The Computer Revolution/Chapter 2

Internet Connections


 * Telephone
 * Pluses- Inexpensive available everywhere
 * Minuses- Slow, connection only supports only a single user


 * ISDN
 * Pluses- Faster than Dial-Up,, uses conventional phone lines
 * Minuses- More expensive than dial up, no longer supported by phone companies for single users, mostly uses by small businesses


 * DSL
 * Pluses- Can support many users, uploads faster than cable
 * Minuses- Needs to be close to phone switching station, limited choice of service providers, supports only a single user


 * T1 line
 * Pluses- reliable high speed downloading and uploading, you can talk and transmit at the same time
 * Minuses- Expensive best for businesses


 * Cable Modem
 * Pluses- Fast, always on, broadband connections, downloads faster than DSL
 * Minuses- Slower service during peak periods, vulnerable to outside intrusion, limited choices of providers, not always available to businesses


 * Satellite
 * Pluses- Wireless, fast, reliable, always on, goes where DSL and Cable cant
 * Minuses-High setup and monthly costs, must have unobstructed view of southern sky


 * Wi-Fi
 * Pluses- uses a beefed up version of the current cellphone network, ultimately should be available everywhere
 * Minuses- Range of access is usually only 50-300 feet (to access point)


 * 3G
 * Pluses- Functions like Wi-Fi but without the need for hot spots, uses existing cellphone network
 * Minuses- Low Battery power on some models, phones are relatively large