Internet Connection Methods-Advantages/Disadvantages ADSL,WI-FI,Dialup,Cable, Mobile Internet Connectivity

Internet Connection Methods

Should you use broadband/DSL or Wireless or a mixture. When choosing your internet connection the following methods are available:

Broadband DSL
Broadband Wireless (WI-FI)
Dial-up
Satellite
Broadband Cable
Mobile Broadband

Here we will examine these connection methods in detail and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type so that you can choose the best way for you to connect to the Internet.

Broadband Connections

Broadband or high speed Internet is the term given to an Internet connection at or above 256kbit/s or roughly 5 times analogue modem/ISDN speeds.

These are covered in Broadband Internet Connection Methods

Dial-Up Analogue Connection -56K

Monthly Cost: Varies from 1p per minute to Ł13 per month (unlimited access)
Speed: Up to 56Kbps
Hardware Requirements: 56k modem included in most modern PCs (approx. Ł25-Ł50 )

Advantages

Disadvantages

Inexpensive
Wide
availability

Using a modem ties up a phone line
Connection is not "always on"
Slowest access method
Security danger see rogue Internet diallers

Suitability

Basic Internet browsing and email. Not suitable if regularly downloading or uploading large files like music, video or pictures.

With the rapid adoption of DSL dial up access is often only used as a secondary/ backup Internet access method for mobile users.

You should be vary wary of this connection type due to Rogue Internet Dialler software.

ISDN

Similar to dial-up, ISDN establishes a connection to your service provider when you access the Internet. However, ISDN circuits are 64-128K and fully digital.
ISDN is not easy to install and troubleshoot and requires you to have an ISDN box installed by your telephone company.

It is frequently used by small businesses as in addition to the ISDN line you can also use a normal telephone line at the same time . This means you can access the Internet as well as talking on the telephone.
Monthly Cost: As Analogue dial up
Speed: 64Kbps - 128Kbps
Hardware Requirements: ISDN card (Ł30-Ł60) or router ( Ł200-Ł300)

Advantages

Disadvantages

Lets you talk and surf simultaneously.
Faster than 56kbps analogue
Suitable for attaching more than 1 PC to the Internet ( 2-6 light users)

difficult to setup
Available only in limited areas
Requires special termination equipment to be fitted by the telecom company at both ends of the telephone line
Outdated being replaced by DSL
Not practical for more than 6 computers (depending on usage)
Security danger see rogue Internet diallers

Suitability

Basic Internet browsing and email and connection sharing. Not suitable if regularly downloading or uploading very large files like music, video or pictures. You should be vary wary of this connection type due to Rogue Internet Dialler software.

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