When it comes to high speed internet, there is no shortage of options. You can have your internet supplied via cable, DSL, fiber optics, satellite, cellular phone or Wi-Fi. Each option is offered by a plethora of internet service providers (ISP). Deciding what type of high speed internet is best for you simply takes a little research. You are doing good so far by reading this. Good job, you.
The two most popular options for achieving high speed internet access are using DSL modems and cable models. Of the two, cable has a slightly higher bandwidth, meaning a faster internet connection, clocking in at up to 30 Mbps (megabits per second). DSL, on the other hand, tops out at under 10 Mbps. The speeds, in practice, are much less, though. Cable connections are affected by how many people in your area are using the internet at the time. Both cable and DSL are affected by your computer's network connection and speed capping by your ISP.
DSL and Cable
Both DSL and cable are very popular forms of high speed internet, with cable more popular in the United States and DSL more popular throughout the rest of the world. Some ISP services provided both DSL and cable, but some only offer one. Likewise, in some areas only one choice will be available to the public. In extremely rural areas, neither DSL or cable may be available, in which case the only way to get high speed internet would be via satellite or cellular phone.
Satellite
Satellite internet is more expensive than DSL and cable. With satellite internet, the data is relayed between your home computer and a satellite in geostationary orbit. Due to the fact that the data has to travel back and forth between Earth and outer space, satellite internet has a much higher latency rate than DSL and cable, causing some real-time applications to lag.
Wireless
Wireless internet, made popular by laptop computers, allow you to enjoy high speed internet without the need to stay at home with your computer plugged into the wall. Wireless internet, also called Wi-Fi, allows you to connect to the internet anytime your computer is within range of a network signal. You can have everyone in the family share a wireless internet connection in the house or pick up your laptop and work on that blog in your favorite coffee shop. Many hotels also offer wireless access for business travelers who need to be able to connect online.
Nowadays, you don't even need a computer to surf the internet. With the large range of cellular phones on third-generation (3G) networks and the prevalence of cellular towers, cellular internet is available almost anywhere you can use a cell phone to make a call.
Fiber Optics
Fiber optics are the newest player in the high speed internet game. This can be expensive but it preferable for businesses that need the highest possible speed like software programers. The installation is also easier because information is transmitted digitally through light in optical fibers inside a glass tube, not like clumsy copper wires with other types of connections. Fiber optics are the wave of the future so more and more providers are making the service available. Right now, it is available from Verizon, AT&T and Qwest.
When deciding what type of high speed internet access to get, you need to first determine what options are available in your area. From those options, look at which service providers you want and which options they have. Then determine your price range and connection speed. Many service providers offer package deals if you want internet for more than one computer. In addition, if you get cable you may want a package deal that involves your TV or phone.
Though abundant in providers, your high speed internet options are limited by your location, budget and the type of connection you desire. The main types of high speed connection today are DSL, cable, satellite, wireless and fiber optics.