Exploring the Internet - Class #3

"How the Internet Works"

Types of Communication Media:

WIRED:

• Dial-Up:
  Uses a standard telephone line to connect to the Internet. A dial-up connection is slow-speed.

• DSL (Digital Subscriber Line):
  Provides high-speed Internet connections using dedicated telephone lines.

• Coaxial Cable:
  Allows access to high-speed Internet services through the cable television network.

· Fiber-Optic Cable:

   Carries data as pulses of light through thin strands of glass or plastic. Very high-speed.

WIRELESS:

• Fixed wireless:

A high-speed Internet connection using a dish-shaped antenna on your home. It communicates with a tower location via radio signals.

• Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity):

Uses radio signals to provide Internet connections to wireless computers and devices.

• Satellite Modem:

Communicates with a satellite dish to provide high-speed Internet connections via satellite.