Different Kinds of Internet Connections
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
Digital Subscriber Line uses a telephone network to provide Internet services. It takes the connection from the phone wall jack using the telephone network. It operates on the frequencies that telephone lines don't use, and hence both the phone and the Internet work simultaneously. DSL is able to provide high speed and good bandwidth because it uses a cabled connection. It is cheaper than a satellite connection. 2 types: 1. Symmetrical: Symmetrical connection provides equal bandwidth for upload and download. 2. Asymmetrical: It provides more bandwidth for download and less for upload since downloading rate is higher when compared to uploading for most users. Disadvantages: it works best close to Central Office since it uses a telephone connection, and performance degrades as the distance between the Central Office and the user increases.
Cable Internet
How it works: Cable Internet uses TV Cable connection to provide Internet services. It uses the coaxial cable used for TVs to connect to the ISP through underground cables. At the user's end, these cables are plugged into a modem to provide Internet connection. Advantages: - Cable Internet is able to provide high-speed Internet - Faster than DSL* Disadvantages: -*Slower than (or as slow as) DSL when multiple users are simultaneously on the same lines - Shared bandwidth among the neighbors, which can degrade the performance if multiple users are connected at the same time
Metro-Optical
How it works: In a Metro-Optical connection, buildings spread over a large Metropolitan area are connected through very high speed Fiber cables. These cables can be leased cables or owned cables. This technology is primarily used by major Internet providers having multiple locations within a given area. Using Metro-Optical connection, they are able to connect their different locations creating a bigger network. This, in turn, helps them to provide faster and more reliable services to their customers. The goal of metro optical connection is to provide Fiber optical connection to the end-users as much as possible. This connection type is going to be one of the most common types of connections going forward as these providers scale and increase their reach.
Leased Line
How it works: Leased line, as the name suggests, is a leased dedicated circuit between two endpoints (locations). Advantages: -it provides high speed -maximum bandwidth -higher security -good QoS (Quality of Service) -user gets Internet services over a connection that is just dedicated to them and not shared with anyone. There are two types of leased connections which are explained below: 1. Site to Site Data Connection: In a site to site leased connection, the leased line provider will provide the leased lines to different locations. These lines may or may not provide Internet. The goal is to provide dedicated leased lines to different locations and have them connected. One of the scenarios where this type of connection is used is when a company has different locations and wants to have a leased connection between different locations. The lease provider company will set up leased lines for them and have them connected, but the company might use its own Internet services. 2. Site to Network Connection: In a site to network leased connection, the leased line provider will provide the leased line to the user and provide Internet services at the same time. One of the scenarios where this type of connection is used is when a company doesn't have multiple locations but still wants a dedicated connection to Internet for better performance. This is used by companies or users who prefer a dedicated connection instead of broadband (Cable) which is shared among different users.
Satellite Internet
In Satellite Internet connection, satellites in space are used to provide Internet services to users. This type of connection is primarily used in remote/rural areas where it is not possible to have cable connections.
