Internet Services

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) or Internet Access Provider (IAP) offers service plan s for Internet access. They will charge you a monthly or annual fee in exchange for Internet access privileges. You can select plans based on Internet speeds, and in all likelihood, your existing telephone or cable provider offers Internet services. You can choose a dial-up service or a broadband connection if you need faster speeds. You will need hardware including modems, routers, wireless cards, and network cables to access the Internet. Your ISP might provide these to you as part of your subscription.

Broadband

Broadband is a generic term that refers to a wide band that transfers multiple signals simultaneously. A single band can be used to transfer data, voice, and digital signals. Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), cable, T1, DS3, and Fiber-to-the-X (FTTX) are several modes used for broadband Internet connections. A broadband connection is much faster than dial-up Internet. If you are transferring a large amount of data including music, pictures, or video, you will likely want broadband Internet. With broadband Internet, you can easily stream television shows and transfer data. You can also use your telephone line while online. Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) offers telephone services through your broadband Internet connection.

Another means of broadband Internet access is through a satellite. In this method, a dish sends and receives digital signals. This kind of Internet access is not preferable if you reside in a rural area where other options may not be available.

Cable Internet access is provided by cable TV operators. Television signals and data signals are transmitted through the same wire. Filters are present in the cable that separates these signals, so you can watch television and access Internet at the same time.

Dial-Up

If you want to connect to Internet using dial-up Internet access, then you need a telephone line and a modem. This kind of Internet access is very widely used because phone lines are universally available. The telephone line is connected to the modem in the computer. This modem can be either an internal or external. When you want to access to the Internet, you should dial the number provided by the Internet Service Provider. Through the telephone line, you will establish a connection with your ISP who will allow you to access the Internet. Dial-up Internet is widely available, but it is slow, and you cannot make phone calls when you are online.

Internet Hardware

To access the Internet, you will need a modem, computer, a router and any relevant cables. For dial-up access, you will need a dial-up modem and telephone cable. For broadband access, you will need a relevant modem and an Ethernet cable. If you would like to access the Internet simultaneously from more than one computer, you will need to set up a local area network (LAN) for your broadband Internet. To set up a LAN, you will need a router, LAN card, and Ethernet cable for each computer. You can also purchase a wireless router. If your computers have a wireless card, they can join this network. Routers have built in privacy options that allow you to restrict access. With the right computer hardware, you can increase data transmission speeds.