Options for High-Speed Internet Access

Let's discuss the pros and cons of various types of fast Internet access. Cable is one of the primary means of fast Internet access. On the positive side, you can generally get a very thick pipeline, up to two megabytes per second, typically (potentially even more bandwidth if you live in a really wired area). In addition, cable provides fast installation, easy upgrading, and low cost service.

On the flip side, this version of fast Internet access can lead to security problems, since cable lines are shared among multiple users. Traffic congestion can really slow down lines, in some cases making the connection slower than a typical dialup (usually only under extraordinary circumstances). In addition, cable's upload speeds tend to be less than spectacular.

Another fast Internet access option is DSL. This choice has become the increasing favorite of small and medium businesses. As long as you are close to the central office associated with DSL provision, you should get a superior pipeline of information, and most of all, steady and reliable service.

Whereas radio waves can interfere with cable transmissions, your DSL line is protected for the most part against RF since transmissions move directly through your copper PSTN lines. Of course, like cable, DSL offers opportunities for security breaches, so it's important to keep up-to-date on anti-spam, anti-worm, and anti-virus mechanisms.

Wi-Fi fast Internet access has emerged as a major competitor over the past few years. With Wi-Fi, you get lots of speed for relatively low costs and very responsive access to web pages. Some studies suggest that wireless broadband fast Internet access may provide ultra low latency even in crowded areas. This means that web pages can load almost without delays.

Of course, getting the various Wi-Fi/wireless connectors to handshake appropriately can take feats of technological legerdemain, particularly if you run into compatibility issues with various personal digital assistants.

A final form of fast Internet access is satellite. While the aforementioned fast Internet access options are superior in terms of cost and reliability, satellite provides a tremendous coverage area. You can use satellite access to tap into fast Internet access even if you live way outside standard coverage areas.