Internet Connection Types

Jul 10, 2024

Internet Connection Types

Satellite Networking

  • Description: Uses satellite dish to communicate with a satellite in low Earth orbit.
  • Benefits:
    • Useful where terrestrial connectivity unavailable.
    • Can offer speeds around 50 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up.
  • Drawbacks:
    • Expensive due to the cost of launching satellites.
    • Latency due to long signal travel times (e.g., 250 ms up and down).
    • Affected by weather conditions (e.g., rain fade).
  • Technologies:
    • Newer options like Starlink offer lower latency (~40 ms, aiming for 20 ms).

Fiber Optics

  • Description: Uses fiber optic cables, ideal for high-bandwidth and long-distance communication.
  • Benefits:
    • Very high speeds and large data capacity.
    • Used in enterprise networks for core connections.
    • Now extends to homes and businesses for better performance.
  • Drawbacks:
    • More expensive due to equipment and repair costs.

Cable Broadband

  • Description: Internet through the same cable used for cable TV.
  • Benefits:
    • Utilizes existing infrastructure, reducing the need for additional cables.
    • Supports high speeds (e.g., 1 Gbps or higher).
  • Technologies:
    • Uses DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification).

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

  • Description: Uses existing telephone lines for internet connectivity.
  • Types: Primarily ADSL (Asymmetric DSL).
  • Benefits:
    • Utilizes existing telephone infrastructure.
    • High speed downloads (up to 200 Mbps) but slower uploads (~20 Mbps).
  • Limitations:
    • Speed decreases with distance from the central office (CO).
    • Limited to about 10,000 feet from CO.

Cellular Networks

  • Description: Uses mobile networks, typically through cellular phones.
  • Methods:
    • Tethering: Connects phone to a device via USB or Bluetooth.
    • Hotspot: Enables 802.11 capabilities to share internet wirelessly.

WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider)

  • Description: Provides internet via local ground stations, suitable for rural areas.
  • Benefits:
    • Good performance, can reach up to 1 Gbps.
    • Often uses mesh 802.11, 5G, or proprietary wireless technologies.
  • Requirements:
    • May need external or outdoor antennas for connectivity.