How to Choose the Best Broadband Internet Access Option by Jacob
Minett
Not so many years ago, accessing the Internet was a 'one size fits all'
technology. When you wanted to surf the web, send and receive emails, post
files to a web site, or just play around on AOL, you accessed it all through
your telephone line using a modem and a standard dial-up account. Most of us
didn't mind because we realized that the slow speeds we endured were shared by
everyone else. The notion of Internet 'speed envy' had yet to emerge.
Well, those days are long gone! Nowadays, in ever-increasing numbers, people
are dumping their old dial-up modems and those slow connections for a much
faster Internet experience through DSL, cable, and satellite technologies. In
2002, only 21% of Internet users had broadband connections at home. As of late
2005, that number had risen to 53% [Source: Pew Internet & American Life
Project].
For the remaining 47% still using dial-up access, it's often because they live
where DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and cable technologies are not available.
Yes, there are still lots of rural areas that do not have access to either.
Among those who do have access to broadband connections, it is most often older
and poorer Americans who choose to keep dial-up access.
Which Internet Access Option is Best for You?
You may be wondering which broadband solution is the best option. While much
depends on what's available in your area, for many users it comes down to a
personal choice, centered on convenience, speed, and cost. Let's examine the
various technologies and the relative advantages of each.
Cable Internet Access
Using your home's existing cable television lines, you can get Internet access
included for an additional fee. Expect a large speed increase versus dial-up
access. In fact, in many cases cable Internet access is the fastest
alternative. Installation is usually completed quickly with just one visit from
your cable company's technicians. You will also need a cable modem (supplied by
the cable company in virtually every instance, but can be purchased separately
as well).
Clearly, the biggest advantage of going with cable access is speed. All things
being equal, it is the fastest of the three broadband alternatives, with a top
speed of 10 Mbps (Megabits per second). Having said that, cable speeds can be
substantially reduced if you share a local network with a lot of other
subscribers. People living in densely packed areas, or locations where the
cable company has a lot of users on the same network, will only realize a
fraction of that top speed. It's a good idea to call your cable provider and
ask some pointed questions about these issues before you order. Better yet, ask
neighbors who have cable Internet what kind of speed they get.
DSL Internet Access
Digital Subscriber Line access utilizes your existing telephone line in an
innovative way to greatly increase your Internet speeds. While cable is usually
faster, DSL is substantially speedier than traditional dial-up access and
offers a much-improved experience for a modest increase in cost. Installation
is quick, usually only requiring a simple change at your home's phone box
outside of the house by a phone company technician. You will need a DSL modem,
which is included at no extra charge by most providers when you sign an
extended service contract.
If you live where DSL is not currently available, be patient. Major providers
like Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T are spreading their coverage areas quickly.
Even many rural areas can expect to have DSL access in the coming months.
The two big advantages of choosing DSL are cost and speed. You will only need
to get the modem and follow some simple instructions to configure it. If you
agree to a one-year contract with your phone service provider (most major
carriers), the modem will cost you nothing. And the service itself is generally
in the $15-$40 per month range, making it a good bargain.
Speed is a bit trickier with DSL. It is slower than cable (top speed is about 6
Mbps), and the major providers offer different packages that limit speeds based
on the price you pay per month. To further muddy the waters, DSL is what's
known as a 'distance limited' technology. This means that how far you live from
the nearest telephone company switching station determines your actual speed.
Those living within a few yards will experience the highest speeds, while those
at the other end of your street or block may only get half that speed. As with
cable, call your local phone provider and ask questions about the various
services and what kind of actual speed you can expect based on your exact
physical location in relation to the switching station for your street or
neighborhood. If you have a next-door neighbor with DSL, ask what his or her
experience has been, as yours will probably be very similar.
Satellite Internet Access
Satellite Internet access uses a small mounted dish and group of electronics to
send and receive data through satellites orbiting the Earth over the equator.
Users must have a clear view of the Southern sky (in the U.S.) from the face of
the dish, unobstructed by trees, buildings, and other obstacles. Coaxial
cabling connects the outdoor equipment to indoor send-and-receive equipment
that then connects to your computer through a standard USB connector or network
card.
The major advantage with satellite Internet access is faster connection speeds
for people who live where cable and DSL are not available. Users can expect to
download data at a rate that is about 10 to 30 times faster than dial-up
access. While satellite Internet connections are significantly faster than
dial-ups, they are slower than cable and DSL, and should not be the first
choice for those who do have cable or DSL available to them. Satellite access
is also more expensive than DSL or cable and can suffer outages when the
weather turns ugly. Clearly, the other two are better options unless you live
where they are not available.
The Bottom Line
Overall, cable and DSL are terrific broadband Internet access solutions for the
majority of people who live in urban or suburban locations. Satellite access
adds a much-needed alternative for folks living in rural areas, completing the
coverage area for the vast majority of America and Canada. While proponents of
both cable and DSL have legitimate arguments in favor of their services,
deciding between them should be made on an individual basis, determined by the
actual speeds and costs for each in your location.
If speed is your top priority and you live where there are not a lot of other
users sharing the local cable network, go with cable (especially if your
neighbors report high speeds and good service). If not, look into DSL. If cost
is your main consideration and speed isn't as important, a lower-end DSL
service will probably be a better fit, as long as you don't live too far from
the nearest telephone switching station. Finally, if you live in a rural area,
satellite Internet access may be right up your alley, especially if you long
for faster downloads and web site surfing.
About the Author
If you do live in a rural area where cable or DSL are not an option then your
best bet would be to go with the new WildBlue
Satellite System.
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