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Switch2IT's Guide to Internet Connections: Home and Small businesses
When it comes to your business, making the best choice of internet connectivity as part of your communication solutions is key. The IT service providers at Switch2IT are here to advise you and help you make the right choice. Here is a brief look at the most common internet connections available:
Dial-up modem - this is the classic connection but it is still used in some areas. Modems require a dedicated phone line and voice calls cannot be used at the same time as internet connection. With this option you can connect to the internet only when you wish to use it and you will often pay for connection per minute, like you would a voice call. A dial-up modem should work anywhere there is a telephone connection. While this option is not yet obsolete it is not always suitable for use with the Internet today because the Internet has moved on further than this technology but for some users it is one of only a few options available.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) - this connection type also uses a phone line but it can carry voice and data at the same time. ISDN can support data rates up to about three times quicker than that of the classic dial-up modem. In most cases, it has been a more expensive connection type so the less expensive, better performing, DSL services have been favoured. For rural users with limited connection alternatives, ISDN could be the only choice for more speedy Internet access.
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) - this is often referred to as broadband and is a popular choice of internet connection. With this type, voice calls can be made over the same line without interference to Internet connection. There are variations of DSL (ADSL, SDSL, VDSL) but DSL is often used on two main types of connection:
Over phone lines- this connection in the UK is often marketed as ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Lines) or just broadband. Asymmetric, in this case, means that download speed is much greater than upload speed. Therefore, it is ideal for home users or small businesses wanting to receive more data than they transmit. ADSL is a form of high-speed internet connection but the real speed of connection depends on your distance from your local telephone exchange. Factors such as the quality of the wire used by your phone company and the condition of the phone line in your building will also affect performance.
Cable Internet Access (Cable) - this option uses a Cable TV provider's lines to allow high-speed internet access. Often, higher speed connections are achieved when compared to telephone lines but cable does not run to every home like telephone lines do. Cable is often asymmetric the same as ADSL but performance does not suffer with range like phone lines.
Mobile Broadband - The recent boom in mobile telephones has led to the development of Mobile Broadband, particularly through use of mobile phones and smart phones. Mobile broadband takes the same technology and lets you access it from your PC or laptop. It is a wireless form of internet and requires a SIM card just like a mobile phone. Also like a mobile phone, the better the signal, the quicker your mobile broadband connection. There are several types of mobile broadband connection (slowest to fastest: GPRS, EDGE, 3G) and depending on the network provider, modem and local mobile phone mast, you may be able to access all of them.
Satellite - this is a solution that does not require a phone line, cable or proximity to a mobile phone mast. The satellite connection transmits and receives data using a small dish at the user's end and points to a satellite in the earth's orbit. High-speed internet connections can often be achieved anywhere but will attract a price premium compared to other connection types. The connection can also be sensitive to weather or atmospheric conditions.
Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISPs) - this is an internet connection based on the same WiFi technology that you will use at home or in the office. There are some providers around the UK, often serving rural areas where other high-speed connections are unachievable. It does rely on the receiver and transmitter being able to 'see' each other and does have a limited range, not unlike mobile phones.
We hope that this information has given you some insight into the different internet connections and their suitability for your home or business. Some users may have all of these options available to them while the choices of others may be limited but Switch2IT's business support advisors are here to cut out the marketing hype and recommend the best computer solutions for your company's needs. Please give us a call on: 0800 0833416 if we can be of any further assistance.