Types of internet connections

What is the internet?

The internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks and electronic devices. It allows users worldwide to communicate, share data, and access all kinds of content, from encyclopedias to videos, software, video games, online shops, learning courses, and news. It’s like a separate digital world you can access anytime and anywhere from your computer or smartphone.

Today, the internet is the primary source of information for millions of people around the world. It has become a separate ecosystem, fueling people’s creativity and self-expression through social media and allowing them to share content and collaborate on projects easily.

The differences between internet connections

Navigating the different types of internet connections can feel overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered. Let’s start with a comparison table to help you see how speeds and uses differ across various connection types.

DSL internet

Digital subscriber line (DSL) internet uses your phone line in your house to send internet signals. It is popular in areas where cable or fiber internet is unavailable, providing cost-effective internet for daily use like browsing and video calls. However, there's a catch. Your DSL internet speed depends on the distance from the provider's hub. The further you are from the provider, the slower the internet connection. But if you're in an area with solid coverage, it's a reliable option.

DSL provides internet through copper telephone cables and a DLS modem. This modem translates phone line signals into data your computer can use. You connect your computer to the modem via an Ethernet cable, and voila — you have internet access ranging from 5 to 120 Mbps. Plus, DLS lets you talk on the phone while browsing the web. 

Cable internet

Cable internet is a broadband connection service that brings internet to your computer through the same coaxial cables that also bring TV channels to your television. It's widely popular in urban and suburban areas and a good home-use option. The downside is that it shares bandwidth with your neighboring devices, meaning you may get slow internet speeds during peak usage hours.

Although it is not as fast as fiber internet, cable internet is one of the fastest connection types, with download speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps. Unfortunately, its upload speeds are significantly slower, usually reaching a maximum of 35 Mbps. This means that data from the internet to your device will travel much faster than the data your device sends. Browsing, downloading video games, or watching a movie will be much faster than sending an email, uploading a video to YouTube, or posting a photo on social media.

Fiber-optic internet

Fiber internet is the gold standard for speed and reliability since it uses light signals to connect you to the web. It transmits data through thin strands of glass or plastic called fiber, which is much less susceptible to interference than, for example, copper cables. As a result, fiber internet is the most reliable and speedy option for heavy internet users who stream high-definition content, game online, or run multiple devices at the same time. In addition, it can handle lots of people using it at the same time without slowing down.

However, fiber internet has one major disadvantage — logistics. Establishing a network of fiber-optic cables to connect entire cities and regions is challenging. Although major service providers aim to expand areas where fiber internet is available, the process has been slow. Despite its fast speeds, fiber is one of the least accessible internet connection types.

Integrated services digital network

Integrated services digital network (ISDN) is an old-school technology that brings you online through digital telephone wires.

Although it was once popular for voice and video calls and data transmission (like emails or files), ISDN is being phased out by faster broadband technologies. However, because it offers a stable connection, some still use it for niche tasks in radio and TV stations, high-end video conferencing setups, emergency response (police, fire, ambulance), and legacy systems.

Dial-up connection

Dial-up internet is one of the earliest forms of internet that uses a telephone line to connect you to the internet. It's barely used now because it's just too slow and impractical. 

Here's how it works: To connect to dial-up internet, your computer needs a modem to convert digital signals into analog signals that can travel over a phone line. Next, this analog signal is sent to your internet service provider (ISP), which converts the signal back into digital and connects you to the web. The problem is that this process takes time, so dial-up is painfully slow (up to 56 Kbps), making it unsuitable for streaming, gaming, or big downloads. On top of that, dial-up uses a phone line, so if you make or receive a phone call, the internet connection drops.

Satellite connection

Satellite internet sends data from your satellite dish to a geostationary satellite orbiting the earth and back instead of relying on cables, wires, cellular towers, or antennas. It is a good option for those living out in the sticks, where other broadband services are unavailable. However, satellite internet connection depends on weather conditions. If it's raining, snowing, cloudy, or windy, there's a big chance your signal will be weaker or even stop working. Despite this, satellite internet is speedy enough (12 to 120 Mbps) for gaming or video conferencing.

Newer satellite providers, like Elon Musk's Starlink or Amazon's Project Kuiper, make every effort to make satellite connections faster and more efficient by placing their satellites closer to the ground. This means that the signal doesn't have to travel as far, which improves speeds. Starlink, for example, currently offers 220 Mbps.

As of today, satellite internet comes for a steep price — the average monthly price in the US is around $100. If you want bigger data packs or faster speeds, the price can jump to $150 or $200 monthly. Hopefully, the rising supply of satellite internet will lower the costs and make it a more accessible option.

5G home internet

5G home internet uses cellular network technology to bring internet to laptops, smartphones, and smart appliances at home. While 5G frequencies are designed for cellphones primarily, routers can also pick up those signals and turn them into a home internet connection. It's a good way to get high-speed internet without installing all the wires and cables.

Wondering if 5G home internet is a better option than a wired connection? Well, yes and no. 5G home internet is fast enough to enjoy uninterrupted gaming, streaming, or video conferencing and reaches up to 10 Gbps. While it is not usually faster than fiber internet, cable internet can be limited compared to 5G. It all depends on your location. If you live in a remote area that doesn't have great 5G coverage, a wired connection can be a good alternative. However, if your area's internet service is poor or pricey, 5G home internet is a better option.

Cellular network

Cellular technology is a radio network designed to support cell phones. It is formed of cells that act as separate base stations and cover a particular geographic area. This way, you can move from one location to another without losing connectivity as your mobile phone connects to the nearest transceiver. 

Cellular network mobility and flexibility make it a great choice for people on the go. It doesn't drain your battery, has extensive coverage, and gets less signal interference than other types of internet. Plus, with cellular, you can set up a mobile hotspot on your phone and connect your other devices, like laptops or tablets, whenever you're away from your home network.

The downside is that cellular internet can be slower than Wi-Fi or wired broadband connection. The most common 3G and 4G technologies can achieve speeds of up to 100 Mbps. However, the newest 5G technology delivers a much higher download speed, reaching 10 Gbps.

Components for setting up an internet connection

Let's see what tools you might need to bring yourself online:

Modem

The modem is essential for any wired internet connection, whether you're using an old-school dial-up or lightning-speed fiber internet. It connects your computer to the internet. 

A modem converts the digital data from your device into analog signals that can travel over phone lines, coaxial cable, or fiber optics to your internet provider. On the other end, the modem converts the incoming signals from your ISP back into digital data so your computer can understand it.

Router

A router connects different computer networks and allows your computers, smartphones, and tablets to communicate with each other. It is also an essential component for wireless internet connection at home. If your modem doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi, a router will allow you to connect your computer and other devices wirelessly. It also provides Wi-Fi security by acting as a firewall and protecting your computer from cyber threats.

Internet service provider (ISP)

Your ISP is the company that provides your internet service. Without it, it's impossible to access all the information online. ISP provides all the necessary equipment and telecommunication line access to browse, game, download, and send files, or stream.