Your Guide to the Internet: 6 Top Types of Internet Connections
Are you trying to figure out more about the types of internet connections? Read this article to learn more about getting connected. Did you know that over 7 billion people surf the internet? More and more people are using the internet for personal use, work, and school.
However, not everyone has the same online experience. There are so many different types of internet connections. Which one should you rely on? Here, we’ve got the right guide for you. Read on below to learn about the different types of internet connections.
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Fiber Internet
What is considered high-speed internet nowadays? To date, fiber internet is one of the fastest internet connections out there. Fiber connections can transmit a large amount of information into your home fast, thanks to the fiber-optic cables.
Best fiber internet doesn’t use electricity to transmit data; it uses modulate light, and nothing is faster than the speed of light. Fiber connections cost the most, and it’s not available yet for every location.
You’ll have to ask your ISP to check if a fiber connection is available for your place. Take a moment to search “cheap internet near me” to choose internet providers that offer fiber internet plans.
Cable Internet
Thinking about cable internet? The likelihood of neighbors using the same internet service provider is relatively high. It’s one of the most available internet connections.
Did you know that cable internet goes through the same cables your TV cables pass through? TV cables don’t take much bandwidth. This refers to how much data you can transfer at a time. That’s the reason why they often come in bundles.
You must be aware that you share your internet bandwidth with your neighbors. When everyone is home, and on the internet, your internet speed slows down. After all, you share a line with the neighbors, and the available bandwidth has to accommodate everyone simultaneously. You can measure bandwidth usage using a bandwidth monitoring tool, which also helps to maximize speed and restrain overloads.
This is the most affordable and budget-friendly internet connection type for many people. Cable internet has a wide range of prices. They often have various internet speed plans you can choose from, so don’t hesitate for their list of options or cable internet guides.
Dial-Up Internet
You can connect to the internet via modem in dial-up. You can think of two computers having a conversation in a standard phone call. Did you know that dial-up uses phone lines to be able to connect the internet in your home? It uses the same frequencies as voice calls. There is no broadband connection in this type of internet connection.
That’s why many regard it as one of the slowest internet connections. Regardless, many people still use it because it is cheaper than the other types of internet connections. Its speed can accommodate people’s everyday needs, especially if it’s only for sending messages and basic browsing.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) Internet
Looking for an internet connection where you won’t worry about a sudden slowdown? A DSL connection is your best bet. Similar to cable internet, it goes through the same cable your landline uses. DSL uses telephone networks as a way of transmitting data from your internet service provider to your house.
The copper in the wires offers more significant bandwidth, and they take advantage of it. However, they transmit data in different packages so that they won’t interfere with your calls and vice-versa. This ensures your internet speed stays stable and generally the same throughout the day.
Two known factors can affect DSL internet speed. One of them is how far your internet service provider is from your home. The nearer you are, the faster your internet speed will be. The second one is natural atmospheric conditions such as rain, storm, blizzard, and even strong winds. These external forces affect DSL’s internet speed.
Satellite Internet
Live too far from a city to get traditional internet plans? Are TV cables also no-go? You might want to consider satellite internet. The ISP will install a satellite dish, which serves as an antenna. The antenna outside transmits a signal from your modem and router to the satellite in space. After that, it will go to the ground station of your ISP and the internet.
The signal will go back to your house through the same process, connecting you online. Satellite internet speeds won’t be able to accommodate heavy internet usage. This type of connection is sensitive to natural weather conditions. Similar to DSL, you should expect connection interruption when you are in the middle of bad weather.
Despite these issues, researching the best satellite internet providers in your area and investing in a satellite connection is the best option when you live in the middle of nowhere. You don’t have to rely on fiber optic cables or long phone connection lines. It’s the ideal choice for people who travel a lot or live out in the desert, mountains, and other remote neighborhoods.
Mobile Data Internet
There are many types of internet connections you can choose from. But there is one way to access the internet that people often overlook: mobile data internet. This connection relies on the cellular network your phone uses, which also means you can surf the internet anywhere.
As long as you have your phone, you don’t have to worry about going outside without the internet. There are data plans available, with monthly and yearly offers, depending on your network provider.
There’s one thing you need to look out for: always verify whether or not you have a good mobile connection in your home. Many places have a low and slow mobile connection. This is especially true for rural places due to the lack of cell sites.
Discover 6 Different Types of Internet Connections
These are the top 6 types of internet connections available today. Don’t rush and take your time to figure out which one falls under your budget and provide the kind of connection speed to suit your needs.
But of course, you can always learn more! There are more tech-savvy guides to discover, and we’re here to provide them. Don’t hesitate to read more of our articles right here, today!
