About 20 years ago, there was only one way to connect to the Internet. Now there are more of them – this is both good and not, because it causes difficulties in choosing the right one. We will briefly describe what types of Internet connections are and evaluate their convenience for users. You can also select all lignes de sport in this bookmaker.
Internet connection types
Through a telephone line
The oldest way. Its convenience lies in the necessary infrastructure (telephone lines) being almost ready. There are two ways to connect via telephone line:
- Dial-up. It is known that not one but two telephones can be connected in parallel to a telephone line. This possibility lies at the heart of the named method. The role of the second phone in it is played by the modem to which the computer is connected. When accessing the Internet, the modem calls the number allocated by the operator and establishes a connection.
The advantages of the method include the availability and low cost of equipment. A very low connection speed is by cons: it does not exceed 128 Kbps. This is enough to browse the pages, but, for example, it won’t be easy to download any file. In addition, the connection is unstable, often breaks, and the telephone line is busy when using the Internet, and calls will not work.
- Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line or ADSL. A modem is used when implementing this method, but a signal splitter (splitter) is also used. It divides the frequency channels for the telephone and the Internet, so the telephone line remains unoccupied. At the same time, the connection speed increases to 8 Mbps, which is already enough to watch a video in quality up to 720p. But the cost of equipment is higher than when using Dial-Up, and, unfortunately, the stability of the connection is not high.
Through TV cable
This connection technology is called DOCSIS, or completely Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications. When using it, the coaxial cable is connected to the cable modem. Next, a computer is connected to one modem output, and a TV is connected to the other. Both devices can work simultaneously without interfering with each other. DOCSIS provides connection speeds up to 42 Mbps but does not provide reliable protection against interference.
Via dedicated line (cable connection)
This type of connection is collectively referred to as an ethernet connection and is widely used. It can be implemented in two ways:
- A copper cable (twisted pair) is laid from the transceiver station of the operator to a residential building. And further to each apartment. Then it is connected directly to a computer or a router.
This cable is characterized by high signal attenuation and sensitivity to electromagnetic interference. For this reason, in the section from the operator’s transceiver station to an apartment building, it is often replaced with a fiber optic cable connected to an optical line terminal. Then the twisted pair is brought into each apartment.
The connection was called FTTx, or fully Fiber to the x. It gives a connection speed of up to 100 Mbps, provides the subscriber with stable and high-quality communication, and does not require severe investments in equipment. Minus: it is sold mainly in significant settlements.
- The twisted pair was replaced with fiber optics and passive signal splitters (splitters) with another method. Such networks are called passive optical networks (PON, or completely Passive Optical Network), and the technology itself is called GPON.
A fiber optic cable is brought into the apartment and connected to the subscriber’s transceiver module (ONT, or fully Optical Line Terminal) when it is implemented. It looks like a regular router, but it comes with an optical port instead of an Ethernet connector. The computer is connected to the terminal directly, while laptops or smartphones are connected via the Wi-Fi module.
The connection speed with this technology is as high as possible – up to 1 Gb / s. When using it, you can connect through one terminal not only the Internet but also digital television, telephone communications. It should also be noted the excellent noise immunity of the connection even in the presence of powerful sources of electromagnetic radiation near the fiber optic cable, high security and reliable protection of data from interception, no loss of connection speed when connecting up to four devices to the terminal. Of the minuses, we highlight the fragility and easy damage of the fiber optic cable.
Via satellite
Such a connection can be one- or two-way. In the first case, only incoming signals are transmitted via satellite, and for outgoing signals, for example, mobile communications. You will need the equipment to purchase a satellite dish with an amplifier, a satellite receiver, an RG-6 cable, and F-connectors.
When using a two-way connection, all communication is via satellite. In this case, the required set of equipment is wider. In addition to the antenna, you will need a receiving unit (LNB, or completely low-noise block), a transmitting unit (BUC, or completely block-up converter), and a satellite modem – a computer is connected to it.
Satellite connection gives connection speed up to 20 Mbps. Its disadvantages are that the equipment is expensive and difficult to set up. This method can be used when other options are unavailable: for example, in remote areas.
Wireless connection
It is implemented in two ways:
- Through a mobile operator, To do this, you need a smartphone or a USB modem – it looks like a regular flash drive, but it is more extensive and requires a separate SIM card for it. The modem is connected to the USB port of a computer or laptop.
The mobile operator provides data exchange through its station. When you can use equipment differently, and depending on this, the subscriber receives communication using GPRS, EDGE, 3G, or 4G technology. The maximum speed will be provided by 4G: up to 100 Mbps. To choose the right operator, you will have to Compare Internet plans and then decide.
A definite plus of a wireless connection is that you can use the Internet everywhere if there is network coverage. No additional equipment other than a USB modem (for computers and laptops) is needed. Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting the unstable quality of communication and the high cost of the connection.
- WiMax technology. In this case, you first need the provider to check if the required place falls within the coverage area. As a rule, the subscriber should be no further than 10 km from the base station. Then you need to pick up a WiMax modem and a special antenna with an amplifier. The antenna is connected to the modem. A specialized router capable of working with the WiMax modem or a computer is secured using a USB extension cable.
Theoretically, a WiMax connection should provide a connection speed of up to 70 Mbps, but in practice, the figure is much lower. Of the minuses, we note that the connection is unstable, and additional equipment is expensive. This method is suitable for remote areas but is not widely used.
Conclusion
Of all the listed methods for stationary use (within an apartment, house, or office), the most convenient and fastest is through a dedicated line using GPON technology. If mobility is essential for the user, it will be necessary to establish a connection through a mobile operator, and there is no alternative here.
