Week 3 EOC: 3 Times Internet

The same cable that provides us with FOX and ESPN also allows us to also connect to the internet. “Cable connections are considered one of the best types of internet connection available to the home user, they offer very fast and reliable connections with a fixed monthly fee.” (http://www.helpwithpcs.com/internet/internet-connections.htm) You would need a cable modem which is usually provided by your cable provider. It is plug into your computer with either an Ethernet or USB cord. To be able to us a Ethernet cord you would need to install a NIC inside of your computer. A downfall with using cable internet is bandwidth is shared with everyone else on the network.

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It competes with cable internet. It operates similar to dial-up service, but is many times faster. In addition to being faster than dial-up, it does not tie up your phone line. You would not a DSL modem which connects to the telephone wall jack and your computer. “The device acts as a modulator, translating the computer’s digital signals into voltage sent across the telephone lines to a central hub known as a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplier or DSLAM.” (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-dsl.htm)

“One of the major innovations that has accompanied the rapid expansion of the Internet has been wireless Internet service, also known as Wi-Fi.” (http://www.ehow.com/about_5348495_pros-using-wireless-internet-services.html) It has made it possible to connect to the internet nearly everywhere. There are a few ways to connect to wireless internet.  You could use a data card, which are often provided by mobile telephone providers, that fit into a slot on your computer. You could access the internet through a secured or unsecured network which are accessible through a router that is connected to your modem. Secured networks you will need a password to allow you access the internet. Unsecured networks are normally found in public places such as public libraries or commercial establishments such as Starbucks or Panera Bread.