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When you’re researching residential unlimited Internet services, one of the main decisions you’ll have to make is the type of connection you want. While many people assume there are just a handful of options available, the truth is there are numerous connection types that you can choose these days.
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One is not necessarily better than all of the others, so you should learn about all of them to determine which one is right for you. Once you learn a few basics, your decision should be a lot easier to make; fortunately, you can learn these basics without being the most tech-savvy person on the planet.
Cable Modem
With speeds that are comparable to DSL, a cable modem allows the cable operators to provide you with broadband capability, thanks to the same coaxial cables that provide your television set with sound and pictures. Cable modem service is easy because there are only two connections. One goes to the cable wall outlet and the other goes to your computer. Even better, you get transmission speeds of 1.5 Mbps or higher, with these speeds varying based on your cable network, traffic load, and a few other things.
2. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
When searching for unlimited Internet service for your home, DSL is a good choice because it transmits data very fast using only the copper telephone lines that are already hooked up in your home. Transmission speeds with DSL can vary from several hundred bits per second (Kbps) to millions of bits per second (Mbps). There are also several types of DSL, which include:
- Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL): for people who don’t send much data
- Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL): mostly used by businesses
- High Data Rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL): higher than ADSL and SDSL
- Very High Data Rate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL): much higher than ADSL and SDSL
3. Fibre Optic Technology
This technology works by taking electric signals carrying data and converting them to light, then sending the light through transparent glass fibres that are so small, they are about the same diameter as a human hair.
Speeds with fibre optic technology are faster than both cable modem and DSL speeds, which is what most customers like most about it. You can also use the same fibres to utilize other services, including video services and VoIP services.
4. Satellite Cable
Satellite broadband is a form of wireless broadband that uses satellites which provide the links necessary for both television and telephone services, not to mention the links for broadband. If you live in a very remote area, satellite cable can provide you with great Internet services regardless of how sparsely the area is populated.
The upstream and downstream speeds will vary depending on numerous factors, but the typical numbers include a download speed of around 500 Kbps and an upload speed of around 80 Kbps.
5. Wireless Broadband
Another type of connection for unlimited Internet is wireless broadband, and it can be either fixed or mobile. Wireless broadband connects you to the Internet using a radio link between the service provider’s facility and your location.
As far as speeds are concerned, they are usually similar to both cable modem and DSL services, only they are a little less expensive when you live in a fairly out-of-the-way area. With wireless broadband, an outdoor antenna is usually required.
6. Broadband Over Power Line (BPL)
If you have an existing low- or medium-voltage electric power distribution network, you can get this type of broadband service. The speeds are similar to cable modem and DSL speeds, and you can get the service using your existing outlets and electrical connections, which means that you won’t be spending a fortune to get the service up and running properly. So far, this is a very limited technology that isn’t available to everyone but is considered to have a lot of potential for the future.