Solution Overviews » Communication » Internet Connectivity

Internet Connectivity

Author: TechShortcut Staff | Article updated: July 18, 2009

2. Option Comparison

	1. Phone	2. Cable	3. Wireless Cell Network	4. Satellite
Speed Show/Hide details Speed is usually expressed as "bandwidth" which identifies how much data can be transmitted within a certain period of time. Bandwidth is usually expressed in bits per second. 768 kilobits per second is considered "broadband".	T1 = 1.5 Mbps DSL > ranges from 256 Kbps but usually more than 700 Kbps and higher - upload speed can be less Dial-Up = 56 Kbps	> 700 Kbps	> 700 Kbps download but slower upload	> 700 Kbps download but slower upload
Use to Provide Internet Access for All PC's on a Network Show/Hide details Consider all the data you plan to send and receive via the Internet. Here are some to think about: Backups: Will you be using an Internet backup service that may be uploading or downloading large amounts of data? Communication: Will you adopt a Voice-over-IP service as your office phone system? Will you require web video conferencing capabilities? Networking: Have you considered the demands for all users on the network?	Yes for T1 and DSL; Unlikely for dial-up	Yes	Possibly. Some cell service providers do not allow connection sharing. The cell phone or modem device will need to be attached to one computer and shared to other computers through the network as opposed to being connected to the network router.	Possibly for few users.
Support Office Voice over IP (VoIP)	Yes for T1 and DSL, unlikely for dial-up	Yes	No	No
Mobility	Not Mobile; T1 and DSL are based on your phone line. Dial-Up can be a mobile solution but it is slow.	Not mobile; Cable is based on your cable line so this is not a mobile solution.	Yes	Not mobile; You must connect your satellite dish and possibly a phone line.
Reliability	Depends on provider and location	Depends on provider and location	Depends on provider and location	Depends on provider and location
Cost Factors	Hardware
	Modem	Modem	Modem	Modem
	Software
	None	None	None	None
	Labor
	Some installation and configuration may be needed.	Some installation and configuration may be needed.	Some installation and configuration may be needed.	Some installation and configuration may be needed.
	Services (approximate costs)
	T1 usually costs several hundred dollars per month DSL service usually costs from $20 to $50 per month Dial-Up is usually under $10 per month	Basic service usually under $50 per month	Basic service usually under $60 per month	Basic service usually start at $60 per month