Internet Connection Methods

Should you use broadband/DSL or Wireless or a mixture for your home/small business/home office internet connection. When choosing your connection methods you need to be aware of the options. The following methods are commonly used and available:

• Broadband DSL/ADSL
• Broadband Wireless (WI-FI)
• Dial-up
• Satellite
• Broadband Cable
• Mobile Broadband -GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)

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

Broadband Connections

A broadband Internet connection provides high speed internet access at transmission rates above 256kbits/sec but typically (UK) above 4Mbits/s (for ADSL).

Broadband connections can be provided by 4 main access mechanisms-
ADSL, cable and WI-FI (wireless) and GSM (mobile phones).

Which one you use depends on:

• Your Requirements
• Your Location
• Costs

Broadband access can be provided by several access mechanisms:

• DSL/ADSL (digital subscriber line)
• Cable Internet
• Wireless Internet
• GSM (mobile phones)
• Satellite Internet
• Electric power lines- are also being considered for providing broadband internet access.

Although cable and DSL are broadband technologies ADSL is the more common, as it is carried over the standard telephone lines. For home/home office users ADSL is the standard option.

DSL/ADSL Broadband

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)/Broadband comes in two forms:

• Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), – provides different upload and download speeds (most common)
• Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL)-  provides the same speed in both directions.

Monthly Cost: Starts at approx. £13-£30  for ADSL per month

Speed: 128Kbps – 20Mbps

Hardware Requirements: ADSL modem  (often included). If you want to connect multiple computers: one ADSL router (approx. £50-£200 if note included)

Advantages	Disadvantages
Always on connection Can  use a telephone and Internet simultaneously Wide variety of speeds and prices. Large choice of service providers (ISPs)	Available only in limited areas but this is changing rapidly Speed vary widely Some providers have monthly download limits. ( 10GB per month is typical) Requires special termination equipment to be fitted by the telecom company at both ends of the telephone line. Exposes computer to Internet so you need to install  firewall software. (Windows XP has a built in firewall).

Suitability

ADSL is suitable for very heavy Internet users and multiple computers (small office or home network). If you regularly download or upload large files like music, video or pictures then this type of connection is the one you need.

Wireless Broadband

Wireless broadband is of interest for mobile users. The wireless technology used is the same as is used in home wireless networking and hence if you have laptop/pda is equipped for connection to a home or office wireless network then it will also work on a public wireless network.

Monthly Cost: Often free and provided bundled by
some ADSL broadband packages

Speed: 1-54 Mbps

Hardware Requirements: Wireless (Wi-FI) equipped laptop/PDA.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Always on connection when connected. Requires you to be in a wireless hotspot. Your ISP will provide a list of sites. Does not support wireless roaming. Large choice of service providers (ISPs)	Available only in limited areas usually public areas like airports, train stations etc Speed varies depending on signal quality. Exposes computer to Internet so you need to install firewall software. (Windows XP has a built in firewall). (see Internet computer security)

Suitability

Wireless broadband is suitable for mobile users. It has similar speeds to DSL and so is also suitable for very heavy Internet users and multiple computers (small office or home network).

If you regularly download or upload large files like music, video or pictures then this type of connection is the one you need.

Cable Broadband

Cable connects you to the Internet through a coaxial cable usually using  the same line as your TV service. Cable connections offer very high connection speeds, 1 to 4 Mbps, but the connection may be shared with other users. This means that you can experience much slower speeds  due to congestion.

Monthly Cost: £14-£50 per month

Speed: 500 Kbps to 2 Mbps

Hardware Requirements: Cable Modem (Usually included). If you have multiple computers then you might need cable router to share connection.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Wide availability on cable networks Relatively inexpensive	Sharing with neighbours poses some unique security risks and congestion problems Router required for more than one computer Primarily for home users

Suitability

For very heavy Internet users and multiple computers (small office or home network). If you regularly download or upload large files like music, video or pictures then this type of connection is the one you need. You obviously need a cable connection in the first place.

Mobile Phone Internet (3G)

Modern mobile phones in the UK use the 3G network (3rd generation mobile telecommunications) with speeds of several Mbit/s.

Which although much faster than the earlier 2G networks it is still much slower than typical ADSL Broadband which most home users/businesses use.

There are two main mechanism used. One uses a Internet
capable mobile phone like the iphone the other uses a USB dongle (3G modem) and a laptop.

Monthly Cost: Varies considerably pay as you options are
available.

Speed: .6 Kbps to 7.2 Mbps

Hardware Requirements: 3G capable Mobile Phone, or USB dongle
and package

Advantages	Disadvantages
Wide availability Can be used when on the move	Slow in comparison with ADSL Can be expensive

 

Speed Testing

Many broadband sites offer a speed testing facility were you can test your Internet speed.

It should be noted that regardless of how fast your connection speed is you will always be restricted by the overall speed on the Internet.

Dial-Up Analogue Connection -56K

Monthly Cost: Varies from 1p per minute to £13 per month (unlimited access)

Speed: Up to 56Kbps

Hardware Requirements: 56k modem included in most modern PCs (approx.  £25-£50 )

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 ADSL 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 (£30-£60) or router ( £200-£300)

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.

 

Related Articles and Resources

• Internet and Networking Components- Internet and Networking Components for connecting to the Internet.
• Wireless Internet Connections
• Wi-Fi and Wireless Networking
• Wireless Setup on Network Devices
• Choosing an ISP.