An ISP is an Internet Service Provider, which is the company that provides you with an internet connection. Services are delivered over either a copper or fiber optic line. The type of service you receive will depend on the available technology in your area. The ISP routes traffic resolves domain names and provides other internet-related services. Besides these activities, some also offer email, VoIP, and cloud storage services.
Types of ISPs
There are different types of broadband connections. Knowing them can help you with broadband troubleshooting and get the best possible deal. It is also worth mentioning that the terms used by broadband providers can differ from those below.
Cable
A cable broadband connection uses the same infrastructure as your TV service. Virgin Media is the UK’s primary provider of this type of broadband. The apparent advantage of having a cable connection is that it offers fast speeds – up to 300Mbps in some areas. Another advantage is that it is not affected by bad weather like fiber optic and ADSL connections can be. The main disadvantage of a cable connection is that it is only available in certain areas.
Fiber Optic
A fiber optic broadband connection uses fiber optic cables to deliver an internet signal. This type of technology can offer speeds of up to 1Gbps. The main advantage of a fiber optic connection is that it offers breakneck speeds. The main disadvantage is that it can be affected by bad weather and is not available in all areas.
ADSL
ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. This type of broadband uses your phone line to deliver an internet signal. The advantage of ADSL is that it is widely available. The main disadvantages are that it is slower than other types of broadband and can be affected by distance from the exchange.
Satellite
A satellite broadband connection uses a satellite dish to receive an internet signal. The main advantage of this type of broadband is that it is available in rural areas where other types of broadband are not. The main disadvantages are that it is slower than other types of broadband and can be affected by bad weather.
VDSL
VDSL stands for Very-high-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line. This type of broadband uses your phone line to deliver an internet signal. VDSL is similar to ADSL, but it offers faster speeds. The main disadvantage of VDSL is that it is not available in all areas.
Wireless
A wireless broadband connection uses a wireless router to connect to the internet. The advantage of this type of broadband is that it is widely available. The main disadvantages are that it can be slower than other types of broadband, and the signal can be affected by obstacles like walls.
How to Choose an ISP
There are a few things you need to consider when choosing an ISP, which include:
Type of Connection
The type of connection will determine the speed and availability of the broadband. The most common types of connections are ADSL, fiber optic, and cable. ADSL is the most common type of broadband, and it is available in most areas. However, ADSL speeds can be affected by distance from the exchange.
Fiber optic broadband is becoming more common, and it offers breakneck speeds. However, fiber optic broadband can be affected by bad weather, and it is not available in all areas. Cable broadband is only available in certain areas and uses the same infrastructure as your TV service. Cable broadband offers fast speeds, but it can be expensive.
Speed
The next thing you need to consider is speed. The speed is the amount of data that can be transferred per second and is measured in Mbps (Megabits per second). The higher the Mbps, the faster the connection.
The speed you need will be dependent on how you use the internet. For instance, you will not need a fast connection if you only use the internet for browsing the web and checking email. However, if you use the internet to stream video or gaming, you will need a fast connection.
Data Usage
Another thing to consider is data usage. Data usage is the amount of data you transfer per month and is measured in GB (Gigabytes). Most broadband plans have a data limit, and you will be charged extra if you go over the limit.
The data you need will depend on how you use the internet. For instance, if you only use the internet for browsing the web and checking email, you will not need a lot of data. However, if you use the internet to stream video or gaming, you will need more data.
Price
The last thing to consider is price. Broadband plans can vary in price depending on the type of connection, speed, and data usage. It would help to compare different broadband plans to see which is best for your needs. You can use a broadband comparison website like Broadband Genie, uSwitch, or MoneySuperMarket to compare different broadband plans.
When comparing broadband plans, you should look at the monthly price, upfront costs, contract length, and other charges. You should also check if there are any discounts or special offers available. For instance, some ISPs offer discounts if you sign up for a 12-month contract.
Contract Length
Most broadband plans have a contract length of 12 or 18 months. The contract length will depend on the type of broadband plan you choose.
If you sign a 12-month contract, you will usually get a lower monthly price. However, if you cancel the contract before the end, you will usually have to pay a cancellation fee.
It would help to consider how long you need the broadband connection before signing up for a contract. For instance, if you are only planning to stay in your current home for six months, you should sign up for a 12-month contract.
You need to consider a few things when choosing an ISP, including the type of connection, speed, data usage, and price. You should also check if there are any discounts or special offers available, as even a small difference in a contract can mean a lot of saved or wasted money in the long run!
About the Author
Anthony Jacobs is an experienced writer and active contributor. He is fond of blogging, motivation articles, and management. His passion lies is in helping companies to grow revenues by delivering top-notch IoT development services and building value-based partnerships.
Leave a Reply