ADSL, ISDN, cable, satellite … Surely many do not know what type of Internet connection you have at home, or what each of them consists of to choose the best one for you.
This is an extensive post, but interesting.
We find many clients who have these doubts so we hope that this post will help you and that you do not “sound like Chinese” when they offer you the “fastest market ADSL” or the conventional line “that solves all our problems”
Types of Internet connections: The different types:
- Switched Telephone Network (RTC)
Although today it is a network that is totally obsolete, until a few years ago, taking advantage of the basic telephone installation (or Basic Telephone Network, RTB) was the most widespread system for connecting a domestic or office computer to the Internet. As the RTB connection transmitted the signals in an analogical way, a system was necessary to demodulate the signals received by the computer and these tasks were carried out by a modem that acted as a link device between the computer and the network.
Advantages:
It did not require the installation of any additional infrastructure. Disadvantages: · The bandwidth was limited to 56 Kbps in a single channel. For example, a 1 MB file took two and a half minutes to download. · Intermittent connection; that is, the connection was established when necessary. · The RTB connection did not support the simultaneous transmission of voice and data.
- ISDN digital network
Another of the networks extended until a few years ago and that even displaced the RTB connection system but that is currently totally disused, was the digital ISDN network. It was a telephone line, but digital (instead of analog). Instead of a modem, this type of connection uses a network adapter.
Advantages:
It has several channels, some to talk on the phone and others to transmit data.
Disadvantages:
It requires special infrastructure.
- Digital ADSL network
The ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) combines the advantages of the RTB connection and the ISDN, so it soon became the favorite type of connection for homes and businesses.
Advantages:
- Take advantage of the RTB wiring for voice and data transmission, which can be done together (as with the ISDN cable).
- The speed is greater.
Disadvantages:
The bandwidth can be reduced depending on the user’s location.
- Cable connection
The cable connection uses a fiber optic cable for the transmission of data between nodes. The connection to the Internet through this system can be done in two ways: on the one hand we can use what is known as pure optical fiber, which is the fiber that reaches the home; and on the other hand through the Fiber + Coaxial , which is done through a fiber trunk, but the Internet reaches the home through a splice with coaxial cable. This second method has the disadvantage of deteriorating over time, although as an advantage it should be noted that it is cheaper than the first.
Advantages:
- The light signal can be transported free of interference problems affecting electromagnetic waves.
- By using light signals instead of electrical signals it is possible to encode a much larger amount of information.
- Higher speed (ability to upload and download data).
Disadvantages:
Accurate of a new and expensive infrastructure, this explains that even today is not available in all places.
- Satellite connection
Internet access via satellite is a way for those who do not have access to terrestrial broadband connections such as cable or ADSL or where telephone lines are not available. This would be one of its greatest advantages. This type of satellite connection is still used in those cases where there are no other options, for example on boats, planes or in very isolated areas where no other type of network or Internet connection arrives.
Disadvantages:
- You have to have a digital satellite dish, a dial-up Internet connection, a PC receiving card, specific software…
- Internet connections via satellite are high latency, which means that it takes a while since we give an order on the internet (a download …) until it reaches the satellite and returns.
- Wireless networks
Wireless or wireless networks are what Sopto uses in the Internet connections that we offer our customers. They differ from all previous views in that infrared light signals or radio waves are used, instead of wires, to transmit the information.
There is a wireless standard, WiMAX, which in Sopto we do very well. Its reach reaches 50 km, with transmission speeds higher than 70 Mbps.
This type of networks are fast, cheaper, suitable in areas of difficult coverage and do not depend on the wiring of other companies.
LMDS
The LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution System) is another wireless communication system that uses high frequency radio waves (28 GHz to 40 GHz).
PLC
The technology PLC (Power Line Communications) takes advantage of the electrical lines to transmit data at high speed. Like WLANs, it is currently used to implement local networks, which would connect to the Internet through some other type of connection.
WIMAX
The connection through WIMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a technology that allows the Internet to be available in places where ADSL or optical fiber does not arrive correctly. Nowadays, WiMax technology can already surpass even 1 GB under favorable conditions and if licensed bands are used, they are very stable and reliable.
Do you have doubts? Do you want more information? If you want to receive the best advice from an expert telephony and internet company in the sector, you just have to contact us through the blog, the website, our Facebook or Twitter and we will be happy to assist you.