by Jeffrey A. Moore

Created on: September 13, 2008   Last Updated: September 14, 2008

Basics of how an Internet connection works:

It can be confusing at times about what connection speed is, and what type of Internet Service Provider (ISP) you want to implement, and all the technological jargon that comes along with it. What it all boils down to is this:

If you are one of those highly unfortunate individuals, a lot like myself, that has a dial-up Internet Service Provider (ISP), such as AOL or EarthLink, for example, than you definitely know what a slow internet connection is. Minute upon, what feels like endless minutes, waiting for a page to load. Argh! Come on already! Does this situation sound like one that you've experienced? Well, I know I have and still do experience it, day after day.

Basically, a dial-up connection is a phone line that plugs into the back of your computer tower and then plugs into the telephone jack in your house or place of business. This is a very slow configuration of internet access and is being phased out gradually. Even the more rural areas are beginning to see the newer, more up to date broadband Internet services implemented. Broadband, in many cases, is nearly as cheap as dial-up access, but just simply isn't available everywhere yet.

If and when you have the opportunity to upgrade to a broadband service you will know the true glory of the Internet like never before. Broadband is the next big thing in Internet access. I'm sure a time will come, not so far in the future; when broadband will be phased out also, but if you are a current dial-up user you will be simply amazed at the speed broadband has to offer.

Broadband can be classified in five main groups:

1) Cable Internet access is a very fast access offered through your local cable company.

2) Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) access is offered through your local telephone company.

3) Satellite Internet access is used mainly in rural areas where cheaper alternatives are not available and can be very expensive.

4) Wireless Internet access is offered through laptops and cell phones, a swiftly growing area of Internet service

5) Fiber Optic (FO) access, if accessible, is offered through your local telephone company.

Currently, Dial-up, Cable, and DSL are the three most common forms of Internet access. Right now the future is in Fiber Optics. The best part about Fiber Optics is the creation of Video on Demand, which will permit subscribers to download and bank all the rage in videos. Only our imaginations will bring us future technologies beyond that. Perhaps someday the Internet will be a simple implant into our brains. Isn't the power of the mind a splendid thing?

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