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 In-
ternet, no computer user is an island. Whether using a dial-up modem or broadband tech-
nology, 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 In-
ternet access for the faster world of broadband access. According to
WebSiteOptimiza-
tion.com
, in July 2004 the number of U.S. broadband connections for the first time ex-
ceeded thenumberofdial-up connections amongactive Internet users,with50.69%ofact-
iveInternetusersonhigh-speedconnections,andthereston56Kbpsorslowerdial-upcon-
nections. 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 act-
ive business Internet connections in the U.S. used broadband.
Althoughbroadbandhasreplaceddial-upforalmostallusers,dial-upconnectionsstillhave
their uses. Those without broadband options and those on a budget still need a dial-up con-
nection. This can also serve as a valuable 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 vir-
tual necessity these days. There are several types of broadband Internet access solutions,
including the following:
• Cable
• DSL
• Fixed-base wireless
• Cellular
• Satellite
• ISDN
