What are the high speed Internet options?

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Need for Speed! This is the slogan everywhere. In offices worldwide and homes. A high-speed Internet connection enables you to optimize performance and enjoy the online experience. Speedier Internet access, also referred to as Broadband, is now within easy reach as well.

What are your Options for high speed Internet?

The top 4 broadband options are:

Cable
DSL
ISDN
Satellite

Each of these 4 options has both advantages and disadvantages. It's important to turn to the right service for you. Provided of course, the service provider is operating in your locality.

Cable Modem Internet Connection

A cable modem is usually an external device that receives its signal the cable TV network. In theory, cable modem should be fast. Because, cable television networks are designed to display full-motion pictures, which require greater bandwidth. As a result, you should receive Internet connection at very high speeds.

However, the downside is cable modems have shared access. Much like an office network, where all traffic travels across a common connection. This shared access makes cable modem speeds slower as more people come online.

DSL Internet Connection

DSL is another option for hi-speed Internet. DSL or Digital Subscriber Link technology uses copper wire, which is much the same as telephone wiring. One advantage is that there is no need to install a second phone line. However, DSL has a limit of about 18,000 feet (3.5 miles or 5.5 kilometers) from the telephone companies central office. What this means is that, the farther you are located, the less speed you will receive.

ISDN Connections

Integrated Services Digital Network or ISDN is the oldest and most widely available high speed option. In this system, you get a speed of up to 128 Kbps. The cost involved will be $125 as installation fee and anything between $30–$100 dollars every month. Your ISP may charge an additional fee for ISDN access as well. The charges may vary. The advantage is that, you can perform multiple tasks like surfing, faxing and talking on the phone at the same time with a single phone line. However, ISDN can be difficult to set up.

Satellite Internet Connections

Satellite is speedy but will cost you. The data is transmitted via a high-bandwidth satellite feed to a satellite dish and then to the computer's modem card. Until recently, satellite users were limited to one-way transmission, and needed to maintain a separate dial-in account in order to upload data. New technology however enables two-way transmission. However, download speeds may drop if many people are using the same transponder. Connection is also liable to fade in extreme weather.