Best Internet Providers & Helpful Resources

FAQs

• Introduction

  There are four main types of internet service: fiber, cable, DSL, and satellite. Fiber offers the top tier in internet connectivity. Fiber-optic cables deliver lots of data, quickly. However, fiber cable is not yet widely available due to the cost of building the necessary infrastructure.

  
  

  Cable internet shares the same infrastructure that cable TV uses. It’s capable of delivering dependable high-speed broadband internet. Most households in the U.S. have access to cable internet. But this can cause service slowdowns during peak hours.

  
  

  DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It’s an older internet option that uses the old landline copper phone system wiring. DSL is widely available, less expensive, and more flexible than cable internet pricing. But it’s also slower and less reliable.

  
  

  Satellite internet is slow, and the service is less consistent than the other options. Most satellite internet service providers set data limits and require lengthy service contracts. However, it’s available in rural areas that don’t have much choice for internet services.
  

• What is an ISP?

  ISP is the acronym for Internet Service Provider. This is the company that provides users with internet access for a fee. Internet users require an ISP to reliably access the internet from their home or business. Many ISPs provide additional services, such as email, website hosting, domain name registration, tech support, cloud storage, and antivirus software.

• How does Google Fiber work?

  Google Fiber is an ISP offering broadband internet and home phone services to limited areas. It provides high-speed internet connectivity speeds, up to 1 gigabit. The enhanced internet speeds are possible due to its fiber optic cable network that uses light to deliver faster internet than the traditional options.

• How fast is my internet?

  As with bandwidth measuring, various online sites can test your internet speed. Simply run a speed test on one or more of these sites to learn how fast your internet runs. They test both your upload and download speeds.

• What is the internet?

  The internet is a global network, linking computers, laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices. It’s a public interface used by individuals, businesses, nonprofits, governments, educational facilities, and other entities. A range of telecommunication hardware supports the internet. This includes Wi-Fi towers, servers, routers, data systems, cables, satellites, and computers. Approximately five exabytes of information is shared daily via the internet.

• Is 200 Mbps a good speed?

  Most households can operate all their internet devices well with 200 Mbps. This speed supports ultra-HD video streaming on up to eight electronic devices simultaneously. You may need a higher speed if you operate a home office, use a cloud-connected security system, or have more than four people using the internet at the same time, regularly.

• When was the internet invented?

  In the 1900s, innovators like Nikola Tesla, Vannevar Bush, and Paul Otlet conceived the idea of worldwide networks and systems similar to today’s internet. But a workable internet forerunner wasn’t designed until the early 1960s. Finally, on January 1, 1983, today’s internet was born with the adoption of Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol by ARPANET.

• Who created the internet?

  The creation of the internet was a group effort. However, researchers at UCLA and Stanford created its prototype, ARPANET. Robert Kahn and Vinton Cerf contributed to the development of today’s internet with the invention of TCP/IP, an efficient method of transmitting data between many networks. Tim Berners-Lee is credited with the invention of the World Wide Web in 1990.

• Who owns the internet?

  There is no single owner, manager, or controller of the internet. But some people and entities own specific sections of it. Plus, there are many different owners of the various physical components that make the internet possible, like satellites and data centers.

• What is Wi-Fi?

  Wi-Fi is the technology that allows network connectivity without wires and cables. Instead, radio signals are used. Wi-Fi has a limited signal range. Devices within a Wi-Fi range can access the signal to connect to the internet. A modem and router, either separate or in one unit, are necessary to use Wi-Fi.

• Can I get Wi-Fi without an internet provider?

  Public Wi-Fi hotspots support internet connectivity without internet service providers. But they’re often not available in residential areas, so, it’s difficult to rely on this option from home. Mobile hotspots with a cell phone data plan provide Wi-Fi for in-range devices. Finally, you may be able to access your neighbor’s Wi-Fi if they’re willing to share their login details. 
  

• How do I get internet in rural areas?

  Rural areas often lack the infrastructure required to provide internet service. But a few major internet service companies do operate in less populated areas — though your choices may be limited. Cable internet is the least likely option in rural areas. However, DSL, dial-up, or cellular Wi-Fi hotspots may be available. Some rural areas must rely solely on satellite internet.

• How do I find out what my bandwidth is?

  Internet bandwidth measures how much information your internet service connection can deliver every second. Multiple devices and users need more bandwidth. There are many different online sites that test internet speed and bandwidth. Bandwidth monitoring services are also available online.

• Why should I test my internet speed?

  Knowing how fast your internet connection delivers data helps you understand what you can do on the internet. It also lets you know how many electronic devices you should be running simultaneously. Activities like gaming, streaming videos, and downloading huge files require sufficient internet speeds. If your internet seems to be lagging, testing the speed can help uncover the reason. 
  

• Why is my internet so slow?

  A variety of issues can cause slow internet speeds. One common reason is faulty equipment, like the modem or router. A weak Wi-Fi signal, poor range, or inadequate cable internet signal strength can slow down internet speeds, as well. Too many devices may be causing a lag in bandwidth, or it may simply be that your DNS server is too slow.

• Is it possible to make your own internet?

  Without quite substantial funds, you cannot create your own internet as it is a global connection. It is possible to become an internet service provider yourself, but unless you’re planning on starting an ISP business, this is not a cost-effective way to gain internet access.

• What is the difference between an internet modem and a router?

  A modem connects the home or business computer network to the internet. The router connects the modem to the various electronic devices in the home or business, allowing them to access the internet. These connections can be wireless via Wi-Fi or wired using cables. Some ISPs provide equipment that combines the modem and router functions.
  

• Do I need both a modem and a router?

  If you’re connecting more than one device to the internet, both a modem and router or a combination device are required. The modem provides the connection to the internet, and the router sends the signal to your multiple devices. A combo modem and router device is called a gateway. Customization, upgrades, home network control, and security features are better supported by a separate modem and router set-up.
  

• Can I buy an internet modem?

  You can rent or lease your internet modem from your service provider. Most ISPs lease their modems to customers over the life of their service contract. But many also offer the option of purchasing the equipment up front. In some cases, you can purchase the modem elsewhere, often for a better price.