There have been many advances made in the world of the internet. ISP Services are constantly announcing new and improved technologies.  If, however, you are not technical by nature, you may find that you need certain internet related terminology explained in simple language that you can understand.  Perhaps the simple explanations, presented below, will help you grasp understanding of a few basic technologies.

Cable Internet

Cable internet is a technology for receiving high-bandwidth broadband (fast) internet service in your home by using your cable television line.  With cable service you are always connected to the internet as long as your computer is turned on --- just plug your computer into a cable modem which is provided by your cable company.

Most cable companies offer a number of connection speeds on a sliding price scale. The only downside to cable internet is that your home must be in an area where cable TV is available.  Cable is also “shared bandwidth” with others in your neighborhood.  You may see slightly slower download speeds during peak usage times.  However, most users agree that cable’s speed is more than adequate.

DSL

Many providers offer digital subscriber lines, or DSL. This is a way to connect your computer to the Internet using your existing phone line. Special hardware, placed on both ends of the phone line, permits a continuous digital signal. The signal is sent out from a transmitter provided by the internet provider, and picked up by your telephone line. Because DSL uses higher frequencies, it allows two things: 

1.  It eludes the normal boundaries of the voice spectrum, thus permitting you to talk on your phone while simultaneously working on the Internet.

2. It can encode more data --- which allows your Internet connection speed to be 50 times faster than a standard dial-up modem.

The one downside to DSL is distance limitation. The distance between the transmitter and the receivers is relatively limited. Therefore, most providers place transmitters in areas close to as many customers as possible, not just one or two. This makes DSL more feasible in densely populated areas such as cities.

Satellite Internet

A home with satellite internet is supplied with a special modem and a satellite dish. The dish is installed somewhere on your property, usually on the roof of your house. Signals are beamed from the office of an internet provider up to an orbiting satellite --- which then beams them down to your satellite dish.

With satellite internet, the connection speed is fast, but there is a slight signal delay, called latency, caused by the distance the information must travel to and from outer space.  This delay generally does not affect web surfing, but it can be a problem when using real-time applications such as interactive computer games.  Lately, however, some providers offer signal amplifiers and signal locators which help eliminate this problem. 

Satellite Internet may also be a bit more expensive because of the amount of equipment and the installation involved, but prices seem to be going down as competition increases. Satellite Internet is the best option for folks who live in rural or lightly populated areas.

Wireless Internet

Wireless Internet is a standard for connecting your mobile device to the internet without the use of a wire.  There are two ways to get a wireless connection – through hotspots, and with a mobile broadband subscription.

With a hotspot, simply put, a wireless-enabled computer can receive a high-frequency digital signal.  As long as your WiFi enabled electronic device is within the range of the signal, you will be able to get online. Virtually all new computers these days are designed and sold with wireless capability.

Thousands of businesses such as cafes, coffee houses, libraries, book stores, airports, etc., have free WiFi hotspots set up --- and more and more companies are recognizing the necessity to offer this service to attract customers.  Some entire towns have established WiFi networks for their citizens.

With a mobile broadband subscription, you can move about anywhere in your coverage area.  Wireless-enabled devices include laptops, mobile phones, notepads and more.

Fiber Optic Internet

While most people today want a wireless connection, wires are not going away.  What is changing, however, is the type of wire used --- and these days it is the wire that is improving! 

Fiber Optics is a technology which transmits information through light pulses that follow an optical fiber, or wire. This technology is now being utilized by many of the major telecommunications companies that are slowly replacing their existing copper wire. 

Optical fiber has proven to be superior in transmitting Internet, telephone and cable television signals.  Why?  Because it allows much less interference and has greater attenuation, which means that the signal stays stronger and is less likely to "bleed off."  Light following a fiber wire results in much better clarity, more reliability and faster speed than electrical impulses following a copper wire.

In the beginning fiber optic technology was very expensive, but as each passing year goes by, prices are coming down.  Fiber optic Internet is not available in all areas, but by going online you can quickly determine if it is available where you live.

Of course, you may have many more questions about ISP Services and the terminology they use. But hopefully the above information will help you when you are deciding the type of service that is best for you.  Locating internet service providers in my area is easy with the right resources and information available online.