Internet Connection Methods

December 11th, 2007 · 2 Comments

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

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. Broadband access can be provided by several access mechanisms:

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

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

DSL Broadband

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)/Broadband is a relatively new technology, which brings high connection speeds to normal analogue telephone users. It is basically the telecom answer to cable . DSL 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 - 1Mbps
Hardware Requirements: DSL modem (often included). If you want to connect multiple computers: one DSL router (approx. £50-£200)

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. ( 1GB 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

DSL 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: Starts at approx. £13-£30 per month
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.

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 )

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 (£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.

2 responses so far ↓

1 Mikki // Jan 16, 2008 at 3:03 am

Hello Steve,

Thank you! I am trying to write a paper; forming questions and on I was searching for various Wireless internet connections. Your site has gotten me started. I appreciate the info.
2 Tom // Nov 5, 2008 at 1:42 pm

Thanks helped me in my project.