Internet Connection Dial Up and High Speed Internet Connection Types
Internet Connection discussions generally focus on the types of internet service available to you through the internet service providers serving your area. For example, the most common types of internet connection are Cable, Dial Up, DSL, Fiber Optic, Satellite, and Wireless internet connection. Wireless internet connection can be further broken down into Mobile, Wi-Fi, and the newer Wi-Max internet connection technologies. Below are brief discussions of each type of internet connection. Please follow the links above to learn more about each internet connection type.
Cable Internet Connection. Provided by your local cable TV company. Existing coaxial cable wires can be used by those who already have cable TV service, however, a subscription, cable modem, and initial set up is required prior to use.
Dial Up Internet Connection. Uses your existing local telephone service to dial an internet connection number using a dial up modem. Dial up modems are cheap, so most computers today still ship with a dial up modem already installed. Any internet service provider that offers dial up internet connection can be used. It is important to realize that dial up modems make phone calls. If you set your modem to call a local internet connection number, you are charged at the local call rate by your telephone company. If you call a number outside of your local calling area, you may be charged additional fees by your telephone company. Unlimited nationwide calling plans can eliminate the guessing game and open up more dial up services nationwide.
DSL Internet Connection. Provided by your local telephone company. Existing telephone wires can be used by those who already have local telephone service, however, a subscription, DSL modem, and initial set up is required prior to use. Only one telephone line is necessary. DSL internet connection does not inter fear with telephone calls.
Fiber Optic Internet Connection. Verizon began rolling out fiber optic cable to customer homes in the year 2008. This is a new technology which is reminiscent of the cable TV roll outs of years past. Verizon FiOS offers bundled TV, phone, and internet services at speeds and quality that surpass cable TV and cable internet connections.
Satellite Internet Connection. Satellite Internet connection allows a computer to connect by satellite dish to a satellite internet service provider. Satellite internet connection requires a monthly subscription and the purchase or lease of equipment from the internet service provider. Internet connections are generally nationwide and multiple providers are available in many service areas.
Wireless Internet Connection. Wireless internet is a group of internet connection types which allow a computer to connect to a wireless internet service provider. Wireless internet connection is often confused by those who wish to simply attach a wireless modem to their existing cable or DSL internet connection service. Mobile, Wi-Fi and Wi-Max are the most popular wireless internet connection services available today.
Mobile Internet Connection. Mobile internet connection implies the use of a mobile phone, PDA, USB attachment, or other device that connects to the internet by cell phone tower. Mobile wireless internet connection regardless of the internet service provider is subscription based. You will need to sign up ahead of time and pay a monthly fee prior to use. Additional equipment is also generally necessary, such as a wireless PC card, mobile internet modem, or a cell phone designed to double as a modem.
Wi-Fi Internet Connection. Wi-Fi internet connection is most common in the for of hot spots. Hot spots are locations where you can use your laptop computer's built in wireless capabilities to access the internet. Some hot spot locations are free, others are fee based, and some offer nationwide unlimited use for a monthly subscription fee. Book stores, airports, restaurants, and other businesses offer hot spots as added incentive to shop at their locations.
Wi-Max Internet Connection. Wi-Max internet connection is a new technology that fits somewhere in between Mobile and Wi-Fi. Wi-Max has a longer range versus Wi-Fi, and Wi-Max is much simpler to set up in hot spot like locations throughout a city. This may help the technology expand fast in 2009 and 2010. To date there has been more talk than action surrounding the use of Wi-Max, so we'll just have to wait and see what the new year brings.
Each internet connection type is discussed further on their respective web pages Cable, DSL, Satellite, Wireless, and Fiber Optic. Internet connection service providers we review on our web site are those with the largest customer base in the United States of America. Verizon and Att for example, are the largest providers of DSL and Wireless internet connection services and are also very well known brand names. Smaller companies may be found in our internet providers list.
