10 Types of Internet Connections in Force in 2021

Although it is certain that you have one in your house network connectionYou probably don't know for sure which of the different types of internet connections your provider has provided you with, and they vary greatly depending on factors such as speed, transmission packages, etc.

The choice among the multiple alternatives will depend on the use you want to give your internet, because the requirements of a user who streams are not the same as those of another who uses the network only to view social networks.

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What is an Internet Connection?

This is a type of connection that allows devices and computers (PCs, cell phones, televisions, tablets, video game consoles , etc.) to connect to the internet to browse what we know as the World Wide Web.

However, internet connections are also used to establish links with servers and send or receive data, such as emails, applications, instant messages, FTP protocols, among many others.

The 10 Most Used Types of Internet Connections

According to the amount of data that can be transported through a network and the medium used, the types of internet connections used throughout history can be classified, from the most basic to those we can currently take advantage of.

1. Public switched telephone network (PSTN) – Obsolete

Currently, this type of connection has been virtually discontinued due to its insufficient capacity for data transmission. In fact, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) only allowed for 56 kbps of bandwidth on a single channel, meaning it took a couple of minutes to download a 1 MB file.

On the other hand, PSTN connections were known as a system that demodulated the signals sent by computers, so that the modem (link) could transmit in an analog way the signals that the computer received.

Simultaneous data and voice transmission could not be used with this type of connection, and it was also very intermittent, so it was only used at certain times of the day and for specific tasks.

2. Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) – Obsolete

The Integrated Services Digital Network is another one that has already become obsolete, although at the time it was a pioneer in incorporating features that PSTN connections did not have, such as transmitting voice and data through two independent channels.

Similarly, ISDN worked with telephone lines, but instead of using them analogically, it was replaced by a digital one that required a specialized network adapter and not a modem, along with a specific structure.

3. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

It is still used in some countries, and its technology has been improved to incorporate more powerful cabling systems, such as fiber optics. Digital subscriber lines use digital telephone lines to transmit data via a modem or router.

There are multiple types of DSL internet connections, which differ in the materials used to transmit data. Furthermore, this type of connection uses two separate channels: one for voice and one for data (internet).

SHDSL

This connection uses two copper pairs to send data at high speeds and symmetrically. This means that the upload and download speeds are similar , unlike asymmetric connections.

ADSL

There are several versions of ADSL technology, and they can carry large amounts of data, but asymmetrically. The main reason is that these networks take advantage of the available speed at any given time, allocating more data to either the upload or download speed.

HTTH

It uses the same technology as DSL networks, but instead of using copper cables or other materials for data transmission, it uses fiber optics from the central equipment to the home, ensuring high, symmetrical, and stable speeds.

4. Cable modem

Because the cables used by cable television services (coaxial) allow for the transmission of larger amounts of data, connections known as cable modems were created that utilize this type of material.

Internet providers install fiber-to-the-home connections, coaxial cables, or a combination of both to send and receive data. However, this requires a special modem capable of translating the received information.

Cable connections, along with DSL connections, are two of the most widely used globally today and also among the most stable available.

5. Metro Ethernet

Known as multiservice networks, these are connections that use metropolitan area networks to provide internet services. They create copper or fiber optic lines, although they can also leverage available radio frequency networks.

Metro Ethernet is a newer type of connection and is associated with the term 'Smart City' because it can even use IP telephony or video systems for live transmissions, with the respective fluctuations that this implies.

Even so, metro Ethernet is very stable and can carry large amounts of internet speed, including up to 10Gbits/s, far superior to what we achieve with DSL or cable modem cabling.

6. Frame Relay

Frame Relay is another technology currently in use, although its first prototypes date back to 1988. It uses packet switching to transport large stretches of data in a short time.

This type of internet connection has separate channels for voice and data, but it cannot be used reliably for live streaming services. However, it requires less installation and infrastructure to operate.

7. Mobile telephone network

Mobile connectivity is not so recent, although it continues to expand with new technologies that reach high speeds, such as 4G and 5G, using only the radio frequencies of each country.

A mobile phone network transports data and voice separately using TCP/IP encryption, but requires an investment in infrastructure to transmit the signals so that they can be received by the devices that handle this type of connection.

8. Satellite Internet

The need to bring the internet to remote locations has led to the emergence of these types of services. This is achieved using terrestrial satellite dishes , which transmit the connection to the satellite and then relay it back to the users' receiving equipment.

Satellite internet is more expensive than previous connections and requires a more robust infrastructure. This may not be enough for users in cities with a wide variety of internet options, as it can't even achieve high speeds.

Nor should satellite internet be confused with radio frequency, because the latter requires nodes and antennas located in high places, usually buildings, while satellite internet needs precisely that: satellites.

9. Wireless or radio frequency Internet

Here, coaxial cables, fiber optics, copper wires, or telephone lines are partially abandoned in favor of radio signals or waves. However, it is important to invest in an infrastructure of transmitting antennas, which carry the signal until it is picked up by receiving antennas.

Radio frequency internet can be an opportunity for people living in remote places where previous technologies do not reach, but it is also expensive and often unstable.

10. Power Line Communications (PLC)

This type of connection is newer and also very useful when it comes to reducing installation costs, because it does not require the use of new wiring resources, but rather uses local electrical connections.

This means that the existing wired system at the installation site is used to transmit the connection. Of course, special equipment is needed to decode the data, and good speeds can be achieved.

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Conclusions

The internet is a human right that we should all have access to, so large technology companies have invested in creating different means and ways to bring this vital connection to the most hidden places in the world.

Whether through radio waves, using satellites, taking advantage of electrical wiring, television coaxial cables, fiber optics or traditional copper, but with specific configurations for its correct operation.