Solution Overviews » Communication » Internet Connectivity
Internet Connectivity
1. Overview
The Internet has invaded our lives and, for better or for worse, you know you can't live without it—especially if you want to grow your business. It is also possible to use the Internet for all your communication needs—phone, fax and email—which makes your choice of Internet service very important.
We describe some of the types of providers within the wired and wireless categories below. Companies that provide Internet connectivity are typically called Internet Service Providers (ISPs). A connection with a speed exceeding 768 Kbps is considered broadband.
Once you get your Internet connection, you will need to determine the best way to share it with computers and users on your network. At a minimum, you will need a router to share the Internet connection.
Considerations
- Upload vs. Download Speed
Always find out the speed of both uploading and downloading.
- Mobility
If you travel frequently you will likely want to focus on the wireless options.
- Networking
Will you be sharing the Internet connection between multiple PCs?
- Reliability
Connectivity can vary by provider and location so be sure to evaluate a provider for your area.
- Bandwidth Needs
Consider all the data you plan to send and receive.
- Networking
If you plan on sharing the Internet connection with your network be sure to consider the demands for all users.
- Voice over IP (VoIP)
If you plan to use VoIP you need to ensure that it will have enough bandwidth.
- Backups
Will you be using an Internet backup service that may mean uploading or downloading large amounts of data?
- Networking
Wired Options
Wired options are the primary choice when you need to add Internet connectivity to a network.
| 1. Phone | 2. Cable |
|---|---|
Phone line options from highest speed to lowest include T3, T1, DSL and dial-up. T1 and DSL are the most popular for businesses. Dial-up use has steadily declined because at 56 Kbps it is simply too slow for browsing sites that offer rich content. |
Cable television companies offer Internet access at fast speeds for both businesses and consumers. Speeds can exceed DSL but cable has been primarily in residential areas so availability in business locations can be limited. |
Wireless Options
Wireless options offer a great deal of flexibility but service may not always be the most reliable.
| 1. Cell Phone Network | 2. Wireless Hotspot | 3. Satellite |
|---|---|---|
Cell phone carriers offer Internet connectivity through their cellular networks by using devices or your cell phone to connect to your computer. Connecting a cell phone to a computer for Internet access may be called "phone as a modem" (PAM) or "tethering". This can be a great option for people who are on the road constantly. However, not all cell phone networks include fast speeds throughout the network. Network speeds can range from dial-up of 56 Kbps in some locations to 400 to 700 Kbps in other locations. So you must look into the plans carefully and find out the speeds you can expect in the best and worse case scenario. |
A hotspot is simply a location that offers wireless Internet access to people within range of a wireless router or access point. You may find these at cafes, airports, libraries, hotels or city government offices. The number of wireless hotspots is growing. Wireless hot spots may be free or fee-based. It is important to keep in mind that when an access point is public. Your computer is vulnerable to outside access and any unencrypted data being transmitted to or from you computer can be captured by others. AT&T, Boingo, iPass and T-Mobile are examples of nationwide Wi-Fi hotspot service providers. |
For locations that do not have access to a broadband phone or cable service, there are satellite Internet access services. Some services may use satellite for downloading data and a phone line for uploading data. |
2. Option Comparison
| 1. Phone | 2. Cable | 3. Wireless Cell Network | 4. Satellite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Speed Show/Hide detailsSpeed 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". |
|
> 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 detailsConsider all the data you plan to send and receive via the Internet. Here are some to think about:
|
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) | ||||
|
Basic service usually under $50 per month | Basic service usually under $60 per month | Basic service usually start at $60 per month | |
3. Next Steps
If you need Internet connectivity for a local network of computers, your best bet is to use the "wired" options, that is, phone or cable service. However, if you are always on the go or need mobile access for your employees then you should consider the business need relative to inexpensive dial-up access, hotspots or cell phone access.
| 1. Phone Line | 2. Cable | 3. Wireless Cell Network | 4. Satellite | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Advice | Still the most popular choice for businesses. Consider this option when you need to add Internet access to a network. | Very similar to phone line options. Consider when you need to add Internet access to a network. | Likely more expensive than wired options so consider when you need reliable mobile Internet access with a good coverage area and don't need to share an Internet connection with others. This route adds mobility and may be more affordable compared to wireless hotspot access. | Consider this type of access when phone and cable options are not in your area. |
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Examples of Products and ServicesThese are not endorsements, simply some product or service names we encountered in our research to get you started finding your best fit. |
Your local phone company will have some Internet connectivity options. |
Outside Information
- CNet.com: Bandwidth Meter Speed Test
- VoIP.org: VoIP Speed Test
Related Overviews
Related Tips
- Tip 1: ISP Email Addresses, Should You Use Them?
ISPs may also provide additional services like email addresses. In many cases, email addresses offered by an ISP will use the company's name as the main domain address so you may end up with something that may reduce the credibility of your business. For example, pizzaplanet@att.com. In addition, if you ever switch ISP companies you will not be able to take your email address with you. As a business owner, you are far better off buying a web domain name. Email service is almost always included with any web hosting account but you also have the option of using a business email service as well.
- Tip 2: WiFi Hotspot Locators
- JiWire, Inc.: Wi-Fi Advertising Network, Wi-Fi Finder and Hotspot Directory
- WiFinder, Inc.: Search for, and find, Wireless Hotspots!
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