Different Types of Internet Connection: Modes of Connecting to Internet

An internet connection refers to the physical or wireless link that allows devices (such as computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.) to connect to the internet, a global network of interconnected computers and servers. Through the internet, global connections can be established and data can be transmitted to anyone and at anytime. In this article, we will be covering types of common internet connectivity. 

Table of Contents

• What is internet?
• Types of Internet Connection
• What Components are Required For a Stable Internet Connection?

What is internet?

Internet is a system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) for communication among networks and devices. Through internet, anyone sitting in one corner of the world can connect with someone having a network connection across the other corner of world. Whenever any user visits the website, computer sends requests over physical cables such as fiber optic cable to server. When the request arrives, the server retrieves website and sends back accurate data to computer that requests it. 

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Types of Internet Connection: Modes of Connecting to Internet

To get connectivity, there are many types of internet connections with different speed ranges and purposes. 

1. Broadband Connection

This type of internet connection provides high-speed internet access which allows faster dial-up access. It is provided via telephone composition or cable without the need for a telephone connection. Due to this, we can use the telephone and internet simultaneously. Broadband can be accessed by multiple people at the same time. 

It is a wide bandwidth data transmission that is used for transporting signals and traffic types. The type of transmission media used is either optical fiber cable, radio, twisted pair, or coaxial cable. It is a wide bandwidth data transmission that is used for signal and traffic. A broadband connection uses multiple data channels for sending large quantities of information. DSL and cable are types of high-bandwidth connections.

2. Dial Up Connection

It is a traditional type of internet connection that is established between computer and an ISP using a modem. It is an inexpensive internet connection type that is slow in speed. For accessing internet connection through a dial-up connection, telephone connection is needed since phone number is required on the computer. 

Along with that, a modem is required since it acts as an interference between computer and telephone line. A communication program instructs modem to make a call to a specific number that has been provided by an ISP. Dial up connection uses either Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) or Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). Such internet types of connection are analog in nature since they do not allow users to receive or make phone calls via home phone services while using Internet. 

3. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

DSL provides is one of the types of modes of connecting to Internet. It is an internet connection via telephone network that does not require dialing phone number to connect. It uses a router for transporting data with the connection speed of 128 Kbps to 8 Mbps. This type of internet connection is capable of translating data at 5 Mbps. 

The services of DSL can be simultaneously delivered with wired telephone service on same telephone line due to high frequency bands for data. It uses existing 2-wire copper telephone line that is connected to home service as well as landline telephone service. It is always ‘on’ and does not require phone number to connect. 

4. Cable 

Cable is a form of broadband access cable modem that is an extremely fast mode of connecting to internet. Connection speed varies depending on uploading and downloading data. It uses cable modem for providing internet connection ranging from 512 k to 20 Mbps and it operates over cable TV lines. 

Here coaxial cables are used for transferring data at a higher speed than common telephone lines. A cable modem has two connections including one for cable TV signals and another one for internet services. Since cable TV internet connections have to share a fixed amount of bandwidth with customers, data transfer rate depends on number of customers that are simultaneously using the internet. 

5. Wi-Fi

Also known as Wireless, it does not require telephone lines or cables for internet connection but rather uses radio frequency. Wifi is based on IEEE 802.11 standards that allow electronic devices to connect with internet. Just like a dial-up connection, it is always on and can be accessed. These types of internet connection provide access to internet connectivity over WLAN through a router that connects to ISP.   

This type of internet connection utilises electromagnetic waves for transmitting networks. The Wifi frequencies are split into several channels to avoid interference. Whenever any user accesses the internet through their device, wifi converts the requested information into a binary code. 

6. Integrated Services Digital Network(ISDN) 

ISDN allows users to transmit video, audio and data over standard or digital telephone lines. For transmission in this type of internet connection requires the installation of ISDN adapter at both ends, including the user and Internet service provider. One of the important features of ISDN is that it is capable of integrating speech and data on same lines. 

It is a circuit-switched telephone network system that provides access to packet-switched network to allow digital transmission of data and voice. It results in a better data and voice quality in comparison to any analog phone. Here, packet-switched connections for data are provided in increments of 64 kilobit/s. The maximum bandwidth is 128 kbit/s in upstream and downstream directions. 

7. Cellular Technology

It provides wireless internet access through cell phones with speed varying according to the ISP. Cellular technology enables mobile communication since it uses a complex two-way radio system between mobile and wireless networking. This technology utilises radio frequencies repeatedly throughout the market with the least interference to serve simultaneous conversations. 

The most commonly provided speed is 3G and 4G, where 3G is a third-generation cellular network that obtains mobile speed of approximately 2 Mbps. 4G is the fourth generation of the cellular wireless standard to achieve peak mobile speed of 100 Mbps. However, at present, it is around 21 Mbps. 

What Components are Required For a Stable Internet Connection?

For any type of internet connection, it is important to at least have the following three components:

1. Internet Service Provider

First, you need to contact a company that will provide you with internet access. This company is called ISP that maintains network infrastructure to connect your home to the internet. These providers will also determine which type of internet connection is required at your place for example cable, fiber, satellite or DSL. They also set limit on the data that can be used within a billing cycle. 

2. Modem

Modem is a device that will connect your home network with the ISP network. This device translates signal from the ISP into a format suitable for the home network. 

3. Router

It is a device that creates a local network within your home. Router distributes the internet connection from modem to all devices connected to the network. It assigns a unique local IP address to every device available on the network. Firewall is also included within routers to protect the network from any unauthorized access. Many routers come with Wi-fi capabilities which allows wireless devices to connect to the network. 

Conclusion

Through different types of internet, one can access any information and connect with anyone across any corner of the world. The only requirement is to have a device to get connected with the internet. It enables users to access a wide range of online resources, including websites, email services, online applications, and more.