Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 16. Internet Connectivity
Internet Connectivity Trends
Communication between computers is a major part of the PC industry. Thanks to the Internet, no
computer user is an island. Whether using a dial-up modem or broadband technology, virtually all
PCs can be interconnected both locally and globally, enabling them to share files, send and receive
email, and access the World Wide Web (WWW). This chapter explores the various technologies you
can use to expand the reach of your PC around the block and around the world.
Although some users still use dial-up modems, most PC users have abandoned dial-up Internet access
for the faster world of broadband access. According to
WebSiteOptimization.com
, in July 2004 the
number of U.S. broadband connections for the first time exceeded the number of dial-up connections
among active Internet users, with 50.69% of active Internet users on high-speed connections, and the
rest on 56Kbps or slower dial-up connections. As of early 2010, broadband home Internet users in
the U.S. exceeded 95% of active users, with dial-up users representing less than 5% of the total, and
over 98% of active business Internet connections in the U.S. used broadband. Many PC users connect
via WWAN (wireless wide-area network) or cellphone data connections (known as tethering).
According to a survey, by the end of 2011 there were over 1.2 billion active users of mobile
broadband devices. Another report states that 90% of the world's population have access to 2G
broadband, while, according to ITU, 45% of the world have 3G coverage. Unfortunately, this type of
connection is often very expensive.
Although some form of broadband has replaced dial-up for almost all users, dial-up connections still
have their uses. Those without broadband options and those on a budget still need a dial-up
connection. Believed to be caused by the general economic downturn, AOL reported adding 200,000
new dial-up users in 2011, with a total of over 3.5 million dial-up subscribers. Dial-up can also
serve as a last-resort backup method for Internet access. You'll find dial-up modem coverage in the
second portion of this chapter.
Broadband Internet Access Types
Thanks to the combination of huge multimegabyte downloads needed to update software and support
hardware, dynamic websites with music and full-motion video, and increased demand for online
services, having a broadband (high-speed) Internet connection is a virtual necessity these days. There
are several types of broadband Internet access solutions, including the following:
• Cable (including copper and fiber)
• DSL
• Fixed-base wireless
• Cellular
• Satellite
• ISDN
• Leased lines
At least one of these services should be available to you, and if you live in a medium- to large-size
