Your location and your specific needs often determine the best kind of internet service that you need for your home. There are a few options to consider. Fiber is usually the fastest option to consider but does have limited availability because of the costs that are associated with running the lines and the equipment. Cable internet is another fast option to consider and is available to more people. Keep in mind that it could still be limited for those who live in rural areas due to the equipment that’s needed and the costs associated with running the lines. DSL and satellite are options as well and are usually available in rural areas. They are slower and often have data caps associated with them. When you begin thinking about the kind of internet that you want, you likely want something that’s fast and convenient, especially if there are several people using the service in your home at one time. Here are a few things to consider pertaining to each type of service that’s available.
Fiber
Cables that are used with this type of internet service are made with fiber or glass. This allows for a faster speed while using pulses of light to deliver data. Download and upload speeds are almost symmetrical. This means that you’re going to see an almost even capability of downloading information online or uploading files like videos at the same speed instead of one being slower than the other. A downfall of fiber internet is that it’s not available in all areas of the country and usually isn’t an option for those who live in rural settings. Because of the equipment that’s used and the limited availability, you could pay more each month if you’re able to connect to this type of internet.
Cable
Perhaps the most common type of high-speed internet that’s used is cable. It’s available in more areas, and it’s usually less expensive than fiber. Coax cables, which are similar to those that are used in your home to connect your television and other devices, are used with this type of service. Download speeds usually range from 25 to 400 Mbps depending on the provider and your location, making it a good option for working from home, school, or gaming. This is an option that’s a bit more affordable as well. One thing to consider is that other people in your area will likely connect to the same network since the bandwidth is shared among multiple people. Those who live in rural areas might see a few difficulties in connecting as it’s sometimes hard to run the lines that are needed.
DSL
This connection uses copper lines to transmit data to your home. However, instead of cables, it uses phone lines. This makes the connection quite a bit slower than fiber or cable internet. Since there are a significant number of phone lines already in use, DSL is an internet connection that’s widespread and that’s often available in rural areas. Speeds are slower, but you’ll usually be able to connect to the internet wherever you live.
Satellite
If your options are limited, then satellite internet might be the only way that you can connect to the internet. There are data caps with this connection, but it’s usually available in all areas since it relies on a satellite dish that’s typically installed somewhere outside your home. With the limited data available each month, you might spend more money upgrading to add more data until your account renews.
