It is quite confusing to choose from among the different types of internet connections out there. There are satellite, DSL, cable, and fiber internet connections out there. As a start, make sure to subscribe to an ISP with good prices like Spectrum internet prices after fully understanding what you are looking to get out of service. Other than that, there are many factors that play an important part in the final decision. Continue reading below to understand the types of internet connections and how to choose the best-suited one for your needs!
Types of Internet Connections
There are many types of internet connections depending on their method of transmission, source, and other factors. Following are some of the main types of internet connections.
1. Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is transmitted through a satellite from space. The satellite sends internet signals to a dish installed on a rooftop and the dish transmits those signals back. Satellite internet is a great option for businesses or individuals located in remote locations where other modes of the internet are not available. The speeds of a satellite-based connection are not too fast due to the vast amount of distance the data has to traverse. Therefore, it is not ideal in urban settings where DSL, cable, or fiber internet are readily available.
2. Fiber Internet
Fiber internet is a very high-speed internet connection that uses glass fibers (inside wires) to transmit data in the form of light. This type of internet connection is in high demand worldwide owing to the fast download speeds of up to 1 Gbps. It is steadily becoming available in all areas.
3. Cable Internet
Cable internet uses coaxial cables to transmit and receive data. The speeds range from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps. If fiber internet is not available in your area, then cable internet should be your best bet. The high speeds that a cable connection provides are due to higher bandwidth capabilities and low latencies!
4. DSL Internet
DSL internet operates over telephone lines. It is quite slow in comparison to all the internet connections mentioned above. Such connections offer humble speeds of up to 12 Mbps. For video streaming, they are not a viable option. However, for simpler tasks, they work well.
How to Choose the Best Internet Connection?
There are many factors that you should consider before selecting an ISP. Some of them are as follows:
Home or Commercial?
Are you looking forward to subscribing to the internet connection for home or commercial usage? For commercial purposes, it is important that the connection offers high downloading speeds and low latencies. Therefore, fiber and cable are the most ideal choices. For home usage, DSL and cable internet can do just fine. Furthermore, if you’re based in a remote area where cable, fiber, and DSL are not available, then make sure to subscribe to satellite internet.
Check the SLAs and Refund Policy
What is the use of subscribing to an ISP that offers high speeds but is down most of the time? Make sure that you check the reliability of an ISP before subscribing to any of its packages. Take care that their uptime, latency speeds, and other metrics boast quality. They must have good SLAs and refund you some amount of your money if they cannot live up to their claims.
Analyze Contract Details
Are you looking for a contract-based package? If you are, then make sure to understand all the underlying terms and conditions. Furthermore, do have a look at the pricing changes after a year of subscription as well.
Evaluate Your Internet Speed Requirements
It is quite important to see if the internet connection will serve your downloading and uploading requirements or not. If you want to download large files then fiber and cable internet must be your best bet due to very high internet speeds approaching 1 Gbps. On the other, for simple browsing tasks such as checking your mail or checking social media accounts, DSL works fine.
Ask for Equipment and Installation Costs
Make sure to check that the ISP you are subscribing to is going to charge you for the equipment and installation costs or not. Are you willing to pay them? Or are you looking for more economical options? Do your research before placing an order.
Determine Your Long-term Requirements
While you may be aware of what you’re looking for at the moment, it is equally important to have an idea of your future requirements. So, even if you will be satisfied with a lower bandwidth connection at the moment, ask yourself if you will need to upgrade in a few months’ time. If the answer is a yes, it is wise to stop for a moment and think about the prospects of subscribing to a higher bandwidth connection in the first place. You may be considering using the cloud, video software, Netflix, or other high data consuming services or software. Therefore, analyze your requirements carefully and make an informed decision.
See Also:
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- Best Firewalls for Small Businesses
- How to Set Up and Use Roku Streaming Stick
Conclusion
Make sure to keep all these things in mind before selecting an internet connection. If you think everything through, you will be able to make a good decision that you will not regret. Subscribe to a reliable ISP to have smooth access to good quality internet!
