Types of Internet Connection & Which ISPs Should You Consider
Technology evolves quickly, and so do internet connection speeds. For example, just a decade ago we were happy with 3G, today, we can’t wait for 5G. This is primarily due to the way content is delivered on the web, which has evolved dramatically over time.
Being able to position, bold, and create text in multiple colours on a site was something to be admired ten years ago. Flash, graphics, video gaming, video streaming, database-driven web pages, eCommerce, and mobile apps (to mention a few) are now considered industry standards. In fact, as of January 2021 there were 4.66 billion active internet users worldwide, which accounts for almost 60% of the global population.
Your internet service provider has a significant influence on the quality and speed of your internet. Ideally, there are two kinds of internet. The traditional dial-up internet connection, which is now virtually obsolete, and broadband. Broadband encompasses all of the various internet connection types that will be discussed in this article.
What Is Broadband Internet Connection?
Your broadband connection allows your device to link to a high-speed internet service through cables or wirelessly.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), Cable Modem, Fiber Optic, and EFM are the main forms of wired broadband internet (Ethernet First Mile). Each variety has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. You often have a separate LAN, cable, optical fiber, or dial-up connection through telephone wire that physically connects to your equipment and provides high-speed internet.
What Are The Types of Internet Connection?
DSL connection
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) refers to a group of technologies that transmit digital data across the wires of a local cellular network. DSL was originally an abbreviation for digital subscriber loop. The word DSL is typically used in telecoms marketing to refer to Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), the most typically deployed DSL technology. On the very same phone line, DSL and wired telephone service are offered concurrently. This is feasible due to the fact that DSL employs higher frequency bands for data separation via filtering. In the customer’s place, a DSL filter on each outlet reduces high-frequency interference, allowing the telephone and data to be used simultaneously.
Cable Internet
Cable is among the most prevalent internet connections, and it’s frequently included with home phone and television bundles. This is usually done because cable internet utilizes the very same coaxial links as cable TV. Your internet service provider, or ISP, will appoint a technician to your home to verify that you have the proper wiring in place for the task.
They’ll next link that wiring to a modem or wireless gateways with coaxial wires. A neighborhood node serves all of the residences in the area on the other end of that connection. That’s where your connection originates.
Fiber Optic
Fiber optic internet refers to a connection that uses fiber optic cables to transmit data. Data is transported at extremely high speeds because of the material qualities of these cables, providing for high-quality, continuous high-speed internet. Fiber-optic ISPs have pricing that are comparable to DSL, but you receive more speed and higher quality.
The only disadvantage is that fiber optic internet is not universally available. However, ISPs are always expanding their networks, so you may soon have access to a fiber-optic internet connection in your neighborhood.
Satellite Internet
Since it does not rely on ground-based infrastructures such as cables, cellular towers, or line-of-sight antennas connection, satellite internet is among the most commonly available kinds of internet. You can connect with satellites circling high overhead using a unique dish. If you have a clean view of the sky, there’s a strong possibility that a satellite operator will be able to bring internet service to your house.
Today’s satellite internet companies generally provide speeds ranging from 12 to 100 Mbps. In most circumstances, this makes it a good choice for smaller families that want to watch movies, play games, and upload small to medium files on the internet.
Hotspots
Hotspots are spots that can provide Internet access over a wireless local area network (WLAN), which is joined to an Internet service provider via a router. Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables electronic equipment to connect to a Network or exchange information wirelessly via radio waves, is used in hotspots. Hotspots could be phone-based or stand-alone, commercial or public-access.
Wireless
Wireless, or Wi-Fi, connects to the internet without the need of telephone lines or wires, as the name implies. Instead, radiofrequency is used. Wireless is a link that is constantly available and can be accessed from almost anywhere. Wireless network coverage regions are expanding by the minute, which greatly increases the flexibility it gives to people to move while still being connected. However, it’s important to note that the internet speed usually varies, ranging from 5 Mbps to 20 Mbps.
Cellular Internet
Another alternative is to use a cellular connection to get internet access over the air. Your mobile phone provider connects your modem or hotspot to the closest cellular tower in the same way that it connects your phone. Depending on where you reside and how near you are to a tower, the speeds might vary.
You could be able to connect through 5G if you live in a city or another region with good cellular connectivity. Cellular internet subscriptions that employ LTE, the older generation of technology, are also available.
