High Speed Internet

High speed Internet, is an Internet connection that transmits data at speeds up to fifty times faster than regular dial-up connections of just 56k. Introduced to the market in the early part of the new millennium, high speed Internet is often defined as any connection over 512kb.

Existing within this broad definition, there are six main types of high speed Internet connections: DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable modem, satellite, power-line, wireless IP, and T1. DSL allows Internet users to connect and use the telephone for voice communications at the same time. Satellite connection (sometimes the only service available in rural areas) sends and receives data sent to and from a designated "port" in space. Power-line connections, a relatively new service, send and receive data through high-voltage power lines. Wireless IP connections send and receive data through radio waves, and T1 connection sends and receives data through multiple lines. Cable modems however, send and receive data over cable TV lines. Cable modem connections are convenient for Internet users who already have cable wire and service installed in their homes. These six main types of high speed Internet connection share a common ability to provide faster data transfer, however each has their own set of unique problems.

DSL for instance, isn't available in all areas and, like some other high speed Internet connections, DSL requires a large subscriber base to pay for its high equipment costs. Satellite high speed Internet connections experience problems with signal delays - which can be anywhere from four hundred to a thousand milliseconds or more. High interactivity (in chat rooms or multi-player gaming environments) isn't an appropriate activity with delays like this, however email and simple web browsing seems to function just fine through a satellite connection. Power-line high speed Internet connections are too noisy at this time to enjoy a smooth and interruption-free service. Each time a user disconnects from this type of service, it creates noise in the power line and makes Internet use for others less enjoyable. T1 high speed Internet connections are generally too expensive for the sole user and are usually restricted to small businesses, large corporations, or organizations. And since cable modem high speed internet connections are set up to receive data - not send data - problems are bound to occur when participating in chats, sending email, or uploading files.

If you can tolerate these minor problems and are eager to connect and interact to the internet at a faster pace, you can find out what high speed internet services are available through your current internet service provider (ISP), your local cable company, or your local telephone company. Call around and ask for satellite, power-line, or wireless IP services. Comparison-shop and weigh the costs for additional hardware and/or installation. Participate in discussion groups to get a heads-up on user feedback and consumer opinion. And try to remember that high speed internet access is still a new concept - so it will take a little time to perfect as technologists work to improve the current options available today.