There are several ways that a device can be hooked up to the internet. Each option uses a different type of hardware and may have a range of internet speeds. To get an idea of what internet connections may be available, these are the ones that currently exist.

Dial-Up

Dial-up access is probably the least expensive option. However, for people who grew up with it, it's also one of the slowest. A modem will connect to after a computer dials the phone number. The signal is sent over a public phone network. The telephone lines vary in quality and connection is often poor. You can expect to have speeds from 28-56K. Since computers share the same phone line as the telephone, they can't be used at the same time.

DSL

Standing for Digital Subscription Line, this is an internet connectivity option that is always on. It uses two lines so that you can use your phone and your computer concurrently. However, you don't have to dial a telephone number to connect. DSL uses a router to connect and the range of connection speed is highly variable with 128K-8 Mbps.

Cable

Cable provides a connection through a cable model. It operates through cable TV lines. There are several speeds depending on your activity. Since you can use the coax cable to get a higher bandwidth, you can also enjoy faster access. Cable speeds vary from 512K- 20 Mbps and you can often pay more for a higher speed.

Wireless

As its name suggests, wireless internet does not use cables or telephone lines for a connection. It uses radio frequency to connect and can be accessed from almost anywhere. Wireless networks also are growing over time. Speeds are highly variable and the typical range is between 5-20 Mbps.

Satellite

Similar to wireless, a satellite internet connection is one that's accessible through a satellite that's in orbit. Since the internet signal has to pass from earth to a satellite and back, you'll experience a delayed connection when compared to DSL and cable connections. The connection speeds will be about 512K to 2 Mbps.

Cellular

Finally, cellular technology has internet access through a cell phone. The speed is going to depend on the provider that you choose but the most commonly available are 3G and 4G speeds. The 3G is a third generation network that typically has speeds of 2.0 Mbps. The 4G is a fourth generation of internet network. The goal of this generation is to achieve speeds of 100 Mbps but the reality is that it typically reaches around 21 Mbps.

Choosing Internet Coverage

Although most people have several options regarding internet coverage, not all coverage is created equally. As you can see, speeds and connectivity vary greatly. For most people, accessibility and speed is a primary factor in choosing their coverage option. Price is also a factor and you can expect to pay more when you have higher speeds. Review these options to decide which type of internet and speed fits your needs best.