Internet Access Guide : Other Internet Access Methods

There are more types of Internet access that aren't so popular as DSL or cable Internet. Some are illustrated below.

Satellite Internet Access

In (one-way) Internet access over satellite, a user requests an Internet connection to her ISP using a dial-up modem. The request runs over telephone network (PSTN). She will be granted access if she is a registered subscriber. After the connection establishment, she can do any Internet activities. But any content that she wants is delivered through a satellite.

The ISP uses a dish antenna to transmit the Internet content to a satellite transponder. The satellite transponder retransmits the received content to the user. She must install a dish antenna to capture the content and a satellite receiver (decoder) to tune into the right frequency and translate the content into standard formats readable on her computer screen.

Picture: (One-Way) Internet Access over Satellite
The satellite only sends downstream Internet traffic, upstream traffic is served by the telephone network.

In two-way Internet access over satellite, both upstream and downstream Internet traffic is carried over satellite's links therefore a dial-up modem is not required. The connection speeds offered by broadband satellite ISPs compete with those of DSL and cable Internet access. But users reported more glitches and longer latency, that's because the satellite is positioned far away from earth and the wireless (microwave) link passes through several atmospheric layers.

Nonetheless, satellite TV and Internet access over satellite are often the only choice for people living in remote areas, beyond the coverage of DSL or cable Internet service.

page 2 : Stratellite
page 3 : BPL (Broadband over Power Line)