The Computer Revolution/Chapter 2

Internet Connections

Telephone

Pluses- Inexpensive available everywhere

Minuses- Slow, connection only supports only a single user

ISDN

Pluses- Faster than Dial-Up,, uses conventional phone lines

Minuses- More expensive than dial up, no longer supported by phone companies for single users, mostly uses by small businesses

DSL

Pluses- Can support many users, uploads faster than cable

Minuses- Needs to be close to phone switching station, limited choice of service providers, supports only a single user

T1 line

Pluses- reliable high speed downloading and uploading, you can talk and transmit at the same time

Minuses- Expensive best for businesses

Cable Modem

Pluses- Fast, always on, broadband connections, downloads faster than DSL

Minuses- Slower service during peak periods, vulnerable to outside intrusion, limited choices of providers, not always available to businesses

Satellite

Pluses- Wireless, fast, reliable, always on, goes where DSL and Cable cant

Minuses-High setup and monthly costs, must have unobstructed view of southern sky

Wi-Fi

Pluses- uses a beefed up version of the current cellphone network, ultimately should be available everywhere

Minuses- Range of access is usually only 50-300 feet (to access point)

3G

Pluses- Functions like Wi-Fi but without the need for hot spots, uses existing cellphone network

Minuses- Low Battery power on some models, phones are relatively large