These days, when looking to opt for an Internet plan, you have to find out about the different types of Internet connections. Only once you are aware of different Internet connections can you choose the right one for yourself.
Today, we will share with you the types available. Not only that, we will help you understand how to choose between these types as well.
What Are The Types Of Internet Connections
9 Different types of internet are explained below in detail, continue reading.
Dial-Up Internet
One of the oldest and most common types of Internet connections is the dial-up connection. The dial-up connection makes use of the telephone line to provide Internet connectivity to your PC. The phone line first comes to your dial-up modem. The modem is then connected to your computer. The telephone line carries the analog signal.
However, the modem converts it into a digital signal and transmits it to your computer. When trying to connect it to the Internet using a modem, it first dials a phone number. Once it is connected, after that, you can start surfing the web. The speed is on the lower side.
Initially, dial-up modems just offer speeds up to 512 Kbps. However, with the advancement of technology these days, it is not uncommon to get speeds of 2 Mbps or more as well.
Nevertheless, this type of Internet connection cannot compete with the other options that we will highlight below.
DSL Internet
The full form of DSL is a Digital Subscriber Line. The advantage of this type of Internet connection is that it is always connected. Therefore, you will not have to worry about initiating the connection. Another advantage of this type of Internet connection is that it uses two lines.
That is why, when using the Internet, you can use the phone as well. Thus, you will not have to keep the line occupied or get disconnected when a phone call comes.
In this type of connection, there is a router to ensure that the connectivity mechanism is seamless. The speed of this type of Internet connection can vary between 128Kbps to 8Mbps. That is why the speed is reasonably good.
However, if you plan to use it for high-speed gaming or any other resource-intensive application, this type of connection might not be the perfect option for you.
Cable Internet
Most homes these days have a cable TV connection. So the cable Internet that we are speaking about now uses the same lines to provide Internet connectivity.
The advantage of cable Internet is that it supports high speeds. That is why; you won’t have to worry about any slowdown. The amount of bandwidth on offer is excellent. That is why; you can use it for gaming and other resource-intensive applications.
You need to keep in mind that the speed they provide is different for uploading and downloading. In many cases, the cable box can work as the modem as well. If you have an older cable box, the cable TV company will replace it with a newer one with dual functions.
The speed can vary from 512 Kbps to 20 Mbps. Cable internet is best for gaming, video conferencing, and other such applications. The versatility of this type of Internet connection is the reason why it is such a good option.
Wireless Internet
Wireless Internet access refers to Wi-Fi connectivity. These days, many telecom providers have Wi-Fi hotspots all over the country. Therefore, they have a wide range. If you live in the vicinity of a telecom tower, it is easy to access such Wi-Fi hotspots.
With these Wi-Fi hotspots, you can connect to the Internet. In addition, the wireless connectivity ensures that you can create a Wi-Fi network within your home which means that connecting various devices is possible.
These days, non-carrier companies are also setting up their hotspots all over the country. The number of ISPs that provide such connectivity is increasing in rapid space. The speed can vary between 5 Mbps to 20 Mbps.
That is why once again, you can use this type of connectivity for a variety of applications. If you do not want to worry about telecom lines or cables, you can go with this wireless Internet connection.
Satellite Internet
Access to television with satellite connectivity is pretty common. Many companies provide such direct-to-home connections. In recent times, however, satellite Internet connectivity is making headway as well. As a result, there are many companies that install a satellite dish on your rooftop or your window.
The satellite dish directly captures the radio waves transmitted by the satellite. Then, with a modem, the satellite dish creates a WiFi network. Once you have the ID and password of the Wi-Fi network, you can connect as many devices as you want. The speed of satellite Internet connectivity is excellent.
You need to keep in mind that the cost of the equipment, such as the satellite dish on the Wi-Fi router, is on the higher side. That is, however, a one-time cost. The speed of satellite connectivity can vary from 20 Mbps up to 1 Gbps. That is why, when looking for excellent speeds, this type of connectivity will not disappoint you. See Best satellite internet providers
Cellular Internet
Do you have a smartphone? If so, you can easily access the Internet on your other devices as well. For example, cellular companies offer you Internet access in 2 different ways.
We will go into the details of both these methods below;
Mobile hotspots
Whether you’re using an iOS smartphone or an android one, it has the option to create a mobile hotspot. The mobile hotspot will use the cellular network and the plan on your smartphone. Once you create a hotspot, you can connect as many devices as you want to the Internet using your smartphone plan.
The only bit of a caveat is that the signal reception should be excellent. Not only that, the bandwidth should be higher as well. Only then you can access the Internet through multiple devices.
The problem with mobile hotspots it won’t cover a long-range area, mobile hotspots are the only best for evergency use.
