Internet Connection History
The public have connected to the World Wide Web for information ever since the early 1990’s.
The methods used to connect to the Internet have certainly advanced since public began connecting to the internet via dial-up in 1991.
This article presents a brief history of how we connect to the web.
Dial-Up
The first method of connecting the internet was via dial-up. Dial-up connections required no infrastructure other than a telephone connection and a few wires.
Compared to modern web connection services, dial-up is very slow and doesn’t allow use of the home telephone whilst it is being utilised. However, it is still the method of connection for 10 per cent of U.S web users because faster services are yet to become available in their region.
Broadband
Broadband was the ‘buzzword’ created by Internet Service Providers (ISP) for their new faster Internet Service. Although broadband still runs through phone lines, there is no need to connect as it always on. There is no interference with a home phone service either.
To be defined as ‘broadband,’ an internet connection needs to have instantaneous bandwidth greater than 1 MHz and support data rates greater than about 1.5 Mbit/s.
Mobile Web Access
A range of satellite services allow web users to get access to the internet on the go via devices such as mobile phones and tablets. As it is more expensive to install and is unable to reach as high speeds, satellite broadband is mostly popular in areas where there are no phone lines.
Mobile internet is also available through devices such as dongles or wi-fi connections. Dongles are often offered as part of mobile phone contracts whilst wi-fi is often available in businesses such as coffee shops, pubs or libraries.
As smart phones and tablets become increasingly popular, it seems that internet service providers are concentrating more on improving mobile web access. It is these connections that look to be future of Internet access.