There are several internet connections, and they vary by the internet service provider and by region. Understanding the distinction between each connection is essential before determining which type of Internet connection is right for you. Below are some of the world’s most widely used internet connections.
1. Cellular
Cellular technology is the most used connection, providing wireless internet access through cell phones. Internet speed will vary depending on the service provider. The most common are 4G and 3G, from the fourth and third generations, respectively. The 4G cellular network speed is around 21Mbps, and the 3G cellular network is around 2.0Mbps. The 4G network aims to reach peak mobile speeds of 100Mbps. However, there has been the introduction of the 5G cellular network.
2. Broadband Connection
Broadband refers to high-speed internet access faster than traditional dial-up access. It is distributed through telephone or cable composition. However, it does not need a telephone connection; hence, we can use the internet and telephone connections simultaneously here. More than one person can access the internet connection simultaneously. A wide bandwidth data transmission transports several signals and traffic types. In this particular connection, the medium used is optical fiber cable, coaxial cable, twisted pair, or radio cable.
3. DSL
Also referred to as Digital Subscriber Line. It provides an internet connection via the telephone network. It is a form of broadband communication that is always on, and there is no need to dial a phone number to connect. DSL connection utilizes a router to transport data. The speed of this connection ranges from 128kb to 8Mbps depending on the service offered. A DSL connection can translate data at 5 million bytes per second or 5mbps. DSL service can be delivered simultaneously with wired telephone service on the same telephone line because of the high-frequency bands for data.
4. Dial-Up Connection
A modem establishes this connection between your computer and the ISP server. It is a traditional and cheap connection that is not preferred since it is very slow. To access the internet connection in the dial-up connection, you need to dial a phone number on the computer, and that’s why it requires a telephone connection that works as interference between your computer and the telephone line. You can use either an internet connection or a telephone at a time.
5. ISDN
ISDN is an abbreviation for Integrated Service Digital Network, a circuit-switched telephone network system. It also provides access to packet-switched networks that transmit data and voice over a digital line. It provides a packet-switched connection for data in increments of 64kbs. ISDN connection provides higher quality and better speeds than traditional connections.
6. Satellite Connection
This type of connection is mainly found in rural areas where a broadband connection has yet to be available. It accesses the internet via a satellite found in Earth’s orbit. The signal travels from Earth to the satellite and back again, which is a long distance and hence delayed connection. Satellite Connection speeds range from around 512k to 2.0Mbps.
7. Cable
This is a form of broadband access cable modem that can provide fast internet access. The speed of this connection differs, which can vary when uploading data transmission or downloading. It uses a cable modem to provide an internet connection and operates over cable TV lines. The speed of cable connection ranges from 512k to 20Mbps.
