The Difference Between Broadband Internet and Wireless Internet

What is the traditional Internet Service?

The traditional internet service, or better known as the Broadband service, provides high access speeds to the internet and is currently the most common way that consumers obtain internet access. Broadband indicates a wide band of frequencies, or bandwidths, which enable the transmission of vast amounts of information and data. It’s offered in the forms of cable, satellite, fiber-optics and DSL (Digital Subscriber Line):

- Broadband DSL provides internet service through unused telephone lines without interrupting telephone service. Connection speeds vary according to how close the user is to the switching station that provides the service.

- Broadband cable provides internet service through the local TV cable company and connection speeds depend on the number of users operating at a given time.

- The fastest broadband connection speed to date is provided by fiber-optic service but this service is new to the industry and isn’t available in many areas at this time. Also, laying fiber-optic cables takes considerable time to complete.

- Satellite internet service is the slowest connection service with speeds only slightly better than dial-up service.

What is a Wireless Internet Service?

Wireless internet service is broadband or high speed internet access without the use of cables or wires. This service utilises radio waves and users can access the internet from any location that is within the receiving range or covered area. However, since all computers that are within the range of the wireless network may be able to wirelessly access the internet, it may be necessary to use a password. For instance, people within the same household will be able to access the internet but neighbors may also have access to the same wireless connection. Thus, if the connection has a password, access will be denied.

A wireless network would have to be set up using a wireless transceiver, which is a wireless card or antenna, and a wireless router. Once properly set up, the broadband internet connection will be accessed using the wireless technology called "Wi-Fi" and "WIMAX". "Wi-Fi" supports usage in smaller areas such as hotspots (internet cafes, Starbucks, hotels, convention centers, etc.) and homes, while "WIMAX" provides expanded access for larger areas such as entire cities. In addition to setting up the wireless network, an ISP (Internet Service Provider) will have to be chosen to provide the internet service. It’s possible to get complete Wireless Broadband Internet Service from ISPs that provide packages that include internet service and the wireless technology (or equipment) that’s needed.

Internet vs. Wireless Internet

Wireless internet service provides many advantages over wired or cable internet services. For one thing, there’s great relief in eliminating the use of annoying wires and cables that become dusty, snarled and entwined in massive confusion around or behind computer setups. Also, depending on the set up, wired networks can be costly and take time to install, especially if wires have to be routed through walls and ceilings. On the other hand, wireless networks can be set up in record time to provide similar connection speeds as wired networks. Mobile phones and PDAs are also able to access the internet wirelessly either through hot spots or by using mobile phone signals.

However, wireless technology is still not home free. For instance, "Wi-Fi" internet hot spots provide wireless access for its customers but they’re becoming increasingly more popular thereby decreasing its availability in areas with large populations that are seeking access. Although wireless routers have some built-in security mechanisms that prevent people from compromising the network, this is still an area that could use improvement. Also, wireless networks are more susceptible to problems than wired networks because speed and connectivity are affected by distance and possible interference from objects like walls.

Nevertheless, wireless access is the wave of the future and true to its nature, advancing technology will surely work out the kinks and eventually render wired access obsolete.

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