Knowing which type of internet you need and which provider to choose can be difficult. Best High Speed Internet is your one stop resource for all of your internet information. In addition to general information, we provide reviews and information on the top internet providers. We've compile customer reviews, pricing information, and features to help you find a quality internet provider. Need to know the difference between DSL and cable internet? Or what all those acronyms mean? We've got that covered too. We hope our site helps you find the plan, the price, and the provider you've been looking for!
Not sure which type of internet connection you need? Not sure which is the fastest or which is the most economical? Read below!
An analog connection is a dial-up connection that requires a modem and phone line. It is also referred to as a dial-up connection. Since the connection uses your phone line, you cannot use the phone and the internet at the same time. Speeds are usually slow, but rates are usually low on this type of connection. Connections are not always of the best quality on an analog connection.
A broadband connection tranfers data over fiber optic telephone lines. It is typically faster than standard analog or dial-up service that use regular phone lines. To be considered a broadband connection, the connection must have a data transfer speed of at least 4 megabits per second. This type of connection will not tie up your phone line while using the internet.
DSL uses two copper telephone lines, and the connection is always on. Since DSL uses a higher frequency than regular phone service, so it does not tie up telephone lines like a dial-up connection. Speeds range from 128 kilobits per second to 20 megabits per second. Most North American providers use ADSL technology (asymmetric digital subscriber line) which means that downstream rates (receiving information) are faster than upstream rates (sending information).
Using a cable modem, a broadband cable connection is established. The connection uses cable lines and specified tv channels to transmit data. Cable speeds are usually much faster than speeds using phone lines for a connection. Speeds can reach 100 megabits per second for residential service and 400 megabits per second for business/commercial service.
A wireless internet connection uses radio frequency bands to establish a connection and transmit data. Users can usually connect to the internet from anywhere within the specified location of service. This type of connection is typically more expensive than other types of connections and it is not as widely available. Rates vary, but are usually up to 54 megabits per second.
Satellite connections establish a connection to the internet via a satellite orbiting the earth. Speeds are usually slower than other connections because of the distance signals must travel. Rates typically average between 492 and 512 kilobits per second.
Not sure if you need to pay extra for faster speeds? Below are speeds offered by providers and common internet activities acceptable for those speeds.