Pros and Cons of Different Types of Internet Services

In today’s world, where we are on the verge of some extraordinary technological advancements, nothing could have been possible without the internet. We have come a long way, and this is just the beginning. The introduction of fiber optics and fifth-generation networking will bring endless possibilities.

However, if you are new to the world of high-speed internet, the number of options available can confuse you. There are dozens of internet service providers in the US, and they use different ways to connect you with the web. Although our focus is entirely on getting high net speeds at affordable prices, without considering the connection type, we can put ourselves in a problem in the future.

Therefore, we came up with a comprehensive guide on all the different types of web services and their pros & cons. This will help you with making your decision whenever picking up an internet service provider.

Following are the types of internet services with their pros and cons:

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

The net service is delivered through all the existing phone lines. You are connected to the internet while making phone calls from your landline. DSL net is the most traditional way of getting the internet. It gets you consistent speeds over the phone lines. Your modem is linked with a phone wall jack that is further connected with the existing phone line.

Pros: While other connections have issues with availability, DSL is available everywhere. You do not have to spend hundreds of dollars on the internet. DLS is affordable. A DSL connection is best suited for households with average use. You can find many DSL providers in your area, and with all options available, you can go with the provider that falls in your budget.

Cons: The only problem with DSL is that you get slow speeds even though the connection is quite reliable.

Cable

Cable internet is an easy pick for most web users. It is popular because of the amount of convenience it brings. You can get a high-speed net from the same provider that gets you Cable TV. As opposed to phone lines, it uses a network of coaxial cables. Spectrum is one of those cable providers. Since the connection is reliable, you will hardly be registering a complaint on their customer service. Secondly, the customer service department is very professional and gets the job done. You can read more about it by clicking here.

Pros: The cable internet is a medium for high-speed and steady net connection. You can send large files at ultra-fast speeds. Many online gamers prefer to use the cable net as it is reliable and not susceptible to frequent cut-offs.

Cons: The biggest issue with its connection is its availability. Not all areas have cable broadband infrastructure that is quite frustrating. Moreover, if you are on a fixed budget, cable internet is not for you. In the majority of cases, the bandwidth is shared in your area, and excessive internet usage can result in slow net speeds for all.

Satellite

Satellite internet is available everywhere in the States, but it is more viable in rural areas where the cable cannot reach. All you need is to install a satellite dish on your rooftop. It must have a clear view of the Southern sky.

Pros: It is convenient in terms that it can reach you anywhere in the world. In areas where cable or fiber cannot reach, Satellite serves as the best option.

Cons: It gets you constant speeds, but these speeds are much slower. In case of bad weather, storm, or rain, you might face connection issues. The installation and equipment costs are more than enough to sway you away from satellite internet.

Fiber

This is the most advanced technology for getting the internet. Instead of traditional cable and DSL, it uses fiber optics to transmit internet data. These digital signals travel with the help of optical pulses generated by a laser.

Pros: The biggest advantage is that you get ultra-fast speeds. Even if there is excessive usage in the neighborhood, you will still receive enough bandwidth to power you high-definition streaming and online gaming simultaneously.

Cons: The only problem with it is its availability. The installation of fiber infrastructure comes at a high cost. Moreover, the high-speed internet through fiber has a hefty monthly charge.

Cell Phone Network

Smartphone users often connect to the internet through their cellular network. Currently, 4G LTE is readily available, and 5G is set to take the world with its ultra-fast download speeds.

Pros: The biggest advantage of a cell phone network is its availability. You can have a web connection in any area with cell phone coverage. We cannot get over 4G LTE, and now 5G will be available in a year or less. The prospect of 5G technology comes with a new revolution in the cellular internet industry. It is expected to be 100 times faster than the existing fourth-generation networks.

Cons: The only problem with the 5G network is availability. There is a huge infrastructure cost involved, and it will be limited to big cities. However, 4G networks are doing a decent job, but the plans are limited. The plans and packages can support the usage of a single person or two, not the entire house.

Dial-Up Connections

This is outdated technology and uses a dialup modem to connect with the internet. The internet is provided through your home phone line. Since this is an outdated technology, we do not see any potential benefits of the net connection. It is extremely slow. You cannot use your phone while the internet is connected. People only use dial-up connections if there is nothing else available. The world is all about bandwidth and download speed. With a connection like this, you cannot stream, download, or play your favorite games online.

Final Verdict

When it comes to a web connection, there is not a perfect one. Every connection has its benefits and flaws. It all depends on availability. If your area has Fiber, you are the luckiest of all a lot. Moreover, Cable internet is a good choice if you want to bundle it with your TV service. If you want to keep everything in a budget with limited usage, go with the cellular networks. Lastly, go with a satellite if nothing else is available.