Consider testing your internet connection using a reliable speed test available online or an application on iOS or Android.
Who Are Internet Service Providers (ISPs)?
Internet service providers give access to the internet for your personal or company computer, laptop, mobile device, and other devices. ISPs might be for-profit, non-profit, privately held, or community-owned.
Consumers may expect the same kind of internet services from most providers, including:
- internet access
- email access
- domain name registration
- web hosting
- co-location (or data centre services)
Some ISPs additionally provide additional services such as website design and e-commerce development. Take a look at the various types of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in India.
Top Internet Service Providers In India
In India, there are numerous internet service providers (ISPs). It’s a very competitive environment with a wide range of options and discounts.
1. Airtel Broadband
Airtel Broadband offers two plans that are both under Rs 1,000. The service gives internet speeds of up to 40 Mbps for Rs 899, but there is a catch. The firm offers a Fair Usage Policy (FUP) in which you get 150 GB of broadband bandwidth and no extra data. The other package, which costs Rs 1,099, provides internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
The broadband bandwidth included in this package is just 250 GB, however the provider offers an additional 1,000 GB of internet data as ‘Bonus Data.’ You’ll also get a data carryover service and an Amazon Prime subscription in addition to the “Bonus Data.”
2. BSNL Broadband Plans
BSNL offers two plans that are both under Rs 1,000. The ‘BBO ULD 949′ plan costs Rs 949. This package provides internet speeds of up to 10 Mbps and storage space of up to 30 GB. Following that, the speed drops to 2 Mbps. However, if you purchase the Rs 950 plan, you would receive BSNL’s “BBG Combo ULD 950 ASOM” plan.
With such a plan, you’ll receive up to 10 Mbps internet speeds up to 20 GB, after which your speed will be decreased to 2 Mbps. You’ll also get a landline connection with this package.
3. Hathway Broadband Plans
The firm, which is one of India’s leading broadband providers, provides high-speed internet services in 21 locations across the country. Hathway has a significant presence in Hyderabad, where they have announced a Rs399 package that offers 50Mbps with no FUP. The cheapest package costs Rs349 and provides 25Mbps, while the Rs649 package provides 125Mbps with no FUP restriction.
The firm has introduced a 300Mbps broadband service in Chennai for a monthly price of Rs1699, and it wants to expand this plan towards other cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
4. YOU Broadband Plans
YOU Broadband is a broadband division of Vodafone Idea (Vi). Vi offers a broadband service to its customers, similar to what Airtel and Jio offer. Nevertheless, YOU Broadband’s plans lag well behind those offered by other operators or internet service providers (ISPs). YOU Broadband services are available in a number of big cities, like Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Hyderabad, among others.
5. ACT Fibernet Broadband Plans
ACT Fibernet is arguably one of the best-wired providers in the industry. In major cities like Delhi and Bengaluru, the company provides an additional 300GB of data for a period of 6 months. This data pack is in addition to the pack customers already have. To avail of this offer, one is required to select a broadband plan from the company for six months to a year. The company offers a number of plans in Bengaluru city.
When purchased for a period of six months to a year, the ACT Blaze, ACT Entertainment, ACT Storm, ACT Rapid Plus, ACT Advance, ACT Essential, ACT Incredible, ACT Progress, as well as ACT Lightning packages provide an added 1.5TB of data.
If you rent a modem from your internet service provider, it’s possible that it’s outdated and not up to date. If you continue to encounter issues, you can ask your ISP to replace it.
What Internet Speed Do You Require?
Most of your bandwidth is usually consumed by streaming HD films, gaming, and downloading huge files. To attain a virtually flawless experience with less latency, choose speed options of 100 Mbps or higher.
For all other purposes, such as streaming music, browsing, and web conferencing, anywhere above 25 Mbps should suffice. It all relies on how calm you are with possible buffering and somewhat slower speeds while other people at home are fighting for bandwidth for their own hobbies at the same time.
Choosing A High Speed Internet Service Provider
If you stay in the city or suburbs, you will most likely have a variety of broadband internet providers to select from, such as fiber, cable, and DSL.
To help you choose the best internet service provider (ISP), use the following criteria:
- Check your home’s accessibility.
- Calculate how much bandwidth you’ll require.
- Compare the plans, costs, and speeds of a few local ISPs.
- Select a dependable service provider who can satisfy your requirements.