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The technologies available for connecting people worldwide have progressed as rapidly as the Internet itself. Much of the world has switched to faster transmission speeds via broadband internet connections like satellite, dsl, cable, and fiber optics. All of these communication systems are generally referred to as high-speed services, providing transmission rates considerably higher than dial-up, but each system works in its own unique way. Below is a brief description of each type of service and their inherent advantages and disadvantages.

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The Ultimate Broadband Internet Guide

Satellite Internet

Offered by satellite companies like HughesNet, broadband satellite Internet operates by transferring data directly from satellites orbiting the Earth to a personal satellite attached to individual homes, similar to satellite TV service.

Advantages:

•             Available anywhere in the U.S. that has line-of-sight view of the satellite in orbit

•             Direct connection with speed rates not affected usage during peak times

•             Ideal for remote or mobile locations where wired Internet services do not exist

Disadvantages:

•             Relatively high monthly fees

•             Usage limit on the amount of data downloaded during certain hours

•             Slower speed options available compared to available speeds with other broadband services

Digital Subscriber Line

Offered by phone companies like AT&T, broadband DSL internet sends and receives your computer’s digital signals over your existing telephone line. The two types of DSL are asymmetric (ADSL), in which the uploading and downloading speeds are different, and symmetric (SDSL), in which the two speeds are identical.

Advantages:

•             Depending on the plan, it can be faster than cable or satellite systems

•             Speed remains constant, regardless of usage in the area

•             Equipment needed is minimal – just a filter for each phone and a modem.

Disadvantages:

•             Could be slower than cable Internet during non-peak hours

•             May not work with VoIP systems like Vonage

•             User’s location must be within 3.4 miles of the phone company’s central office

Cable Internet

Offered by cable companies like Comcast, broadband cable internet connects your computer to the Internet by way of the same coaxial cable wires that bring cable TV service into your home.

Advantages:

•             Easy installation with self-install options routinely available

•             Ideal for use with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone services like Vonage

•             Bundle discounts available because the same company will also offer TV and phone service

Disadvantages:

•             Transmission speed varies, depending on community usage/peak times

•             Not available in all areas, especially rural communities

Fiber Optic Internet

Offered by several communication companies like Verizon (FiOS), AT&T (U-verse), Comcast (XFINITY), and Charter (Spectrum), fiber optics uses bundled strands of optically pure glass as thin as a human hair to transmit digital information, including data for internet services.

Advantages

•             Fastest speeds are available with fiber optic exceeding 100Mbps in some areas

•             Ideal for supporting in home Wi-Fi with the ability to support multiple devices simultaneously

•             Depending on the provider, the connection may be direct allowing for consistent speed delivery

Disadvantages:

•             Some providers use a mix of fiber optic and cable lines or phone lines, which affects the speed.

•             Not available in all areas, especially rural communities

•             Installation can be labor intensive, requiring long waiting periods before and during the install

Hopefully, this guide has provided you with enough information to help you decide which transmission is best suited to your needs. The local rates for each service can vary widely, so checking them out should be part of your decision making process. Best of luck!

PlabanInternetThe technologies available for connecting people worldwide have progressed as rapidly as the Internet itself. Much of the world has switched to faster transmission speeds via broadband internet connections like satellite, dsl, cable, and fiber optics. All of these communication systems are generally referred to as high-speed services, providing...Technology News, Gadgets, Tutorial, Freebies