How do you compare the benefits of a wireless connection versus a dsl connection to the internet?

Question

I am planning to subscribe to an ISP but would like to find out which connection "wireless" or "DSL" suits my needs.

Answer 1

Wireless describes one of two methods of communicating information with a network or the internet, wired is the other. DSL is one type of ISP provided services, others are Cable, Satelite, dialup, and mobile broadband like you use currently. First you need to decide what type of connection you wish to use, Dialup is typically the slowest but can be used from just about any phone, companies can setup connections which are high end dialup connections. Though T1 is faster than normal dialup, it is also quite expensive for consideration for personal use. Most common for home users are DSL and Cable depending on availability in your area. With DSL you pay for a specific connection speed usually available in different packages from your provider, usually those listed at like $19.95 per month are 756kbps download and 64kbps-128kbps uploads, and the ISP will offer faster speeds for more money per month. Regardless of which speed you select with DSL, you always connect at that specific speed setting. With Cable, again depending on your area, your connection speed will vary up and down depending on how many others in your immediate area are using the connections as well, the total bandwidth for connection is shared across all the users in a given area as set by the ISP. So when user levels are low, you will have much higher download speeds up to around 16mbps typically. When there are alot of users in your area online your connection speeds can drop quite low.



DSL is a fixed connection speed all the time because its dedicated to your house where cable is variable based on the number of users active at that time. I use Cable, Cable remains live 24/7 unless there is some form of service interruption, I do not have to establish a connection each time I sit down at the computer, I just turn on the machine and click the Internet Explorer icon and I am online. DSL can be set to auto log in but it is a manual configuration, the default will require you to enter your password everytime you start or restart your computer. Most top end DSL packages cap out at around 1.5mbps-2mbps download speeds.



Now that you have selected your connection provider type, you need to decide if you are going to use a wired or wireless connection. Obviously stated, a wired connection limits the distance your computer can be away from the router or modem by cable length. It is possible to get the house wired with built into the walls connection ports so you can more easily move your computer from room to room, but wireless is alot easier in this regard. To use wireless with your connection type, you will need to install a wireless router or access point after your modem from your ISP. Wireless connection points come in various single and multiple connection speeds using letter ratings. Ratings for wireless are listed as 'A', 'B', 'G', and 'N'. 'A' type connections are rarely used anymore, typically found are 'B' / 'G', 'G', or 'N' connections. 'A' standard is a 2mbps connection, 'B' is a standard of 11mbps, 'G' is a standard of 54mbps, and 'N' is a standard of 108mbps. Actual data throughputs can be different with any of these connections, some 'N' routers actually state data throughputs can be as high as 350mbps. The current standards accepted by most wireless users today is 'G', the 'N' is currently under review and revision as the next to be accepted by the FCC, but at the moment it is listed as draft because it hasn't been formally accepted by the FCC.



Most laptops that have built in wireless adaptors, are typically 'B' / 'G' connections. So you select a wireless router or access point, my recommendation would be the Linksys WRT54G router as described in this link: http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1149562300349&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=0034908483B02 . It is fairly common and easily acquired from many stores for a price around 39.95.



I hope this helps you with your query.

Answer 2

first off, i hope by wireless your not talking about like satilite internet,



second, wireless is a broadband connection, either dsl or cable (or others but i wont get into that) that is simply emitted though the air to be received by a computer



what happens is a the ISP technician sets up a modem. then take the rj45 cable and plug it into a wireless router. what this does is takes the internet connection and instead of making it run via wire, it emits a constant wireless signal that a wireless card picks up thus recieving wireless internet





now making it wireless will not be quite as fast as a wired in broadband connection but its pretty close.

the further out from the wireless router you go, the weaker the signal and the slower the internet or network connection



a wireless connection is good if you move around your house with a laptop or such or re arrange alot as you do not have to mess with another cable



there isnt much of a difference in speed between and wired and wireless connection if your computer is fairly close to the router, id say with in 25-30ft depending on MANY variables.





if you have more questions as the technician who comes to install the DSL about it he will tell you and im sure explain it in more simple matters

Answer 3

Benefits of a wireless connection only is the power to use internet mobile and that's it. It can cause lots of trouble as well like signal disruption specially when there's a storm or windy climates can cause disconnection as well. Quite basically wireless is nice for travelling people who uses laptops for the internet and DSL or wired connection for a stable, single location internet users.

Answer 4

listen boss ,i understand the connection u r using ritght now is expensive so ,ur looking for something else right, so i would suggest go for a dsl or any isp provider, get a wireless router, and then roam around with ur laptop wherever u want,



(within the range of the router,ofcourse.this is the only limitation u will face with this kind of connection ie: ur movement along with ur laptop will b restricted,whereas in ur previous connection u could have taken ur mobile and ur laptop ANYWHERE and get connected)





problem solve,jus choose the best plan/scheme that suits ur needs and budget from any isp or dsl provider.



gud luk and tc

Answer 5

I'm not sure I understand your question but I'll answer what I think you're asking.



There are two major providers for Internet access.



They are cable and DSL.



In most cases cable is faster but in general both of them offer different levels of service at different prices.



So basically it comes down to this:



Which option will be the cheapest and fastest?



Then you can move onto making a wireless network within your home/office which is a completely different question.

Answer 6

Depending on location, the quality of your signal may vary. A wireless signal uses basically radio waves and therefore although faster is more prone to interruption of service (dropping of signal). However a DSL connection is wired and may be more reliable



Ursila

Answer 7

You must have an ISP to get Wireless. You MUST have DSL or any other ISP Service to get Wireless, unless your using a laptop and one of those cell phone services.

Answer 8

Other people are correct that you need an internet service (DSL, Cable, or fiberoptic, etc) to have wireless access. We have fiber optic (Fios service from Verizon) and the modem they provided also acts as a wireless router.

Answer 9

did you mean to say phone connection vs. cable connection?

Answer 10

http://www.broadbandreports.com/ will give you all the info you need