Different types of Internet Connection

Two types of Internet Connection ;

• Dial-up Connection 
• Broadband Internet Connection / Direct Connection 

1. Dial-up Connection :

a. Conventional Dial-up :
- (to connect to the Internet, your computer dials its modem and connects to a modem attached to a computer belonging to your ISP.)
- PC has to dial via a phone line to connect.
- Characteristics of Conventional dial-up:

• Slower, but cheaper 
• Ties up phone lines 
• Relatively secure from hackers 
• Example : TMNet 

Advantage and Disadvantages of Conventional Dial-up :





b. ISDN ( Integrated Services Digital Network) :
- Also transfer data over ordinary telephone lines
- Typically uses two phone lines to transfer data
- ISDN requires a special ISDN modem
- Characteristics of ISDN:

• Faster, but pricey 
• Doesn’t tie up phone line 
• Used by businesses and individuals 

- (always on connections) :

• Many home and small business users connect to the Internet via high-speed broadband Internet service. 
• PC is continually connected to the Internet. 
• Direct connections are typically broadband. 
• Used in the home and office. 
• Because you are always connected, it is important to protect your computer from hackers. 

2. Broadband Internet Connection :






a. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) :

- Broadband delivered over telephone lines :

• Must be less than 3 miles from a switching station. 
• Transmits over telephone lines but does not tie up the line. 

- Fast, direct Internet access via standard telephone line.
- ADSL is one of the more popular types of DSLs.
- Requires DSL modem.
- Available in urban areas.
- Half or less of cable speeds.
- Example :- Streamyx without WiFi


b. Cable Internet Service/ Cable Modem :

- Cable modem: Most widely used home broadband connection 

- Provides high-speed Internet access through the cable television network via a cable modem.

c. Fixed wireless :

- Uses radio transmission towers rather than satellites.
- Not available in all areas.
- Expected to use WiMAX.
- Provides high-speed Internet connections using a dish-shaped antenna to communicate via radio signals.

d. Wi-Fi ( Wireless Fidelity) :

- Data is transmitted through radio waves.
- Public wireless networks :

• Both free and fee-based are available.
• Currently Wi-Fi for short range, but WiMAX may soon be an option.

- Wi-Fi Hotspot :

• Places that provide a user with free or paid internet service.
• Example : Airport, Cafe, Hotel, Hostel, Offices, and other public buildings.

e. Satellite Internet service :

  

- Broadband option for rural areas.

• More expensive than cable or DSL.
• Available in many areas other broadband options are not.

- Provides high-speed Internet connections via satellite.

- A satellite dish communicates with a satellite modem.

f. Cellular Radio Network :

- Also known as Mobile wireless 

- Access via mobile phone or device

- Offers high-speed Internet connections to devices with built-in compatible technology or computers with wireless modems.

- Example provider:- Celcom, Maxis, DiGi

Advantages of Broadband :

1. Connection speed is up to 100 times faster than dial-up connection. Online gaming is only possible using a broadband internet access.

2. It does not affect the phone line.  For DSL internet access, you can use the same phone line for both voice/fax and data transmission.

3. It is convenient because the internet connection is always on.

4. You don't need to dial an access number and risk getting a busy signal. 

5. Broadband internet offers unlimited access and you won't be charged based on the connection duration.

6. Broadband internet not only gives you high speed internet access, it can also provide cheap phone services via VoIP technology.

Disadvantages of Broadband :

1. High monthly fee compared to dialup internet access.

2. Higher security risk than dial up connection.  A personal firewall is needed to protect your computer.
3. Not all phone wires are equipped for DSL service.  May not be available in rural or remote areas.

4. Not all cable TV networks are equipped for cable internet access.  May not be available in rural or remote.

Common Types of Internet Connections :

Factors to consider to help you  choose the right internet connection :

- Availability :

•  not all services are available on all locations.

- Speed/Performance :

• people in the neighbourhood who use the same  service simultaneously time may draw on your  service and slow the speed of the cable connection.
• Wi-Fi is only recommended for personal use because of limited speed.

- Security Levels :

• Different connection have different security level.

- Price :

• The most affordable one is WiFi, (low cost), you  can get an unlimited connection but not for  business purposes because of speed limitation  and stability. 

- Support Services :

• One of the top priorities when choosing a Internet Service Provider/Internet Connection is their  ability to offer the best customer service and  technical support.

BROADBAND VS. DIAL-UP

• Broadband — or high-speed — Internet service has seen a rise in popularity over the last decade, becoming a standard communication service over its slower counter-part, dial-up Internet. You can use the broadband vs. dial-up chart on this page to learn the differences between each type of Internet connectivity and decide whether or not to move into the high-speed era.