There are many different types of internet providers, all of them aiming to provide a reliable and affordable internet connection to internet users. Along with an internet connection, some of them also offer TV cable and telephone services. Comcast’s Xfinity bundles have deals that will not take up a lot of your expenses.
Instead of having to pay for internet, telephone, and cable separately, and that too with different service providers, it is better for you to avail services that provide it combined into a bundle. In one package, you get a 200Mbps internet that can connect up to 8 devices, with 10+ channels for your TV.
In another, you get unlimited dialing nationwide for your phone, 200+ TV channels with a 200Mbps internet speed all combined into a single plan. Benefitting from Xfinity’s single plan for multiple services will surely give you peace of mind.
Types of Internet providers
Internet service providers use various technologies to ensure you have a working internet connection. Their offer can just be limited to only one or they provide multiple deals to choose from. These technologies come with their own functions, pros and cons, and benefits.
DSL
DSL or Digital Subscriber Line is a wired technology that transmits data over existing copper telephone lines. These telephone lines are already installed around your homes and businesses. The transmission speed of DSL ranges from several Kbps to 100Mbps or less. It is the slowest internet connection to date, after the ever-obsolete dial-up connection, yet it is the most affordable.
DSL cable connection is not shared between neighbors because it uses your separate telephone line to connect to the internet. Internet users in rural communities most commonly use DSL connection. However, the drawback is that the speed of the DSL connection depends on the distance from your home to the nearest telephone facility; the farther you are away from the telephone facility, the slower is your DSL internet connection.
Cable internet
Just as DSL uses a telephone line to connect to the internet, cable internet depends on the cable you receive from the cable company. Cable internet has a transmission speed of 50Mbps or higher but it is faster compared to DSL internet. It is connected to a coaxial wire linked to your cable box.
You can also get a wireless connection with cable internet. Since the TV cable is shared between neighbors, it is the same for cable internet as well. That way your internet speed gets affected and there is interference to your internet connection. Cable internet can also be purchased separately from the TV cable.
Fiber internet
Fiber internet is the fastest and most reliable internet connection. The speed of the transmission of data is the same for both downloads and uploads. It starts from 200Mbps for multiple devices and can go as high as 2000Mbps, which is more than required for a single household with multiple devices. Fiber internet connection is available in few areas due to infrastructure and resources.
Its limited availability and less competition in the market also make it very expensive. However, fiber internet service providers have stated that they are looking to expand its availability to other areas in the US.
Satellite internet
The Internet can also be accessed via satellite in space. This type of internet connection is the best option for internet users living in remote or rural areas since other types of connection is not as easily accessible there. For a satellite internet to work, there needs to be a satellite dish to send and receive signals to/from the satellite.
Satellite internet has a very high data transmission speed, however, there are lots of weather or physical interference that often disrupts the smooth flow of internet connection. Another significant limitation that internet users experience with a satellite internet connection is peak hour data limits.
Cellular
Cellular technology can also be used to access the internet. It means being able to access the internet through cell phones. The speed varies depending on the internet provider. However, the most common data transmission speed being offered by cellular technology is 3G and 4G. 3G means a third-generation cellular network having a transmission speed of 2Mbps. With 4G, the peak transmission speed is 100Mbps but in actuality, it is around 20Mbps.
However, the latest cellular technology that is being around for a few years only is 5G. 5G is supposed to be the fastest cellular technology, with a record-breaking transmission speed of 20Gbps. It is not yet available in many places, though it will change the definition of a high-speed internet connection in the coming years. Cellular service is being used by everyone on their phones, however, it is an ideal internet connection for internet users in remote areas.
In summary, these are the different types of internet that internet service providers are manufacturing for their consumers. Each has its benefits and drawback and internet users will choose the one that best suits their browsing and streaming needs.