Choosing an internet connection for maximum speed & convenience doesn’t have to be hard. Check out our guide for the pros & cons of different types!
There’s being able to get online, and then there’s being able to stream shows, download big work files, and scroll through social media without constant lag or buffering. For the latter, you need certain types of internet connections – and some are definitely better than others.
If you're not sure which internet connection type is perfect for your home, keep reading. We'll break each different type of internet connection down in detail below.
Your favorite devices, like your laptop or smartphone, can connect to the internet in many ways. However, although each method of internet connectivity has the same core function – sending data between your device and the World Wide Web – every type of internet connection works differently and has varying pros and cons.
In some instances, one connection type might be better. In others, an alternative connection solution could be what you're looking for. Let's review all the different types of internet connections, starting with fiber, which generally offers the fastest and most reliable internet.
Fiber internet is fast, reliable, and highly secure. The way that fiber internet works is by transmitting data through light pulses that travel along underground cables at speeds of up to 10,000 Megabits per second (Mbps). Additionally, fiber internet often comes with symmetrical upload and download speeds; you'll upload photos or videos to the internet just as quickly as you can download them.
The downside? Fiber internet is only available in certain areas, so you'll need to look into local fiber internet providers to see whether your home qualifies for connectivity.
Fiber internet is a kind of broadband internet. But broadband internet isn’t its own type of internet connection. Instead, broadband refers to a class of internet services that can transmit a broad band of data types (hence the name!). Broadband internet is faster than old-school means of internet connectivity, like dial-up.
Alongside fiber internet, cable, DSL, wireless, and satellite internet all count as broadband internet types. But even though they’re all broadband, they’re distinct in plenty of other ways.
Cable internet is another type of broadband internet that uses coaxial copper cables to transmit data. The fastest cable internet plans can reach speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps, though infrastructure upgrades might increase this in the future.
Though cable internet is a little cheaper than fiber internet, it can also be slower during peak traffic hours, such as in the evenings after work or on the weekends. On the upside, cable internet is more accessible around the country. If your home doesn't qualify for fiber connectivity or there isn't a local network, it can probably still get cable internet access.
5G internet is a type of wireless internet connectivity that uses the 5th generation of cellular tower infrastructure. Since it's relatively new on the scene, 5G home internet isn't as widely available as other internet types.
Households that can get 5G internet coverage will find reasonably fast speeds and good connectivity, as well as low latency. However, it's also true that 5G wireless internet isn’t as stable as wired internet types, like cable or fiber internet. On top of that, you need a 5G connectivity device to link up with this network, which can significantly add to the initial price for access.
Note about 5G: A 5G internet network can often be confused with a 5 Gbps internet speed plan, but be aware that they are not the same. A 5G network is referring to the technology used to deliver the internet, while 5 Gbps is an internet speed. Currently a 5G network cannot deliver 5 Gbps internet speeds.
4G LTE internet is similar to 5G home internet, but it uses the more accessible 4G LTE network, which covers most populated areas throughout the U.S. You are likely already familiar with 4G LTE internet, which may provide your smartphone or tablet with WiFi connectivity while you are away from home.
4G LTE internet has its place, but speeds can be very inconsistent and heavily depend on where your household is located relative to the nearest cellular tower. However, it’s relatively affordable and available to rural homes compared to other types of internet connections, and it may become available to even more areas over the next few years.
Fixed wireless internet uses radio signals to beam internet data to an antenna installed in your home. If you haven't heard of this internet type, you're not alone; it's not a very common method of internet connectivity, but it can be a good choice for homes that lack others or that are in rural areas without easy broadband access.
Unfortunately, fixed wireless internet typically offers slower speeds than average, even compared to DSL. Providers may also saddle you with monthly data usage limits or allowances.
Satellite internet is mostly used by homes throughout the rural United States. As you might guess from its name, satellite internet involves beaming internet signals down to your home’s receiver via a satellite in orbit.
While this sounds fast and high-tech, it actually means internet speeds can be slow. After all, your internet signal has to travel all the way up to the satellite in space and back in order to reach a distant server or your device. Satellite internet might improve in the future, particularly from the work done by companies like Starlink. But for now, broadband internet is a flatly better choice for most users.
DSL or “digital subscriber line” internet is similar to dial-up in that it uses the already functional landline phone network. While it's an upgrade compared to dial-up in terms of speed, it's a serious downgrade compared to fiber or cable internet, capable of only reaching speeds of about 25 Mbps.
However, it is very accessible, and pricing is straightforward. In essence, DSL internet might be an acceptable choice for households that need some kind of affordable connection that isn’t as slow as dial-up.
Dial-up is the slowest kind of internet, connecting a desktop or laptop to the internet using a normal telephone line. True to its name, dial-up internet operates by “dialing” your internet service provider’s number and then connecting via a modem.
Dial-up internet might get the job done in a pinch, but it's much slower and less reliable compared to practically every other internet type. Most providers don’t offer dial-up internet to new customers and are working to convert existing customers to more reliable connection types. Unless it’s your only option, you'll be better off choosing one or the other internet connection types above.
The “best” type of internet connection heavily depends on where your household is located, the target price you want to pay for your internet, and what speed or perks you need from your service.
For example, if you live in a rural area, satellite internet or 4G LTE internet might be the top options. On the other hand, switching to fiber internet is superior if:
It may be wise to look around your neighborhood and see what other homeowners are using for their internet services. Then, you can research different internet service providers and choose one that offers what you need.
With speed to spare, consistency you can count on, and security for the whole family, fiber optic internet might be just what you’re looking for. At Glo Fiber, we offer a range of lightning-fast internet plans with perks like free installation and symmetrical speeds for both uploads and downloads. It all starts when you get in touch with us today!