Article Surfing Archive

While using the internet hasn't developed to the point yet of actually transporting people from one location to another physically, as did the transporter of Star Trek fame, the availability of information almost reaches the level of science fiction. The one thing that is common to acquiring information online is being able to accomplish internet access.

The method of internet access has changed almost as much over the years since the advent of the personal computer as has the hardware and software to operate the computer.

Originally, the sharing of information on the computer was through normal telephone lines. The use of 'dial up' was cumbersome, as we look back on the method, with frequent dropped calls, requiring redialing. As the volume of users to an internet service provider increased, so did the frequency of busy signals when trying for internet access...

Some internet service provides moved to DSL (Digital Subscriber Loop) which used existing telephone lines, but at a different part of the bandwidth. This application doesn't interfere with existing telephone service, but there is some additional cost involved in equipment modifications, so DSL internet access has been more prevalent in urban areas, which can better distribute the cost to subscribers.

Many colleges and universities use a T-1 internet access system, which allows students to plug in their computer devices in the same way they would plug in a phone. Some large businesses also have internet access as near as the T-1 jack. Internet access is provided through many cable companies now as well, similar to the TV cable service and using the same wiring.

More and more people are utilizing satellite internet, especially in areas where cable and DSL has not reached. The one requirement is a clear line of sight to the south in many cases as trees, buildings and geographical features can block signals.

The use of wireless internet access has been described as the future of networking, but given the rapid increase in technology for the past few years, it remains to be seen what the future will bring.