broadly classified by the physical hardware substrate on which they operate, or by the software protocols used to structure the signal. Different Internet connection options offer a range of connection speeds.
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T1 Line
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A T1 line is a multiplexed communication carrier system. Multiplexing is a technique that allows multiple streams of data to be sent down a channel by sending each data stream at a different frequency. A T1 line runs at a data transfer rate of 1.544 million bits per second.
Broadband Internet
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Broadband is a marketing term used to describe a number of different techniques for achieving high data rate access to the Internet. Broadband is usually contrasted with dial-up Internet data rates. Broadband is generally defined as any Internet connection with a data rate of 2,048,000 or more bits per second.
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Dial-up
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Dial-up is the oldest and most basic method of Internet access. It uses a router connected to the phone line. Dial-up Internet access usually operates at data rates of 40,000 to 50,000 bits per second, with a theoretical maximum of 56,000 bits per second.
DSL Line
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DSL stands for digital subscriber line. DSL provides Internet data transmission over existing telephone lines. The most common type of DSL is ADSL, which stands for asymmetric digital subscriber line. The "asymmetry" refers to the fact that data can be received at higher rates than it can be sent by the user. DSL lines are a common method of providing broadband Internet in residential areas. DSL lines provide download data rates of between 256,000 and 40 million bits per second.
3G Mobile
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3G mobile is a method of accessing the Internet through high-speed cellular telephone signals. These high-speed signals must be in accord with the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 standard (IMT-2000) to be considered 3G. The signals allow data rates of 200,000 bits per second. 3G mobile also allows users to engage in video calls. Users can use their phone as a modem to connect to the Internet using their computers while they are away from home.
Wireless
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Wireless networking is becoming more widespread, particularly with notebook computers. Wireless Internet access usually refers to an Internet connection achieved via a wireless local area network (WLAN) that accords with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard. Wireless networking, also called Wi-Fi, is frequently used in people's homes and by businesses to provide Internet access to their customers.
Satellite
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Satellites are used to grant high-speed Internet access to remote areas where it is uneconomical to run cable. This system consists of a satellite dish pointed at an orbiting satellite that receives data from a base station somewhere on Earth. There are two varieties of satellite Internet links, two-way and one-way. Two-way allows the customer to use the satellite dish to request data, as well as to receive data from the Internet. One-way only allows the user to receive data from the satellite. The user must use standard dial-up Internet access along telephone lines to request data.
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References
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