The Internet – Connection Methods 14 The Internet – Connection Methods 14

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 What is your Internet connection like at home? Too slow, or fast enough for downloads & gaming? This topic should help you understand some of the basic concepts of getting online…

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 Old style method that uses traditional phone line Device was called a modem Only ‘on’ when you connect Cheaper than broadband Also more widely available in rural areas But slow Dial-Up

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 Dial-Up Can use existing telephone wires Gives connection where broadband is not available Older technology and can give poor reception Usually slower than other methods Conversion between digital and analogue can cause errors Advantages Disadvantages

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 Broadband Means a wired connection via a broadband supplier Faster, permanent connection Needs home router That needs wire cable to connect to phone line But router then gives wireless access to other client devices in home Costs more than dial-up

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 Broadband ModemRouterPhone Clients Router Combines modem & router Contains internal aerial Clients

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 Broadband Better reception than dial-up Better speed than dial-up Always ‘on’ Wired, so has to be used with cable from phone to router Broadband is not available in many rural areas Advantages Disadvantages

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 Wireless No wires/cables needed to connect device to Internet It uses radio waves, just like TV or mobile phones Just needs wireless hub Some wifi hotspots are free in public places Some need to pay Can be slower than wired broadband Security can also be an issue

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 Wireless Not fixed to a stationary computer Can be used whenever wireless Internet is available (eg wi-fi hotspot) Needs to have wireless Internet available Can be less secure than wired Tends to be slower than wired Advantages Disadvantages

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 Bandwidth Technical term for speed Is how much data can be carried per second by your internet connection Measured in bits per second Actually megabits per sec Mega = millions High bandwidth means faster downloads/uploads

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 Bandwidth The Internet Database Servers Client Side Server Side

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 Bandwidth

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 Bandwidth

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 So what kind of questions could you be asked about connection methods? … Questions

The Internet – Connection Methods 14

The Internet – Connection Methods 14 The Internet – Connection Methods 14