How They Work - Dial-Up, DSL, Cable and Satellite Internet

Are you planning on having a new internet connection installed in your home or business? It's important to know how each of the most common forms of internet work in order to make an informed decision when purchasing one. Let's go through them, and we'll talk about some of the advantages and disadvantages along the way.

1. Dial-up

Yes, these types of connections still exist. In fact, most of the people living in rural areas of the U.S. found themselves limited to this one option for many years, until satellite internet began to gain popularity. These areas typically aren't served by faster land connections, such as cable or DSL, due to small populations and low demand. However, dial-up internet is available anywhere there is a phone line. No additional infrastructure or special wiring for the line is needed. Dial-up actually uses a phone number, often the home phone, to establish an internet connection. Cue the screeching connection sound that we are all familiar with. Dial-up is the slowest of all internet connections.

2. DSL

Using the exact same type of phone line as dial-up, DSL is able to process information faster because it is transmitted on a higher, separated frequency of the line. DSL is always faster than a dial-up connection, but is generally outperformed by cable broadband connections. DSL speeds are also typically slower than satellite broadband, but DSL has the advantage that its signal remains connected during storms - unlike satellite. People with DSL connections tend to have them, even though faster technology is available, since it often comes as a package deal with their phone service.

3. Cable broadband

Instead of working through phone lines, as its name suggests, cable broadband is transmitted through cable wires. Similar to the way DSL functions within a phone line, the cable internet signal is separated from the television signal. Cable is generally considered the fastest of the four types mentioned here. Many people choose this option not only because of its speed, but also because it is generally offered in a package with cable television.

4. Satellite broadband

Satellite technology works the most differently from the other types of internet connections mentioned above. It works very similarly to satellite TV, in that satellites orbiting the Earth at low altitudes receive and transmit internet signals. One must have the appropriate satellite dish mounted above or nearby the home. Satellite is often used by people who would like a faster connection that dial-up, but who live in areas where high-speed landline connections - such as cable or DSL - do not provide service. Satellite speeds are typically faster than DSL, but slower than cable. Lastly, satellite technology is the only one with long-distance mobile capabilities. A satellite internet dish can be placed on top of an RV or even a yacht and receive signal anywhere in the world.

Do your research well and buy the right internet for you and your home. But keep in mind that if you live in a rural area where cable and DSL are unavailable, you're much better off with a satellite connection than dial-up.

For all your satellite internet needs, the best deals and the best service can be found from the friendly professionals of HughesNet satellite.

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