Broadband
This is the most common way to connect to the internet. This term refers to a bandwidth of at least 256 kbit/s. The wider the bandwidth of a channel, the greater the information-carrying capacity, given the same channel quality. There are different types of broadband connection, they include:
Coaxial Cable- is used as a transmission line for radio frequency signals
Optical Fibre- It is advantageous for long-distance communications, because light travels through the fiber more effectively compared to electrical cables. This allows long distances to be spanned with few repeaters.
Twisted Pair- is a type of wiring where two conductors of a single circuit are twisted together to cancel out electromagnetic interference (EMI) from external sources
Wireless (WiFi)-a wireless form of broadband, the device does not need to be wired up to the source of connection. This is common on mobile devices and is common where a wired connection would be too tricky to connect.
Advantages of Broadband Internet Access:
1. Connection speed is up to 100x faster than dial-up connection. Online gaming is possible using a broadband internet access.
2. It is convenient because the internet connection is always on.
3. Broadband internet offers unlimited access and you won't be charged based on the connection duration, unlike dial up.
Disadvantages of Broadband Internet Access:
High monthly fee compared to dial-up internet access.
Higher security risk than dial-up connection. A personal firewall is needed to protect your computer.
Not all phone wires are equipped for DSL service. May not be available in rural or remote areas.
3G and 4G Connections
3G stands for "3rd generation mobile telecommunications" It is is a way of classifying mobile connections, which is decided by an international telecommunications committee, the ITU-R. 3G is a faster and more secure way of transferring data using mobile phones, making it easier for your device to access the internet on the go.
4G is the forth generation of mobile communications. this means that it has higher standards, such as 100 Mb/s whilst on the go and Gb/s when stationary Although some network providers claim that they offer 4G, it does not meet the standards set by the ITU-R. This has led to this being dubbed 3.9G, improved on 3G but not quite 4G.
Dial-Up Connection
This is a form of internet connection that uses the public switched telephone network (PSTN) to obtain a dialed connection via telephone lines. This type of connection requires no infrastructure apart from a connection to telephone and the modem and server to make the phone calls which make up the connection.
Advantages
A Dial Up connection will remain the cheapest way to connect to the internet
The connection is safer because the IP addresses rotate, each assigned to a user
Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage of dial up is its speed. With a maximum of 56,000 bytes per second it is way behind modern technology
Answering a telephone call will cut out your connection
Satellite Internet Connection
This is provided through communication satellites. Modern connection are offered through the use of geostationary satellites which can offer high data speed.
Advantages
Access virtually anywhere on the globe with a view of the southern sky, and areas where DSL, cable and mobile connections are not available.
Some companies bundle together satellite TV and internet connection, creating less hassle.
Disadvantages
Satellite connection is one of the most expensive form of internet connection.
The speed can be slow due to the fact the signal has to travel 22,000 miles to reach space.
