Some Quick Facts about Internet Connection Categories

It’s an unfortunate fact for many renters that they will only have a handful of options when it comes to Internet service. However, you will want to understand what the differences are between various types of Internet connections. For the most part, there is broadband coverage, which breaks down into the following Internet connection categories: cable, satellite, DSL, and fiber optic service.

Here are some things you’ll need to know about the pros and cons of each:

• DSL service uses phone cables (much like dial-up in the days of yore) to connect residents to the Internet. Although this option is usually the cheapest of the bunch, the connection speeds aren’t always reliable, especially if you live in an area that’s far away from a provider’s central office.

• Cable broadband service uses TV wires to connect users to the Internet. Most of the time, the bandwidth is shared between many people in your neighborhood– which means that if lots of individuals are online at the same time, service can be slow (this is why streaming “House of Cards” always crashes and burns during premiere night). However, in general, cable Internet service is faster than DSL.

• Satellite Internet service is great for people who live in rural areas who might not get access to cable or fiber Internet. However, it tends to be slower and more expensive.

• Fiber optic service is by far the fastest option (Google Fiber probably being the most impressive), but it is still very much in the beginning stages and is not available in most areas.