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