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.
|
