You probably already know the various types of internet connections. Cable internet, DSL, satellite, fiber-optic, and fixed wireless internet are the most used and popular types of internet connections available.
Among them, fiber-optic offers the fastest internet speeds, and this type of connection rarely gets disrupted as all the wiring is underground. If you are looking for a fiber-optic plan, you can consider opting for Xfinity Internet plans. Xfinity also offers symmetrical download and upload speeds.
However, just because you don’t have a fiber-optic provider in your area, that does not mean you are at a loss, because there still are innumerable options out there. Before you choose the type of internet connection you want, it’s important to understand how these connection types work.
The internet connection type you choose has to not only meet all your internet needs but has to be available in your area as well. Therefore, in this article, we will be sharing all you need to know about the three most popular types of internet services available – fiber-optic, DSL, and cable internet.
Let’s get started.
Fiber Internet
Fiber optic internet provides high speeds and reliability, and it is a type of broadband internet service. However, due to difficulties in the last-mile infrastructure, fiber internet isn’t as widely available as many would like.
Fiber internet relies on light rather than electricity when it comes to transmitting data. Every optical fiber has its core made of plastic or glass that helps transmit light. Moreover, it uses a reflective classing that ensures no light is being leaked.
Most internet connections offer a higher download speed than upload speeds. But, when it comes to fiber-optic internet, most providers offer the same download and upload speed. Fiber-optic internet is no doubt the best option if you and your household use the internet simultaneously and rather frequently.
Furthermore, fiber internet will never fail even at peak times, bad weather, and long-distance, unless there’s an outage. Fiber-optic lines are much more reliable and resilient than copper lines. Also, fiber-optic lines barely ever need any maintenance.
DSL
DSL stands for “digital subscriber line.” DSL uses copper telephone lines for its internet connection. You could either opt for a wired or wireless DSL connection. You can easily use your existing telephone line to connect to the internet, as long as you have a DSL router or modem.
Since you only need to use a pen device for a DSL connection, either its modem or router can be used to connect to the internet. Moreover, with a DSL connection, you won’t have to worry about not being able to use the telephone when the internet is being used, because they both function on different frequencies.
In other words, you can both use the internet and the telephone at the same time. DSL providers usually offer up to 100 Mbps internet plans. If you are currently using a dial-up connection, and there is a DSL connection available in your area, we suggest you switch to DSL as soon as possible!
That said, you should be prepared for slow speeds or internet disruption when there’s bad weather, such as rain and a storm.
Cable Internet
Cable internet is usually considered high-speed internet. Cable internet uses coaxial cables to transfer data. Similar to how DSL uses telephone lines to transmit data, cable internet uses the television network to do so. In comparison to DSL and fiber-optic, cable internet is always widely available, sometimes, even in rural areas.
Cable internet providers offer higher download speeds than upload speeds. If you use the internet for low-bandwidth activities, cable internet’s slower plans are a good fit for you. You can also choose higher speed tiers because cable has that.
The major drawback of cable internet is that you will be sharing your internet bandwidth with your neighbors. So, if there’s a new episode of a Netflix series everyone’s talking about, you can expect a lot of buffering as most if not all will be watching it!
However, there are ISPs that offer cable internet through a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable. The backbone of this connection is fiber but ends with the cable network. It is more reliable and also offers higher speeds.
All in All
Fiber optic and cable internet connections can also support most online activities you plan on doing. DSL internet, however, may be more cost-effective if you only use the internet for casual browsing or streaming. Many factors, like the number of devices in use, the types of services you need, and the dependability of your provider all play into determining which internet plan is ideal for your home.
There are still a couple of more connection types, but fiber-optic, DSL, and cable internet are the most popular ones. You also need to know what internet service is available in your area.
We have shared everything about this connection and hopefully, you now have a better understanding of each one of them!
