What are the Different Types of Internet Connections?
In today’s digital world, an Internet connection is a necessity. It’s vital in many aspects of everyday life, including education, entertainment, and work. Sometimes, your Internet connection can be lost, poorly executed, or run at a low speed.
Not having a stable Internet connection can cause a lot of challenges. In rural areas where high-speed Internet service is required, people often face connectivity issues due to bad weather conditions or the lack of availability of better internet connection types, like fiber-optic internet.
To determine the right type of internet connection you need for you and your household, check out this article, where we’ll outline the different types.
Depending on your location, there are several Internet connection options. When determining the right type of Internet connection and Internet speed for you, learn more about the different and most commonly used connections below.
Broadband
A broadband connection is a high-speed internet connection provided via telephone or cable companies. It uses multiple channels for data transmission.
The “broadband” term refers to broad bandwidth, which stands for the maximum amount of data transmitted in a given amount of time through the Internet. Bandwidth is commonly mistaken for Internet speed, which is the volume of information sent over the Internet for a given amount of time, measured in Mbps – megabits per second.
Finding broadband providers to cater to your needs is simple these days, as you can check out the cheapest broadband NZ providers online.
Cable
When performing an Internet providers comparison, it is worth considering a cable internet connection for extremely fast access to the Internet and a stable connection to the TV lines. This type of internet connection is facilitated through a modem.
Cable internet is a form of broadband Internet access that uses cable TV infrastructure. It’s integrated into the cable TV infrastructure and uses an existing telephone network. The two predominant forms of Internet access for households are telecommunications and cable TV networks.
The downstream can go up to 1Gbit/s, while the upstream traffic can be anywhere from 385 kbits/s to more than 50 Mbit/s. It’s a suitable option for households.
ISDN
Integrated Services Digital Network is a type of Internet connection that allows users to send information over a standard or digital telephone wire. All that is needed is the installation of an ISDN adapter on the Internet Service Provider’s part and the end user’s.
Several connections are available through the ISDN connection, including T-3 and T-1 lines, DSL technologies, and an Optical Carrier.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line, commonly known as DSL, is a type of Internet connection that uses an existing telephone line made of 2-wire copper material connected to one’s device. This type of Internet connection is delivered at the same time as the telephone service; however, users can still make calls while accessing the Internet.
Satellite
A satellite internet connection is established through a cable modem since users can access the Internet over cable TV lines. It’s a form of broadband access that provides pretty fast internet service and is a viable option for many households.
It’s the internet we get from the satellites orbiting the Earth, and it’s different from the other land-based services like DSL or cable internet.
These satellites transmit data through wires underground. The data is sent and received through a network that connects your device via a modem and a satellite dish to the satellite in space.
Network Operations Centers are the ground centers where this communication takes place, and they facilitate data delivery.
Dial-Up
Dial-Up Internet Access uses PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) to establish a connection to the Internet. This is a form of Internet access that uses modems to decode the audio signals that are sent to the PC or the router and encode the signals from the PC and send them to another router or modem.
Dial-Up Internet connection was created in 1979 by graduates at Duke University who created the USENET, a predecessor to the Dial-Up we know today. The connection relied strictly on audio communication due to the underdevelopment of technology back in the time.
Even though it’s an outdated Internet connection, it can still be used in some rural areas.
Check Your Internet Speed
If you want to check the speed of your Internet connection, search for some speed tests online and see whether you’re satisfied with the Internet service or whether it’s time for a new ISP deal.
Choose the Internet Connection Type
Once you decide on the best Internet connection for your needs, make sure you check the best deals in your area to ensure you’re getting a quality service. Also, narrow down the selection based on your upload and download speed, the pricing options, the features offered with each service, and the deals. Comprehensive coverage and a reliable, fast speed are the key points when choosing an ISP.