In its 40-plus years of existence, the Internet has evolved and expanded to be the backbone of nearly everything we do. As such, multiple ways have come about as a means of accessing the service. In this article we'll be briefly comparing five types of high-speed access.
Cable
Cable Internet access is one of the most common types of Internet access available to consumers. As the name suggests, it's provided by cable providers using the existing infrastructure. It provides some of the fastest speeds, but is hindered by availability and generally exists in an oligopoly, meaning it can be pricey.
DSL
DSL runs over phone lines and has lower theoretical speeds than cable. However, because each DSL connection is isolated, it doesn't suffer from the slowdown that cable does when large amounts of traffic flow through one geographic area. This makes DSL solutions such as those offered by SecureNet Information Services an attractive option for those wanting a reliable high-speed internet provider.
Cellular
As mobile becomes increasingly popular, Internet access over LTE and other existing cellular networks is becoming more popular. This type of connection is available in smartphones and tablets as well as at home. It can be quite convenient for those without any other option, but most consumers won't favor it for their primary form of Internet access. This is because nearly every provider institutes some sort of data cap or throttling that kicks in well before most consumers are fully satisfied.
Satellite
Like cellular-based Internet connections, satellite Internet is popular among those in rural areas. This is because it's accessible from nearly anywhere in the world as long as the user has a clear view of the sky. However, satellite Internet is held back by a few restraints. It's expensive, speeds are highly variable, and there is a high degree of latency involved in the connection. As such, most consumers and businesses use another option if it's available.
Fiber-Optics
Internet access ran over fiber-optics is exciting for a few reasons. It's extremely fast, relatively cost-effective, and is effectively transmitted through light. Many consider it to be the long-term future of Internet access, but the service has seen slow adoption as consumers seem more content with their current options.
Ultimately, options are nice, but most consumers will pick from one or two. With this knowledge in hand, you should be able to make an informed decision for your Internet service.
