Internet Access and Services

Many different types of services can be used to connect to the Internet. The type of Internet connection chosen affects how a home network must be built to support Internet connection sharing.

This collection of home network diagrams covers both Ethernet and wireless layouts including methods for making Internet connections.

The term "broadband" refers to a communications technique for transmitting multiple simultaneous data channels. Broadband is a popular form of high-speed Internet access.

Dial up networking technology provides PCs and other network devices access to a LAN or WAN via telephone lines. Dial up Internet service providers offer subscription plans for home computer users.

Satellite Internet is a form of high-speed Internet service. Satellite Internet utilizes telecommunications satellites in Earth orbit to provide wireless Internet access to consumers. Satellite Internet covers many areas where DSL and cable services are unavailable.

Multi-homing allows one local area network to share multiple connections to the Internet. Some people would like to configure their home network for multi-homing, to share two Internet connections for increased speed.

Free Internet providers offer access to the Web, email and other Internet services at no cost. However, many limitations may accompany these free Internet services.

In computer networking, remote access is the capability to log into a system without being physically present at its keyboard. Remote access is commonly used on corporate computer networks but can also be utilized on home networks.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) sometimes place limits on the amount of data customers can send and/or receive over their Internet connections. These are sometimes called bandwidth caps. Bandwidth limits may be imposed by providers on a monthly basis, real time on active connections, or at the level of individual applications.

Cloud computing consists of commercial third-party hardware and software services available via the Internet. These services typically provide access to software applications and high-end server computers. Some providers offer cloud computing services for free while others require a paid subscription.

A high-speed Internet service provider may assist with in-house equipment setup, troubleshooting of initial technical problems, and billing arrangements. The difference between a satisfactory process and a unsatisfactory one involves potentially many hours of lost time and frustration.

Internet connection sharing software allows multiple networked computers to browse the Web together, but more importantly, these packages contain advanced security functionality.

ISDN supports simultaneous voice and data network connectivity over ordinary telephone lines. ISDN emerged as an alternative to traditional dial-up networking during the 1990s, but more recently its popularity has waned.

In computer networking, a default gateway is the device that passes traffic from the local subnet to devices on other subnets. On home networks, the router serves as the default gateway.

FTTH is the idea of bringing high-speed networking, digital television and telephone service to residences using fiber optic cables. Although we think of cable modem and DSL services as "high speed" today, they are too slow to support networking of applications envisaged for the future such as high-definition IPTV.

In computer networking, a backbone is a central conduit designed to transfer network traffic at high speeds. Backbones typically consist of network routers and switches connected by fiber optic or Ethernet cables.

Test your knowledge of the basic hardware connection technologies used in building/installing a home network including Ethernet, USB, power line, phoneline and wireless networking.

DU Meter is a free download that simulates the behavior of the Windows dial-up networking icon for high-speed Internet connections.

When you suddenly can't connect to the Internet, any of several things could be wrong. Use this checklist to find and solve common Internet connection problems.