The Computer Revolution/Chapter 2

Internet Connections Telephone Pluses- Inexpensive available everywhere Minuses- Slow, connection only supports only a single user ISDN Pluses- Faster than Dial-Up,, uses conventional phone lines Minuses- More expensive than dial up, no longer supported by phone companies for single users, mostly uses by small businesses DSL Pluses- Can support many users, uploads faster than cable Minuses- Needs to be close to phone switching station, limited choice of service providers, supports only a single user T1 line Pluses- reliable high speed downloading and uploading, you can talk and transmit at the same time Minuses- Expensive best for businesses Cable Modem Pluses- Fast, always on, broadband connections, downloads faster than DSL Minuses- Slower service during peak periods, vulnerable to outside intrusion, limited choices of providers, not always available to businesses Satellite Pluses- Wireless, fast, reliable, always on, goes where DSL and Cable cant Minuses-High setup and monthly costs, must have unobstructed view of southern sky Wi-Fi Pluses- uses a beefed up version of the current cellphone network, ultimately should be available everywhere Minuses- Range of access is usually only 50-300 feet (to access point) 3G Pluses- Functions like Wi-Fi but without the need for hot spots, uses existing cellphone network Minuses- Low Battery power on some models, phones are relatively large