Are you wondering how to make sure you are getting the right internet service at the right price? We are well aware of the fact that finding a reliable internet connection can be a challenging and daunting task.
Well, to ensure that you are opting for the best service, it is important to have a clear idea of your internet needs. In addition to that, you have to know that the service you want to invest in meets your requirements in terms of latency, uptime, and bandwidth.
To know exactly that, you would need to know everything about these terms. In this article, we will talk about different internet service terms and the factors you should consider when choosing an ISP so that you can make the right decision.
Internet Connection Types
When it comes to the internet, there are a variety of connection types to choose from. Every household uses different types of the internet as per their needs and budget. Of course, not every service is available in every area.
Before we jump into discussing these internet connection types, we would like to mention the term "broadband". What you need to know is that 'broadband' is not any specific kind of technology rather it is a catch-all term for different types of internet access. Simply put, any internet service that offers minimum download speeds of 4 Mbps and upload speeds of 1 Mbps falls into the category of Broadband, according to U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Now let's take a look at different types of internet connections that vary in their speeds and cost:
DSL
DSL is an acronym for Digital Subscriber Line. It uses a traditional way of delivering internet connection to your house through your already existing telephone line. If you are looking for the cheapest internet service, then DSL is perfect for you!
The performance of DSL internet largely depends on how close you are to the nearest telephone exchange. You would be glad to know that DSL internet is available at different speeds. The only downside to DSL service is that it's entirely based on distance.
Cable Internet
Cable Internet uses standard cable television lines to deliver the internet to your house. It offers different download and upload speeds for residential and business users.
The best thing about the cable internet is that its advertised speeds are higher than for DSL. However, you may experience slow internet during busy times as you will also be sharing the service with your neighbors.
Fiber-optic internet
Fiber-optic internet is also known as FiOS. It is considered the fastest internet connection. This is the reason why it offers better performance. The drawback of this service is that it is not available in all areas but it is rolling out rapidly.
All in all, fiber-optic or DSL service is perfect for home internet users with basic needs. If both of these services are not available in your area, then consider opting for cable service. If that's also unavailable, then make sure you go for satellite service.
Uptime:
It is referred to as availability or responsiveness. Simply put, it is the amount of time that a network connection is in operation and manages to function without any problems.
IP Address:
IP is an acronym for Internet Protocol address. This is a numerical label that is allocated to every device that is connected to a computer network. It is used as a unique identifier for one or other devices on a computer network.
Latency:
This is referred to as the total time it takes for data to travel from one place to another across a network. At times, it is also referred to as time interval or delay between the stimulation and response.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an ISP
What to choose? Business or residential?
There are ISPs that offer both business and residential services. But what you need to know is that they usually distinguish between the services they offer to home users and to business users.
When you opt for Business-class connections, you will get greater upload speeds and more reliability. However, they'll be a lot more expensive. If you are running a startup and you think that your internet needs are limited, then you should not opt for a business-grade connection.
How long does the contract for an internet service last?
At times, ISPs bind you to a long-term contract when they will offer great service at reduced rates. The majority of internet service providers have a 1-year long contract. But in case, you come across a provider that offers a contract that lasts for more than two years, then you need to be cautious.
Remember that internet services, their providers, and technologies are drastically changing all the time. You don't necessarily need to be locked into a long-term contract when a cheaper, faster service are available for everyone.
What are the terms of the contract?
This is the most important thing that you should be aware of. There are a few ISP contracts that restrict the activities that you can do on the internet. And some internet service providers (ISPs) even have caps on the amount of data you can use over the course of a month.
So, make sure you do your research before invest in an internet service. Spectrum is the best option for those who want internet service with no data caps. To more about this service, connect with the Spectrum customer service agent.
Are there equipment and installation costs?
If you are planning to opt for a residential service, then know that they have low equipment and installation costs. On the other hand, the installation and setup fees for business-class Internet connections will be much higher. Not only that, the equipment will be a lot more expensive.
About Caroline Eastman:
Caroline is doing her graduation in IT from the University of South California but keens to work as a freelance blogger. She loves to write on the latest information about IoT, technology, and business. She has innovative ideas and shares her experience with her readers. And she is currently associated with "buytvinternetphone.com" as a content writer.
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