Wireless
Radio frequency bands are used in place of telephone or cable networks. One of the greatest advantages of wireless Internet connections is the “always-on” connection that can be accessed from any location that falls within network coverage. Wireless connections are made possible through the use of a modem, which picks up Internet signals and sends them to other devices.
Radio frequency bands are used in place of telephone or cable networks. One of the greatest advantages of wireless Internet connections is the “always-on” connection that can be accessed from any location that falls within network coverage. Wireless connections are made possible through the use of a modem, which picks up Internet signals and sends them to other devices.
Mobile
Many
cell phone and smartphone providers offer voice plans with Internet access.
Mobile Internet connections provide good speeds and allow you to access the Internet on
the go.
Hotspots
Hotspots
are sites that offer Internet access over a wireless local area network (WLAN)
by way of a router that then connects to an Internet service provider. Hotspots
utilize Wi-Fi technology, which
allows electronic devices to connect to the Internet or exchange data
wirelessly through radio waves. Hotspots can be phone-based or free-standing,
commercial or free to the public.
Dial-Up
Dial-up
connections require users to link their phone line to a computer in order to
access the Internet. This particular type of connection—also referred to as
analog—does not permit users to make or receive phone calls through their home phone
service while using the Internet.
Broadband
This
high-speed Internet connection is provided through either cable or telephone
companies. One of the fastest options available, broadband Internet uses multiple data channels to send
large quantities of information
DSL
DSL,
which stands for Digital Subscriber Line, uses existing 2-wire copper telephone
line connected to one’s home so service is delivered at the same time as
landline telephone service.
Cable Internet connection
Cable
Internet connection is a form of broadband access. Through use of a cable
modem, users can access the Internet over cable TV lines. Cable modems can
provide extremely fast access to the Internet.
Satellite
In
certain areas where broadband connection is not yet offered, a satellite
Internet option may be available. Similar to wireless access, satellite
connection utilizes a modem.
ISDN
ISDN
(Integrated Services Digital Network) allows users to send data, voice and
video content over digital telephone lines or standard telephone wires.
Follow
these step-by-step instructions to connect to the internet
Step 1: Choose an internet service provider
(ISP). This could be the company that provides your telephone line or it could
be one of the many independent providers.
Step 2: Having chosen an ISP and signed the
contract, you’ll have to wait a few days while your line is converted to
broadband. During this time, you should receive a letter with your username and
password and the hardware you’ll need: a small box called a 'router' and its attachments.
You can see an example on the right.
Step 3: Once you’re told that your broadband is
active, you can set up your router.
Step 4: When you get the router, you should also
receive a CD. Once you’ve set up the router, all you need to do is put the CD
into your computer and follow the step-by-step instructions. If you don’t want
to do this yourself, some companies offer a home installation service and, for
an extra cost, will send an engineer to set up your broadband connection for
you.
