Summary
Highlights
Satellite networking provides internet access by communicating from Earth to a satellite and back. It is more expensive than terrestrial options but offers functional connectivity, commonly 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, perfect for remote sites. Traditional satellite connections have high latency (around half a second), but newer solutions like Starlink offer much lower latency (25-60 milliseconds). Challenges include requiring line of sight and being susceptible to 'rain fade' during bad weather.
Fiber optics use light to transmit large amounts of data efficiently over long distances, making it ideal for wide area networks. While more expensive than copper for installation and repair, fiber offers superior data capacity and range. Historically used for large networks, fiber-to-the-home is now common, often converting to copper inside the residence.
Cable internet utilizes existing coaxial cables, typically for television, to deliver broadband data. This technology, known as DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification), allows multiple frequencies to carry different traffic types simultaneously. Cable internet offers speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to over 1 Gbps and can also provide television and voice services.
DSL uses traditional telephone lines to provide digital data alongside voice communication. It's often asymmetrical (ADSL), meaning download speeds are significantly faster than upload speeds (e.g., 200 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up). DSL speeds are also dependent on the distance from the central office, with slower speeds for greater distances and a typical maximum range of 10,000 feet.
Cellular networks, the same infrastructure used for mobile phones, also provide internet connectivity. Users can tether their devices to a mobile phone for internet access or use the phone as a mobile hotspot to share internet with multiple devices. It's advisable to check with the mobile carrier for availability and potential additional costs for these services.
WISPs offer internet connectivity wirelessly, which is particularly useful in remote areas where wired connections like cable or DSL are unavailable. Setting up a WISP connection typically involves an antenna. The underlying wireless technology can vary, including meshed 802.11, 5G home internet, or proprietary connections, with speeds ranging from 10 to 1,000 Mbps.