Connection Types

Connection Types

1. Wireless Connection

   • 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.
   • Not fixed to a stationary computer. Can be used wherever there is a wireless hub which is accessible.
   • 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 Connection

   • 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.
   • Broadband connections can give better reception and are usually faster than dial-up.
   • Requires a base which is wired in, so it is less flexible than wireless.

3. Dial-up Connection

   • A wired connection via a conventional telephone line, which needs a modem to convert signals to and from analogue for transmission.
   • Can use existing telephone circuits, which is useful in some areas.
   • 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.