Different Types of Internet Services?

What are the different types of internet services, and which is the right choice for you? The answer is, it
depends. The internet service you ultimately choose depends on your location, budget and speed needs.
Learn more about the four major types of internet services to decide which one will work best for you.

1. Cable Internet
Cable internet is one of the high-speed internet options available across the U.S. The speed
depends on your cable internet provider and the service plan you pay for. Your cable internet
hardware also influences how fast or slow the speed is. Cable internet comes through a coaxial
cable to a modem, much like the coaxial cable brings a cable TV connection to your cable box.
You can get a wireless cable internet connection using a modem/router combination or by
attaching the modem to a router.

Cable internet can often be purchased separately from a cable provider, or it can be bundled
with other services such as cable TV and phone. Some cable providers such as Xfinity and
Verizon have rolled out fiber-optic internet services that are an even faster version of cable
internet.

2. DSL Internet
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) internet is another common type of internet service. It is different
from cable internet as the internet connectivity comes through a copper telephone line. This is
similar to dial-up internet service that has mostly been phased out as the 2000s have
progressed. DSL is different from dial-up internet service in that DSL won't tie up your phone
line while you are online. That's because DSL receives and sends the internet signal in a digital
format as opposed to dial-up's analog format.

DSL is available in most homes that have a telephone connection, compared to cable internet
which is only available in select areas. DSL is a common choice for those who live in rural areas
as a result. Your DSL speed depends on your equipment like cable internet does, but it typically
won't be as fast as cable internet speed.

3. Satellite Internet
As the name implies, satellite internet gets its connectivity capability from satellites in space,
just like satellite TV does. Satellite internet is typically available in more locations than either
cable or DSL internet because a connection can be accessed anywhere that is not obstructed by
trees or large buildings.
 Satellite internet works by using a satellite dish that receives a signal and then carries this
internet signal into the home via cable to a modem or router. The modem or router then relays
this connection to your internet devices such as computers, gaming consoles, smart phones and
more. Satellite internet is high speed but typically not as fast as cable internet. Additionally, you
may experience a data transmission limit with satellite internet, so you won't be able to stream
as much video as you like.

4. Mobile Internet
Mobile internet is provided by cellular network providers like Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint and
T-Mobile. The internet connection is transmitted from cellular towers to your internet device, so
mobile internet is available anywhere there is a signal from that specific cellular provider.
Mobile internet usually comes in two forms: smart phone hot spots and mobile hotspots. Smart
phone hot spots can be set up through your smart phone, which accepts the connection from
the cellular towers and then relays it to your computer or tablet. Smart phones like the iPhone
and Android are capable of doing this by default.

Mobile hotspots are separate devices created solely to transmit data from the towers to your
internet device. Smart phone hotspots are a good option for light mobile internet usage, while
mobile hotspots are a better option for continuous access to mobile internet. Both options
deliver speeds that are comparable to DSL or satellite internet. You can typically add hotspot
connectivity of either kind to your existing cellular phone plan by contacting your cellular
network provider.