Hotspot devices
Most carriers buy bandwidth from the country in which they are operating. Whether that bandwidth is utilized or not, they have to pay a fixed fee to that country. Earlier, they were offering only calling, texting, and data services to their phone customers.
These days, they are offering hotspot devices to any customer who is willing to pay for them. The hotspot device will use the network of the carrier to provide you with Internet connectivity.
These hotspot devices come with batteries. Once you charge it and turn it on, you can create a Wi-Fi network no matter where you are. This Wi-Fi network uses the bandwidth of the carrier. You can connect numerous devices to this WiFi network.
Most of them are 4G compatible. And it speeds between 10Mbps to 50Mbps quite easily. When it comes to cellular Internet connectivity, you can opt for WiFi hotspot devices.
Fiber Internet
Fiber optic was earlier used to provide connectivity between continents and countries. They were often laid at the bed of the oceans and seas. A fiber-optic uses glass to transmit signals in the form of light.
Since the speed of light is the fastest, this type of Internet connectivity offers you great speeds. It is not uncommon to get speeds up to 1Gbps with the help of fiber-optic connectivity. From the outer side, the fiber-optic might seem like a coaxial cable.
However, the jackets of both are the same of the company installs the fiber optic up to your home and connects it with the router. The router after that creates a WiFi network that allows you to connect various devices.
Also fiber-optic connectivity is that it offers you huge bandwidth. Most fiber-optic companies offer you truly unlimited plans as well. Thus, if you’re looking for the fastest type of Internet connection, this one is certainly a strong contender.
Broadband Internet
Broadband over powerlines is certainly a connectivity mechanism that you can use. However, there are hardly any companies offering this connectivity. The advantage of this connectivity is that Internet connectivity is provided through the powerlines. You will not have to worry about installing any additional cables.
As long as the electricity distribution network is of low or medium voltage, such a type of connectivity can be offered easily. The advantage of this type of connectivity is that you can gain Internet connectivity through electrical outlets.
Since there are hardly any companies offering such connectivity, there is no specific speed range with such ISPs offer. Nevertheless, it is certainly a type of Internet connection that can disrupt in the future.
ISDN
ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. There is research going on about this type of Internet connectivity. In this type of Internet connectivity, a single set of cables provides power, telephone connectivity, and Internet connectivity.
This type of Internet connection aims to minimize the use of cables. With the help of a single cable or multiple cables in a single jacket, all the services are on offer.
Since these cables carry digital signals, the speeds which you get are up to 20Mbps. While such Internet connectivity is not widely available worldwide, the number of ISPs offering such connectivity is increasing rapidly.
Which Type of Internet Connection You Should Opt for
When trying to choose between these Internet connections, there are a few things to keep in mind.
We will highlight these things below;
Intended use
You have to 1st and foremost look at the application for which you will use the Internet. If you intend to use the Internet occasionally, you can go with dial-up or DSL Internet.
These are affordable. If you need high speed for gaming, video conferencing, or educational needs, you can go with fiber, satellite, and other such Internet connectivity options. These are the fastest among the lot. The application form you are going to use on the Internet will determine the type you go with.
Network Availability
Not all types of Internet connections will be available in your area. For example, many ISPs do not operate in every country. That is why, instead of just shortlisting the type, you have to look at the availability as well.
The Internet is your friend here. You can easily go to the website of the ISP and put your ZIP Code. Once you do so, you will know about the availability easily.
There are certain types of connectivity options available pan country like the satellite Internet. Nevertheless, it is important to look at the availability of the Internet connection and then take a call.
Budget
Additionally, you have to look at the cost of Internet connectivity as well. The dial-up Internet connectivity is available for as low as $30 per month.
However, satellite connectivity will cost you around $80 per month or more. You have to always take into account the cost of the Internet connection and then take a call.
Carrier Reliability
Many Internet connections are not that reliable. For example, if you’re using satellite Internet in inclement weather, it will not work. You will have to wait for the weather to get better. Similarly, dial-up Internet connectivity is not that reliable either. In case you need a reliable network, you can go with the fiber-optic cable network.
This is because the downtime in such types of networks is on the lower side. Reliability is another aspect that you have to consider while choosing an Internet connection type.
Company
Lastly, you have to consider the company from which you are buying the Internet connection. The ISP should have been around for quite some time. The customer support which it has on offer should be good as well. Only when the company meets this criterion can you go with that Internet connection plan.
Recap
When you compare the nine internet types on these few parameters, choosing the right Internet connection type becomes easy. With our guide above, it is easy to understand how many types of Internet connections are available.
Not only that, our guide above will help you choose between these types as well. Now is the time to enjoy the type of Internet connectivity that you are looking for.
