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This document provides some basic information on different ways to connect your computer to the Internet.
Introduction
There are a variety of ways for you to connect your computer to the
Internet. Understanding the different methods and the benefits,
drawbacks, and costs of each will help you determine which is the best
method for you.
Let us examine the different ways your computer can connect to the Internet today:
- Dial-up modems - The most common way of connecting to the
Internet today. It has been around longer than the others, but
performance is limited
- DSL Connections - A newer and faster way to connect, letting
you download larger files without the wait associated with dial-up. An
"always on" connection lets you maintain a continuous connection to the
Internet without having to connnect and disconnect every time.
- Cable Modems - Very similar to DSL connections, cable modems
also offer faster speeds and "always on" connections with a different
technology.
- Satellite or Wi-Fi - Another option for home or office, expecially if DSL or cable is not available in your area, as in some more remote locations
- T1 Connections - A standard among businesses, this is the
costliest of the four yet offers a dedicated line you won't have to
share with other subscribers.
Dial-up Modems
Dial-up modems are the most prevalent method of connecting to the
Internet for home and small business users. These modems allow you to
transfer data at a rate of 56 KBps. Dial-up connections require a modem
connected to your computer (many of which come internally with newer
computers) and a phone line. Many users use a dedicated phone line for
their modem, so they don't have to share this line with their phone
calls. If you using a modem slower than 56 KBps, you should really
upgrade to a faster modem since the cost is relatively low and it will
speed your Internet access.
Costs (approximate):
- 56 KBps Modem: about $10
- Dial-up Supscription with ISP: $20/month
- Second phone line: $30/month
DSL Connections
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. DSL offers speeds 25-100
times faster than 56K modems. Typical download speeds are 384 KBps (but
can reach 1.5 MBps) and upload speeds usually hovering at around 128
KBps. DSL runs over ordinary telephone lines and thus is very widely
used. The line is split into three channels: voice (you can recieve
phone calls without disconnecting from the Internet), a faster download
channel, and a moderately fast upload channel. The quality and speed of
your DSL connection depends mainly on two things: the quality of the
phone line and the distance from your phone company's central office.
The further you are from the office, the slower your speed. One
advantage DSL has over cable modems is that your speed will be constant
since you don't have to share your connection with other users. One
disadvantage to DSL is that you are vulnerable to hacking, and may want
to consider a personal firewall package.
Costs (approximate):
- Free equipment and install deals are common, otherwise there will
be a charge for set-up, and you can either buy or rent the equipment
- DSL subscription from ISP: $20 - 30/month, up to $50/month max. (usually for a year long contract)
Cable Modems
According to the FCC there are twice as many cable modem subscribers
as there are DSL subscribers. Cable modems offer the same benefits of
DSL including much faster upload and download speeds, a constant
connection, and similar pricing. Broadband cable connections are run
through coaxial cable, the same cables that provide your cable TV feed.
With cable connections speed can vary, since you share the cable with
many other subscribers. Hence, if there are a large number of people
online at the same time, your connection speed will be significantly
lower than the theoretical 1.5 MBps speed that is generally advertised.
Another thing to consider with broadband cable is security. Since many
subscribers share the same cable for their connections, it is easier
for crackers to tap into your connection.
Costs (approximate):
- Cable Modem: $50 - 70 (if you buy - you can also rent)
- Internet cable subscription from ISP or cable company: $50/month
Satellite or Wi-Fi
These two other options are great for remote locations where you may not otherwise be able to get DSL or cable service.
Costs for satellite (approximate):
- Upfront cost: $600 for installation and equipment (usually with a 15 month commitment).
- Subscription with satellite company: $60/month
Costs for Wi-Fi (approximate):
- Install prices vary according to location and Line-of-Sight
reception is required. Also - short-range receivers and antennae costs
$599 + tax; long-range: $699 + tax. There is a $100 de-installation fee
for residential customers.
- Subscription: $99/month
T1 Lines
T1 lines are most commonly used by large and medium sized companies,
primarily because most smaller organizations can't afford them. There
are many benefits to using a T1 line though. A full T1 line is
generally split into 24 56/64 KBps channels to carry voice and data.
When a full T1 line is purchased, a dedicated line is installed in your
office. This line offers true 1.5 MBps data transfer rates (DSL and
Cable can theoretically reach these speeds but seldom do) and maintains
a constant rate (there is no sharing with other subscribers - it is
solely your line). T1 is highly reliable and if there is a problem with
your line, response times to fix the problem are generally much quicker
than any other subscription service. Costs can be high though. First
you must purchase the T1 line from a provider and pay that monthly fee,
then you must pay the "loop charge" to use this line to connect to the
Internet.
Costs (approximate):
- Full T1 line: $400-1,300/month
- Local loop charge: $200/month
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