Connection Methods

Connection Methods

1. Wireless

   • Used by wireless-enabled devices (computers, mobiles, smartphones, etc.) to log in to the internet. Wireless is exactly what it says; there are no wires to connect.
   • Advantages
     • Not fixed to a stationary computer. Can be used wherever there is a wireless hub which is accessible.
   • Disadvantages
     • Need to have access to a wireless hub. Can be less secure than wired connections. Tend to have slower data transmission speeds than wired broadband methods.

2. Broadband

   • A wired connection to a broadband supplier. Normally the connection is via a network card in the computer. Cable users have an ethernet connection from their computer to the network.
   • Advantages
     • Broadband connections can give better reception and are usually faster than dial-up.
   • Disadvantages
     • Requires a base which is wired in, so it is less flexible than wireless.

3. Dial-up

   • A wired connection via a conventional telephone line, which needs a modem to convert signals to and from analouge for transmision
   • Advantages
     • Can use existing telephone circuits, which is useful in some areas
     • Disadvantages
       • Older technology gives poor reception at times. The conversion from digital to analogue signals can cause errors. Tends to be slower than other connection methods.

4. Transmission modes

   • Simplex transmission
     • Sends data in one direction only. A radio broadcast is a good example of simplex transmission.

5. USB (Universal Serial Bus)

   • Serial transmission method which was introduced to make many of the connections to a computer look the same.

6. Bi-directional transmission

   • Bi-directional transmission has several meanings within data communication, but it is essentially about transmitting in both directions. Most recently the term has been applied to fi bre optics.