PC Help Jansant - A Guide to Internet Connections

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Internet Connections Guide

This is a guide to the various types of Internet connections available. Different Internet service providers (ISPs) offer different choices for connecting to the Internet. They include;

Dial-up Connections
ADSL Connections
Cable Connections
Satellite Connections
Wireless Connections

Dial-up Connections

Dial-up connections are still very common, most ISPs offer Dial-up connection services. Dial-up connections use a modem to pass data across a standard phone line to a server. The modem dials a number, connecting to a bank (grouping of modems) of modems at your ISP. The role of the modem is to convert a digital signal from your computer into an analogue signal that can be sent over the phone line to the receiving modem. The receiving modem then converts the signal back into a digital signal for the computer (server) at the other end. This digital to analogue to digital conversion adds overhead to the connection speed, as does the compression used by this connection. The maximum speed of such a connection is 56 kilobits of data a second. The maximum speed will be determined by the speed of the 2 modems in use, the slower speed will apply. The condition of the telephone line can also impact the speed at which the two modems can communicate. Upload and download speeds of modems are often slightly different, the upload speed normally being slightly slower to the download speed. While your using the Internet you can not receive or make phone calls. 56k modems are by far the most common, but slower modems are still available, it makes sense to purchase a V90 (56K) as they are cheap and provide the best available dial-up connection speeds.

The cost of a dial-up connect will vary from ISP to ISP. The plan you choose will depend on how much you use the Internet. Being the cheapest (and slowest) connection available today, the best value plans offer unlimited download and unlimited connections/time. Be sure your ISP offers a phone number for dialing their modem that is the cost of a local call.

Dial-up connections are slow when compared to other connection types but are available anywhere there is a phone to dial your ISPs modem bank. Remember that if the call is long distance, additional charges may apply. These days however, most ISPs offer nation wide numbers for the cost of a local call. If your traveling around the country and require a dependable Internet connection, dial-up offers the best solution. As long as you can plug a phone line into your modem, you can access the Internet.

ADSL Connections

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscribers Line) and ADSL2 connections offer much faster speeds and are becoming much more common and available. ADSL works by splitting the phone line into 2 separate channels, 1 for the Internet and 1 for the telephone. ADSL allows you to be on the Internet and use the phone at the same time. Most people set up their ADSL connections so the connection becomes live when they start up their computer. Because phone lines vary in quality and were not originally engineered with DSL in mind, it can generally only be used over short distances, typically less than 3 miles (5 km). The maximum download and upload speed varies depending on the standard in use. These maximum speeds can be 8Mbps/1Mbps to 24Mbps/3.5Mbps (download/upload).

Most ISPs offer domestic ADSL packages ranging in speed from;

256kbps/128Kbps
512Kbps/128Kbps
1Mbps/256Kbps

To connect your computer to your ISPs server you use what is commonly referred to as a broadband modem. Modems convert digital signals to analogue signals. So the device you use to connect to an ADSL connection may be referred to as an ADSL modem, ADSL gateway, or ADSL router. An ADSL modem/gateway often offers the capability of connecting to an ethernet network, providing Internet access to all the PCs in your home. In addition some provide wireless gateway facilities if you have a wireless network in your home. Each device (phone, fax, ADSL gateway) must have a splitter attached to the phone line, which it then connects to.

Most ISPs offer ADSL connection packages allowing a certain amount of bandwidth (download/upload) per month, charging addition fees for any amount over this. Be sure to consider your usage and these additional fees if you go over your monthly bandwidth quota. Keep in mind if your upgrading from dial-up your usage will likely increase substantially as its easier to download larger files such as music and movies etc. Some ISPs offer connection packages that drop back to dial-up speed (until the beginning of the next month) once you reach your monthly quota without any additional cost, these offer the best value.

Cable Connections

Many consider cable connections one of the best Internet connections available for home users, they are very fast and reliable, generally with a fixed monthly fee. Cable companies offer a wide variety of packages with different speed and bandwidth limits. Because a cable connection uses a different medium to transfer data it does not affect your ability to receive and make phone calls. Cable connections are digital so there is no digital/analogue conversion overhead. Cable connections are always on.

Satellite Connections

Satellite Internet connections offer people in remote areas fast Internet access. There are 2 methods of satellite Internet access;

2-way satellite plans use the satellite for both receiving and sending (upload/download) data. Data speeds vary greatly between ISPs and plans but generally range from 256/64 kbps and 800/128 kbps. Most plans are expensive and charge a rate per MB. 2-way satellite can be used in mobile homes also.

1-way satellite plans download via the satellite and upload via a modem connected to a phone line. These Internet connections offer the same download speed as 2-way satellite, but because uploading relies on a phone line and modem, upload is limited to the upload speed of your dial-up modem.

The equipment needed for a satellite Internet connection is expensive, but if you require fast Internet access in remote areas then its well worth considering.

Wireless Internet Connections

The two main advantages of wireless Internet connections are the ability to take your connection with you, and offering you faster Internet connection than dial-up when you live too far from the telephone exchange for ADSL. Portable wireless (or broadband) services mean you have access anywhere within a certain coverage area. Normally meaning you are in a hot-spot, near a base station, or have an antenna to connect you to a base station. Mobile broadband (or wireless) enables you to access your service while on a bus, in a car, or at home. Different ISPs define these distinctions differently so be sure to check exactly the details of the plan on offer and coverage areas, especially if mobility is important.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

Essentially a service allowing you to access the Internet outside of your home in popular public places such as cafes, restaurants, and shopping districts. Using the wireless standards IEEE 802.11b/g, these connections are not intended as a permanent home Internet connection. Some services however offer almost blanket coverage in metropolitan areas.

Mobile Wireless Access

A wide-area wireless broadband service provides Internet access from your home, office, park, or even a car. As long as you have your wireless modem and laptop, and your within the coverage area, you have Internet access. The speed of these services varies greatly and the technologies being used are constantly changing. At present speeds can be anything from 1Mbps to around 7Mbps, with different providers offering different speeds. The coverage area in most places is similar to mobile phone coverage. Before you sign up for an account, ask to view the ISPs coverage areas.

Note: Its important to remember that as with all radio devices, coverage can be affected from time to time by atmospheric conditions. Some days you may have access in an area and then the next day you don't, this is the nature of wireless Internet services.

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