Windows 8 In Depth

Connection Technologies

Not long ago, you had but one choice to make for your Internet connection: which brand of modem to buy. Now options abound, and you can choose among several technologies, speeds, and ISP types. In the last decade high-speed (broadband) DSL and cable digital service have largely replaced dial-up modem service, but in some regions dial-up and satellite services remain the only options.

Let’s take a look at the basic Internet connection technologies that are appropriate for an individual user or workgroup, in increasing order of performance and usability. After describing each one, we’ll show you roughly what each costs to set up and use.