I want to take a new Internet connection and I am confused which to take. Wimax, Wireless, kbps, Mbps, modem, router they all sound jargon to me…
Don’t Worry. This post will help you to take the right connection.
There are actually a very few things to consider while applying new connection.
1.Connection Speed –
This is the speed at which data comes to your computer while surfing or downloading. A 256 kbps connection means your connection supports a maximum of 256 kilo bits per second, in ideal condition. This does not mean you always get this speed, the average speed you get lies between 40% and 70% of the maximum speed promised, and it depends on the quality of service provider, time of the day, among other factors.
A Broadband connection means the maximum speed is 256 kbps and upwards, the lower speed connections do not qualify for the term ‘Broadband’.
1 Mbps means 1 Mega bits per second. 1 Mega bit is equal to 1024 kilo bit.
2.Usage limit –
If your plan says usage limit is 10GB per month, it means you can download maximum 10GB per month for free. Above the usage limit will cost you extra, few rupees per MB (Megabyte). Also, there is a common misconception that browsing any site is not considered as download. NO. Whenever you are browsing any site, your browser is actually downloading data and displaying on your browser. So, next time you are watching a movie on YouTube, remember that size of the video is added to your bill. To know the size of the page you are browsing, right click anywhere on the page and click ‘Properties’, and check out the size of the page.
If the plan says Unlimited usage, then you can surf and download as much as you want without paying anything extra.
There are also plans, which give Unlimited usage only during nights.
There are few plans, wherein you are charged based on minutes of usage.
3.Connection type –
In short, there are wired and wireless connections you can take. In wireless, there are 2 types, First is a USB(Universal Serial Bus) or NIC(Network Interface Card) device that connect to your PC/Laptop directly. Second one is Wi-max, this is considered to be faster, presently only Tata Indicom and Reliance provide this kind of connection, in selected cities. An antenna is installed over your house, and your computer is connected to the cable which runs from the antenna. Wired connections are provided by your local cable operators, or Airtel, Hathaway, Reliance, BSNL and Tata Indicom. Wired connections have better speed, reliability and also come cheap.
4.Provider’s performance in your area-
The performance of each provider also depends on the area. So, before taking a connection, better take advice from your neighbors about the quality.
