Five Modes of High-Speed Internet Service Delivery

Digital subscriber line (DSL) utilizes phone cabling to transmit and receive data. Unlike traditional dial-up Internet, DSL does not prevent you from using the telephone while in use. DSL can provide a very fluid web browsing experience, but generally has lower maximum speeds when compared to cable Internet.

Fiber optic Internet utilizes strands of glass to send and receive data. This mode of Internet service can provide incredibly fast speeds, but these speeds are limited based on how much you are willing to pay per month. Fiber optic Internet is only available in certain areas. It requires that a fiber optic cable is wired directly to your home.

Cable Internet is available in most places that have cable television access. Cable Internet can provide very high speeds, but sometimes requires that you subscribe to a cable television service. This may turn some people away who are completely uninterested in cable television. On the other hand, this may entice others, since consumers often save money when signing up for a service bundle that provides television and Internet access.

Satellite internet is an excellent option for those who live in remote areas not serviced by other providers. Satellite Internet works using a satellite dish to receive data from orbiting satellites. This creates a lag between data requests and responses that can make certain applications, such as streaming media and online games, difficult to use.

Wireless Internet service is usually limited to portable devices like laptops, tablet computers and smart phones. This is sometimes referred to as a mobile data plan. While many times slower than an equivalently priced cable Internet service, wireless Internet does provide outstanding flexibility. Mobile devices can access the Internet from many locations around the globe.