subject: The Different Types Of Internet [print this page] There are many ways you can connect to the Internet. Each different type of connection has its pros and cons so it's up to you to determine which connection is best. You want to take into account where you live, what your priorities are and what is available to you.
Analog was one of the first mainstream Internets available to the public. It is also known as dial-up. It has a lot of negative stigma surrounding it because it is slow and because it takes up your phone line. The best thing about dial-up today is the extremely low cost. If you're looking for the cheapest connection dial-up is your answer.
Another connection that runs through the phone lines is DSL. The difference between Analog and DSL is that DSL doesn't use the same phone lines as your telephone so you don't have to worry about tying up the phone line or dialing into it. Many people use this type of Internet connection and are very satisfied with it.
One really popular connection is Cable Internet. This uses your cable modem to connect to the Internet. Because this connection is routed through your cable lines, the bandwidth is much greater which increases Internet speeds.
The newest and most popular form of Internet today is wireless Internet. Wireless Internet is sent over radio waves allowing you to access Internet anywhere within the range. Some people think it is less reliable, but the demand for wireless Internet continues to grow.
Using a wireless router, you can have multiple computers and laptops connected through to form a network. You may have your network connected with a hub or a switch, but a router can do the same thing a hub does. Wireless routers will take the place of a hub or switch but can also be a little pricey.
As you are deciding which Internet connection to go with, make sure you are aware of what is actually available in your area. Many areas don't offer wireless and some don't even offer dial-up anymore. There may be deals on different Internet packages, which might be worth looking into.
Understanding Internet connections and what they do is important when deciding on a certain connection. It may be confusing at first, but with a little knowledge almost anyone can understand. Because of the variety of connection types, you are sure to find the right one for you.
