What Types of Internet Connections are Available?

If you have been considering joining the millions of people who connect to the world by the Internet, you have probably been faced with the choice of how you will connect. In fact, you do have a number of different options that are available to you. This article is presented to provide you with some basic information about what types of connections to the Internet are available to you at this point in time. This article is designed to provide you some basic information to aid you in deciding what type of connection to the Net will best meet your needs.

Narrowband or Broadband?

The next thing you will need is a way to get to the Internet. Most people, especially those who use a computer as their Internet device, use telephone or cable access. Your choice will rest heavily on what kind of access you want, narrowband or broadband. Both are available by telephone lines, but cable is a form of broadband that will access the Internet using television cables.

Deciding between narrowband and broadband is easy these days—most people choose broadband. Narrowband, or dial-up, is a cumbersome way to access the Internet, and is also time-consuming. In some areas you may also pay by the minute for access—make sure you know what you’re paying for with narrowband. Broadband is high speed access to the internet, for which you will pay a flat rate. Broadband is also preferred because it doesn’t tie up your home or work phone. Some areas don’t have broadband yet, so check with your local phone company or cable provider.

DSL or Cable?

If you choose broadband, you have one more choice to make: between DSL and cable. DSL uses telephone lines, but splits the line with filers that you install yourself by plugging them into telephone outlets. Because you don’t have to dial up and connect to your ISP, the service is always there—simply open your browser and go.

DSL is a good choice because it’s fast, relatively inexpensive, and most telephone companies now offer the service. Some smaller towns and rural areas may not yet have DSL available. Call your telephone company or another broadband service carrier for more information.

Cable is also another form of broadband that is always on and available. Rather than telephone lines, cable modems use television cable lines. Cable is more prevalent in residential areas, but because you would share the cable access with other people in your city, often speed gets bogged down when a lot of people are on the internet through the cable system.

But ... Keep Security Problems and Risks in Mind ...

Another drawback to broadband is that your network is open to hackers and others who may want to do harm to your computer all day and night. Make sure you protect your system with a firewall.