Types of connections

Did you know that there are various types of connections to access the Internet? They use different physical media and have their own characteristics that may be better suited to your needs.

Currently, the most common types of Internet connections are:

Radio: Uses electromagnetic waves to provide access. Antenna towers emit the signal, which is received by antennas installed in customers' homes. Weather interference, such as lightning and storms, can disrupt the signal. This is a good alternative for regions where cable or fiber Internet connections are not available, although the average speed is only around 10 Mbps.

    Satellite: Utilizes satellite signals to provide Internet access. In this case, a satellite dish needs to be installed. It is a good alternative for regions where wired Internet is not available. However, this type of connection can also be affected by weather interference, although to a lesser extent than radio Internet. Satellite Internet usually has higher costs compared to other types of connections and can suffer from high latency, resulting in a perception of slowness, even if the contracted download speed is relatively high. Typical speeds range between 10 and 20 Mbps.

    ADSL: This type of connection uses the telephone line's electrical signals to transmit Internet signals without occupying the line, unlike old dial-up connections. It uses a splitter to separate telephone and Internet signals. Maximum speed can be as high as 24 Mbps with the ADSL2+ standard. However, upload speed is low, typically ranging between 1 and 5 Mbps.

    VDSL: An evolution of ADSL, VDSL can use a hybrid transport model, where data is transmitted via fiber optic but delivered to the customer's home through a telephone line, similar to ADSL. It offers higher speeds and reduces the difference between upload and download speeds, with both theoretically capable of reaching 100 Mbps (VDSL2). One disadvantage is that the installation needs to be as close as possible to the telephone exchange points to avoid significant quality loss.

    Cable (coaxial): This type of connection uses electrical signals through coaxial cables to deliver Internet to users. It utilizes the same type of cable as cable TV, allowing the same infrastructure to be used to provide the connection service. A standard called DOCSIS is used for this purpose. Speed can reach up to 500 Mbps, and the upload speed is approximately 10% of the download speed.

    Fiber: The most modern option, offering the highest speed and stability. It uses light to transmit information. Commercial plans offer up to 1 Gbps, and even higher speeds are expected as technology advances. The upload speed is typically the same as the download speed. Although prices are higher than cable Internet, they are becoming increasingly comparable and accessible. However, it may still be challenging to find fiber Internet in certain areas.

Now that you are familiar with some of the connection types, check which ones are available in your area and choose the best option for you!

Video Description

In the first scene, a woman observes various types of Internet cables, and an antenna appears to her left, symbolizing a radio connection. Above, the phrase "There are different types of Internet connections" is displayed.

In the second scene, the woman is in a location far from urban centers and connects to the Internet using a cellphone. The connection arrives through electromagnetic waves emitted from an antenna. The phrase "Radio uses electromagnetic waves" appears. At the base of the antenna, there is a text that reads “less than 35 Mbps,” indicating the maximum speed of this technology.

The scene changes, and the woman appears between two houses. In one house, a cable reaches a telephone and provides Internet access; this technology is called "ADSL". In the other house, the cable that reaches the TV also provides Internet access; this is a cable connection. Above, the phrase "ADSL and cable use electricity" is displayed. Texts that read “less than 35 Mbps” and “less than 500 Mbps” appear below the house with ADSL and cable Internet, respectively. Electricity symbols travel along both cables toward the notebook.

In the next scene, the woman is next to a house with fiber installations. Above, the phrase "Fiber uses light and is faster and more stable" is displayed. Points of light travel over the cables connected to devices that use the Internet.

Sitting in front of a notebook, now inside the house, the woman seems happy and smiley emojis come out of her computer. The video ends with the phrase, "Research and choose the best available option for your home!"