The Computer Revolution/Chapter 2

Internet Connections

Telephone
Pluses- Inexpensive available everywhere
Minuses- Slow, connection only supports only a single user
ISDN
Pluses- Faster than Dial-Up,, uses conventional phone lines
Minuses- More expensive than dial up, no longer supported by phone companies for single users, mostly uses by small businesses
DSL
Pluses- Can support many users, uploads faster than cable
Minuses- Needs to be close to phone switching station, limited choice of service providers, supports only a single user
T1 line
Pluses- reliable high speed downloading and uploading, you can talk and transmit at the same time
Minuses- Expensive best for businesses
Cable Modem
Pluses- Fast, always on, broadband connections, downloads faster than DSL
Minuses- Slower service during peak periods, vulnerable to outside intrusion, limited choices of providers, not always available to businesses
Satellite
Pluses- Wireless, fast, reliable, always on, goes where DSL and Cable cant
Minuses-High setup and monthly costs, must have unobstructed view of southern sky
Wi-Fi
Pluses- uses a beefed up version of the current cellphone network, ultimately should be available everywhere
Minuses- Range of access is usually only 50-300 feet (to access point)
3G
Pluses- Functions like Wi-Fi but without the need for hot spots, uses existing cellphone network
Minuses- Low Battery power on some models, phones are relatively large