Internet connection

From Saferpedia

It's the way users connect to the Internet. This can be realized trough dial-up, T-lines, Wi-Fi, satellite and mobile phones.

The concept of data communication - transmitting data between two different places, connected via some kind of electromagnetic medium, such as radio or an electrical wire - actually predates the introduction of the first computers. Such communication systems were typically limited to point to point communication between two end devices. Telegraph systems and telex machines can be considered early precursors of this kind of communication. The earlier computers used the technology available at the time to allow communication between the central processing unit and remote terminals. As the technology evolved new systems were devised to allow communication over longer distances (for terminals) or with higher speed (for interconnection of local devices) that were necessary for the mainframe computer model. Using these technologies it was possible to exchange data (such as files) between remote computers. However, the point to point communication model was limited, as it did not allow for direct communication between any two arbitrary systems; a physical link was necessary.

Types of connections

Common methods of Internet access include:

• dial-up including ISDN;
• ADSL;
• Cable Internet access;
• Leased line;
• Wi-Fi;
• WiMAX;
• satellite;
• cell phones;
• broadband over power line;
• fiber to the home.

At the turn of the century most residential access was by dial-up while access from businesses was usually by broadband Internet access connections. In subsequent years dial-up declined.

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