Choosing how you will access the Internet can be time consuming and frustrating. With so many options to choose from, it's easy to understand why so many consumers become confused or even intimidated when they start shopping for a broadband service provider with the best broadband deals. In the high-tech world of Internet service, a broadband primer can help you understand exactly what it is you are shopping for.
Speed and Bandwidth
You know you want a fast connection, but you don't feel comfortable with the high tech jargon that defines it. When talking about speed, you are talking about bandwidth. In the world of computers, bandwidth refers to the speed of information transfer in bits per second. Keep in mind though, that speed is affected by more than bandwidth. Electrical interference, a busy server, or even your own security program can slow up the best service.
Types of Connections
If you want your connection in a fixed location you will probably opt for cable or DSL service. Cable service usually comes in a bundle and can be very affordable. On the downside, as the number of people using the local cable service goes up, speed goes down. A digital subscriber line, or DSL, is a fast and affordable connection that uses a phone line for transmitting data. You may also hear about T-1 and T-3 service. These powerful selections are usually reserved for businesses.
For mobile access, wireless or satellite service is the best choice. Wireless services use radio frequencies to transmit data. Satellite service allows the user to connect to the Internet through a satellite orbiting the Earth. This type of access is the most expensive but of great worth to a worldwide traveler. You may hear about streaming and podcasting. Streaming refers to the ability to view movies and television shows through Internet feeds. Podcasting is the audio counterpart of streaming.
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