It may feel like internet services are all the same, but there are major differences in how this service is provided to your home as well as its quality. Fiber internet, cable, and DSL are all viable options, and you’ll likely have many different plans to choose from with each of these services.
So what are the differences between them, and how can you choose which type of internet service is right for you?
Primary Types of Internet Connection
Whether you’re interested in the DSL vs. cable debate or are a total newcomer to discovering the different types of internet connection, these are the most important connection types to understand:
· Fiber. Fiber-optic internet, more commonly referred to as “fiber,” is arguably the “best” type of internet currently available. This connection type relies on long, thin fibers of glass or plastic to send signals in the form of light. It’s incredibly fast, offering download speeds of 10 gigabits per second or more at its fullest potential, and it’s very reliable and consistent as well. Upload speeds are just as fast as download speeds, which is unique for the fiber connection. The downside is that fiber internet isn’t available in all areas, and it doesn’t always reach max speed or reliability. Laying fiber-optic cables is a massive and expensive challenge, so you may not have access to it yet.
· Cable. Cable is a strong contender in your internet service choices. It’s not as fast as fiber in terms of either download or upload speeds, but it’s still among the fastest connection types. Usually, securing cable internet service will entitle you to several plan options, with differing levels of speed among those options. Depending on your needs and usage times, you may want to pay for a higher-speed service. Compared to fiber, cable internet is highly available – and it’s relatively inexpensive, too. If you’re willing to take a slightly slower download speed, you can often secure a basic internet package for $40 per month or less here.
· 5G. Mobile internet is most commonly associated with smartphones, but the technology has evolved so much that it’s worth considering for home use as well. Instead of relying on physical cables, 5G internet is transmitted via wireless signal using cellular towers. With a home router, you can capture these signals and use them as your home internet connection. 5G internet isn’t quite as fast or stable as fiber or cable, but it’s pretty impressive, considering its primarily mobile nature. In some cases, you can get speeds of 1 gigabit per second or higher. Many people also consider this option because of how inexpensive it is.
· Fixed wireless. Fixed wireless internet is similar to 5G in that it’s sent through the air via wireless signals, but it requires a mounted receiver with a direct line of sight to a cell tower – and any trees or hills in the way could compromise its utility. Internet speeds are a bit lackluster for this internet connection type, ranging from 5 to 50 megabits per second, but it’s available in many locations and is relatively inexpensive. Most fixed wireless customers are rural and lack other more viable internet connection types.
· DSL. Next up is DSL (digital subscriber line) internet, which relies on traditional copper phone lines for your internet connection. If you’re getting flashbacks to the 1990s, don’t worry – DSL internet is much, much faster than dial-up, even though it shares some similarities. It’s a decent option for rural customers, but is inferior in most ways to options like fiber and cable internet. It also tends to be cheaper and faster than satellite internet.
· Satellite. As the name suggests, satellite internet relies on satellites in orbit to beam internet to customers all over the world; because it’s not reliant on any pre-laid infrastructure, it’s available even in areas that have practically no other internet service options. That said, there are some major drawbacks to satellite internet, making it a de facto last resort. It’s certainly better than dial-up, but speed and reliability can be problematic. Additionally, satellite internet is comparatively expensive, especially if you want higher data caps or access to more speed.
Do note that internet transmission technology is constantly evolving, so it’s only a matter of time before new options emerge and these existing options get better. For example, fiber internet is gradually becoming more available while satellite internet is becoming less expensive. Stay tuned to these new options as they emerge and become superior.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Which option is right for you? That largely depends on your budget and what options are currently available to you. Generally, the options in this list are ordered from best to worst, though the options at the top may or may not be accessible to you. It’s hard to argue against the premise that fiber internet is best, but you may have to make some compromises if you want something accessible and reliable.
